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AMD Radeon R9 290X Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£440
  • VRAM: 4 GB
  • Memory bus width: 512 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 290 W

AMD Radeon R9 290X review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the graphics card's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best graphics cards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.1

Technical Score

10.0%

8.0

User score

Poor
4.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

3.0

Performance

24.0%

3.7

Memory

12.0%

6.2

Power & Cooling

11.0%

4.9

Platform & Features

5.0%

6.6

Design

4.0%

6.6

Connectivity & Media

Poor
8.0

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

6.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(47)
amazon
4.5
(37)
amazon
4.0
(29)
amazon
4.5
(17)
amazon
4.6
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(39)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(23)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.5

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 4.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.5

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.8
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    1.5

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    10.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.8
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    1.5

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    15.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.2
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.5

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • amd-radeon-r9-290x
amd-radeon-r9-290x

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The AMD Radeon R9 290X is a high-end graphics card based on the 28nm 'Hawaii XT' architecture, featuring 2,816 stream processors, 176 texture units, and 64 ROPs. It is equipped with 4GB of GDDR5 memory on a wide 512-bit interface, delivering a significant 320GB/s of bandwidth and a core boost clock of up to 1,000 MHz. Key pros include exceptional 4K gaming performance for its era, a competitive price-to-performance ratio against contemporary rivals, and innovative features like the Mantle API and TrueAudio technology. However, it is widely noted for high power consumption (rated up to 290W-300W), running very hot with target temperatures often reaching 94°C, and having a reference cooling solution that can be significantly loud under load.

Technical Specifications of AMD Radeon R9 290X

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

3.0

Performance

24.0%

3.7

Memory

12.0%

6.2

Power & Cooling

11.0%

4.9

Platform & Features

5.0%

6.6

Design

4.0%

6.6

Connectivity & Media

4.1
AMD Radeon R9 290X has a technical score of 4.1 points, which is lower than that of 88.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

6.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(47)
amazon
4.5
(37)
amazon
4.0
(29)
amazon
4.5
(17)
amazon
4.6
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(39)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(23)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.0
AMD Radeon R9 290X has a user score of 8 points, which is lower than that of 76.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
6.9
AMD Radeon R9 290X has a popularity of 6.9 points, which is higher than 68.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.5

Overall score

40.0%

8.2

Price

5.6
AMD Radeon R9 290X has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.6 points, which is lower than 89.4% of products in this category.
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.
When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

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3DMark Port Royal score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.
When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

N/A
PassMark (G3D) result
What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark
When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

6,720 points
AMD Radeon R9 290X scores 6720 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 64.5% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests
When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

3,306 points
AMD Radeon R9 290X scores 3306 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 60.2% of graphics cards.
Floating-point performance
What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.
When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

5.632 TFLOPS
AMD Radeon R9 290X delivers 5.632 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 87.7% of graphics cards.
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VRAM
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

4 GB
AMD Radeon R9 290X has 4 GB of VRAM, which is less than 88% of graphics cards and equal to 6% of graphics cards.
Memory type
What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)
When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
GDDR version
What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
AMD Radeon R9 290X uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

512 bit
AMD Radeon R9 290X uses a 512 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 96.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.8% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory
When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

320 GB/s
AMD Radeon R9 290X reaches 320 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 66.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.9% of graphics cards.
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PCI Express (PCIe) version
What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported
When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

3.0
AMD Radeon R9 290X supports PCIe 3.0, which is older than on 77.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication
When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

x16
AMD Radeon R9 290X uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 31.5% of graphics cards and equal to 68.6% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version
When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

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Vulkan version
What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version
When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

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OpenGL version
What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version
When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

4.6
AMD Radeon R9 290X supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 4.8% of graphics cards and equal to 95.2% of graphics cards.
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Max displays supported
What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously
When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

6
AMD Radeon R9 290X supports up to 6 displays, which is more than 98.8% of graphics cards and equal to 1.2% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution
When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

?
DisplayPort outputs
What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs
When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

1
AMD Radeon R9 290X offers 1 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 89.5% of graphics cards and equal to 8.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported
When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

1.2
AMD Radeon R9 290X supports DisplayPort 1.2, which is older than on 93.6% of graphics cards and equal to 4.8% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections
When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

5.4 Gbps
AMD Radeon R9 290X supports DisplayPort link rates up to 5.4 Gbps, which is slower than on 90.9% of graphics cards and equal to 8% of graphics cards.
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Thermal Design Power (TDP)
What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

290 W
AMD Radeon R9 290X has a TDP of 290 W, which is higher than that of 70.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.6% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.
When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

290 W
AMD Radeon R9 290X draws 290 W under peak load, which is higher than 70.3% of graphics cards and equal to 0.6% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

750 W
AMD Radeon R9 290X recommends a 750 W PSU, which is higher than that of 62.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 17.5% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

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PCIe power spec
What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed
When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

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Size
What it is: Physical size of the GPU card
When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

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Length
What it is: Physical length of the GPU card
When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

275 mm
AMD Radeon R9 290X is 275 mm long, which is shorter than 56.6% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.3% of graphics cards.
Height
What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

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Slot width
What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card
When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

2 slot/s
AMD Radeon R9 290X occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 49.2% of graphics cards and equal in width to 47.3% of graphics cards.
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the graphics card
When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

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AMD Radeon R9 290X vs the average graphics card

  • 256 bit wider memory bus
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (512 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
    What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
    When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

    Importance: HIGH

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (512 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.512 bit vs 256 bit
  • 2 more displays supported
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports more displays than the average graphics card (6 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
    What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously
    When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports more displays than the average graphics card (6 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.6 vs 4
  • Includes dual BIOS
    AMD Radeon R9 290X includes dual BIOS, the average graphics card does not.
    What it is: Includes dual BIOS for redundancy or overclocking profiles
    When it matters: When you want a safer recovery path after tweaking fan curves or overclock settings, or you need separate quiet and performance profiles.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD Radeon R9 290X includes dual BIOS, the average graphics card does not.
  • 2 more DVI outputs
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    What it is: Number of DVI display outputs available
    When it matters: When you still use an older monitor that depends on DVI.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.2 vs 0
  • Better FP64 ratio
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:8 vs 1:64).
    What it is: Ratio of double-precision (FP64) to single-precision (FP32) performance
    When it matters: When you need to know whether FP64 is merely present or genuinely useful.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:8 vs 1:64).1:8 vs 1:64
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
    What it is: Supports NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire multi-GPU setup
    When it matters: When you still run legacy multi-GPU gaming or rendering workflows.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • Better FP64 ratio
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:8 vs 1:64).
  • 256 bit wider memory bus
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (512 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 2 more displays supported
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports more displays than the average graphics card (6 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
  • 2 more DVI outputs
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    AMD Radeon R9 290X includes dual BIOS, the average graphics card does not.

Total
Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
  • 60% lower boost clock speed
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,000 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
  • 58.3% lower base clock speed
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (800 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
  • 53.3% lower texture rate
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (176 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
  • 61.3% lower pixel rate
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (64 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
  • 41.1% lower PassMark score
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (6,720 points vs 11,411 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 11,411 points.
  • 75.6% lower compute throughput
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (5.6 TFLOPS vs 23.105 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 23.105 TFLOPS.
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 73.7% slower memory speed
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (5,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 96.9% smaller L2 cache
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (1 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
  • 28.6% lower memory bandwidth
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (320 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
  • 28.6% slower VRAM clock
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,250 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
  • 87.5% smaller L1 cache
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (16 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
  • 5.6x larger process node
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
  • 10 older
    AMD Radeon R9 290X was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,013 vs 2,023).
  • Older PCIe version
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • No XeSS support
    AMD Radeon R9 290X does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    AMD Radeon R9 290X does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • Worse SAM support
    AMD Radeon R9 290X offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • Older OpenCL version
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 3.0).
  • No sampler feedback
    AMD Radeon R9 290X does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • Older shader model
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.5 vs 6.8).
  • 44% larger GPU die
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (438 mm² vs 304.25 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 304.25 mm².
  • 71.7% fewer transistors
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (6,200 million vs 21,900 million). The average graphics card has 21,900 million transistors.
  • 2 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
  • No AV1 encoding
    AMD Radeon R9 290X does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    AMD Radeon R9 290X does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    AMD Radeon R9 290X does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older HDMI version
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (1.4a vs 2.1).
  • Older DisplayPort version
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4a).
  • Narrower decode codec support
    AMD Radeon R9 290X supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
  • 2 fewer fans
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).
  • No fan stop
    AMD Radeon R9 290X does not support fan stop, the average graphics card does.
  • 34.9% higher TDP
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (290 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 15.4% higher PSU requirement
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a higher PSU requirement than the average graphics card (750 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
  • 27 °C higher load temperature
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a higher load temperature than the average graphics card (94 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
  • 81.8% higher idle power draw
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a higher idle power draw than the average graphics card (20 W vs 11 W). The average graphics card has an idle power draw of 11 W.
  • 11 °C higher idle temperature
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (49 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.
  • No backplate
    AMD Radeon R9 290X does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
  • 60% lower boost clock speed
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,000 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
    What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
    When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.

    Importance: HIGH

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,000 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1000 MHz vs 2500 MHz
  • 5.6x larger process node
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
    What it is: Size of the manufacturing process in nanometers
    When it matters: When process node differences may affect power, heat, and overall efficiency.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.28 nm vs 5 nm
  • 2 fewer fans
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).
    What it is: Total number of cooling fans
    When it matters: When you compare cooler designs and want one more clue about thermal potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).1 vs 3
  • 58.3% lower base clock speed
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (800 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
    What it is: Base operating frequency of the GPU core under standard conditions
    When it matters: When you want to understand the card's guaranteed starting frequency instead of looking only at optimistic boost figures.

    Importance: HIGH

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (800 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.800 MHz vs 1920 MHz
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
    When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

    Importance: HIGH

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.4 GB vs 12 GB
  • 73.7% slower memory speed
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (5,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
    What it is: Effective memory data rate combining clock and bus width
    When it matters: When you compare how quickly each card can push data through its memory subsystem.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (5,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.5000 MHz vs 19000 MHz
  • 53.3% lower texture rate
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (176 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
    What it is: Number of textured pixels the GPU can process per second
    When it matters: When fast texture handling matters in high-refresh gaming workloads.

    Importance: HIGH

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (176 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.176 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s
  • 61.3% lower pixel rate
    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (64 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
    What it is: Number of pixels the GPU can render per second
    When it matters: When you play at high resolutions or care about older raster-heavy games.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AMD Radeon R9 290X has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (64 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.64 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s
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Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design

Graphic comparison of AMD Radeon R9 290X and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
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4.1
47 Reviews
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4.5
37 Reviews
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4.0
29 Reviews
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4.5
17 Reviews
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4.6
2 Reviews
United States
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4.4
39 Reviews
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4.0
23 Reviews
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4.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AMD Radeon R9 290X?

  • Excellent price-to-performance ratio compared to contemporary rivals like the GTX Titan and GTX 780
  • Strong performance at high resolutions, including solid support for 4K gaming
  • High memory bandwidth thanks to a 512-bit bus and 4GB of VRAM
  • Innovative features at launch, such as the Mantle API and TrueAudio technology
  • No requirement for a physical bridge for CrossFire multi-GPU setups
  • Long-term driver support and longevity for 1080p/1440p gaming years after release

What customers dislike about AMD Radeon R9 290X?

  • High operating temperatures, frequently reaching a target of 95°C under load
  • Extreme noise levels from the reference blower-style cooler, especially in 'Uber' mode
  • High power consumption, particularly during multi-monitor use and high-load gaming
  • Performance throttling occurs when the card hits its thermal ceiling in 'Quiet' mode
  • Reference cooling solution is often described as inadequate for the chip's heat output
  • High idle power draw compared to competing NVIDIA architectures

Expert reviews

U
uk.pcmag.com
15/02/2014
AMD Radeon R9 290X - Review 2014 TechPowerUp

The AMD Radeon R9 290X is a potent high-end graphics card designed to challenge Nvidia's dominance in the top-tier GPU market. Built on AMD’s Graphics Core Next architecture, it boasts 2,816 cores, a 512-bit memory bus, and 4GB of RAM, enabling it to deliver exceptional performance that rivals the Nvidia GTX Titan and GTX 780 for a significantly lower list price of $549. It handles...Read more

I
impulsegamer.com
04/12/2013
AMD Radeon R9-290X review - Impulse Gamer

The AMD Radeon R9-290X is a powerful 2013 graphics card featuring the Hawaii XT graphics processor, a 1GHz GPU core, 4GB of GDDR5 RAM, and a wide 512-bit memory bus. Dubbed the "Titan Killer" for targeting Nvidia's flagship competition, it delivers stellar high-end gaming performance, pushing near or above 90 to 107 frames per second in demanding titles like Crysis 3, Far Cry 3, and...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
23/10/2013
Radeon R9 290X Review: AMD's Back In Ultra-High-End Gaming

The AMD Radeon R9 290X re-enters the ultra-high-end gaming market by introducing the 28 nm "Hawaii" GPU architecture, a 6.2-billion transistor chip that dramatically increases hardware complexity over its predecessor, Tahiti. Designed specifically to challenge Nvidia's premium lineup at 4K resolutions, the card features 2,816 shaders, 176 texture units, and a wider 512-bit memory...Read more

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techgage.com
03/03/2014
AMD Radeon R9 290X & NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 TiGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review Would you like to see specific benchmark results for 4...

The Techgage review compares the $700 AMD Radeon R9 290X and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 Ti, highlighting the 290X's 4GB frame buffer, 512-bit bus, and Mantle API support as pros, while citing excessive heat (94°C) and noise as cons. Conversely, the GTX 780 Ti is identified as the faster, quieter "performance king" with a refined GK110 architecture, though limited by a 3GB VRAM buffer...Read more

P
pcmag.com
15/02/2014
AMD Radeon R9 290X Review - PCMag

The AMD Radeon R9 290X is a high-performance, single-GPU flagship launched at a competitive $549 to challenge Nvidia's market dominance, offering speed near the GeForce GTX 780 Ti at a lower price point. It provides excellent 4K gaming capabilities, supports the Mantle API, and includes new audio technology, positioning it as a strong contender for high-end gaming setups. PCMag...Read more

P
pugetsystems.com
21/11/2013
Radeon R9 290X Performance Analysis

Summary of Radeon R9 290X Performance Analysis The AMD Radeon R9 290X offers strong, enthusiast-level performance comparable to or exceeding the NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan but at roughly half the retail cost. A key feature of the card is a physical hardware switch that lets users toggle between "Quiet" and "Uber" fan profiles. However, Puget Systems' testing reveals that overall...Read more

N
nitroware.net
27/10/2013
AMD Radeon R9 290X Video Card Review and Analysis

The AMD Radeon R9 290X is a flagship single-GPU video card powered by the "Hawaii" architecture, which expands upon a refined and scaled-up version of AMD's 28nm Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture. Released as a watershed moment for PC hardware, it stands out as the first graphics card specifically designed to handle high-performance gaming at a 4K resolution. The updated GPU...Read more

T
techspot.com
24/10/2013
AMD Radeon R9 290X Review | TechSpot

The TechSpot review of the AMD Radeon R9 290X highlights the card as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to the Nvidia GTX Titan, boasting superior frame rates in titles like Crysis 3 and Metro: Last Light. Key advantages include its 512-bit memory bus, 4GB framebuffer, and the implementation of bridge-free CrossFire, offering immense bandwidth for $550. However, the card...Read more

G
guru3d.com
24/10/2013
AMD Radeon R9-290X review

The Guru3D AMD Radeon R9-290X review highlights the flagship graphics card as an exceptionally powerful, "little beast" designed to disrupt the high-end market. Built on the 28nm Hawaii GPU architecture, the card features a massive 6.2 billion transistors, a wide 512-bit memory bus, and 4 GB of GDDR5 memory. Pros heavily center around its massive gaming horsepower and aggressive...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
23/10/2013
AMD Radeon R9 290XGo to product viewer dialog for this item. 4 GB Review

The TechPowerUp review of the AMD Radeon R9 290X 4 GB highlights its position as a highly disruptive, high-performance flagship built on the 28 nm "Hawaii" silicon architecture. Released at an aggressive $549, the card delivers exceptional value by matching or outperforming far more expensive competitor GPUs, featuring 2,816 stream processors and 4 GB of GDDR5 VRAM, making it a...Read more

E
expertreviews.co.uk
24/10/2013
AMD Radeon R9 290X review

The AMD Radeon R9 290X is an exceptionally powerful single-GPU graphics card designed to run demanding games at very high resolutions and maximum graphics settings, directly competing with Nvidia’s GTX 780. Built on the "Hawaii" architecture, it features a 1GHz boost clock speed, 2,816 stream processors, and 4GB of GDDR5 memory with a wide 512-bit interface delivering up to 320GB/s...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
23/10/2013
Radeon R9 290X Review: AMD's Back In Ultra-High-End...

The AMD Radeon R9 290X delivers exceptional, ultra-high-end gaming performance at a highly disruptive launch price of $550, earning it Tom's Hardware's Elite award. A key advantage of this flagship board is its ability to routinely outperfrom its primary, more expensive competitors—the Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 and the GTX Titan—across multiple benchmarks and high-resolution...Read more

H
hardwareluxx.de
31/01/2014
Sapphire Radeon R9 290X Tri-X OC im Test - Hardwareluxx

The Sapphire Radeon R9 290X Tri-X OC is a custom-designed graphics card featuring the Hawaii XT GPU architecture, built on a 28 nm process with 2,816 shader units and 4,096 MB of GDDR5 memory across a wide 512-bit interface. Shipped with a factory overclock, the card pushes the GPU boost clock to 1,040 MHz and the memory frequency to 1,300 MHz, expanding the overall memory bandwidth...Read more

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H
hardwareluxx.de
26/12/2013
ASUS Radeon R9 290X DirectCU IIGo to product viewer dialog for this item. OC im Test

Based on the provided review, the ASUS Radeon R9 290X DirectCU II OC is a custom-engineered graphics card powered by AMD's 28nm "Hawaii XT" GPU architecture, featuring 2,816 shader units, 176 texture units, and 64 ROPs. Priced at a premium €590, ASUS implements factory-overclocked speeds, boosting the GPU core from the stock 1,000 MHz to 1,050 MHz and the 4,096 MB of GDDR5 memory to...Read more

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H
hardwareluxx.de
10/02/2014
PowerColor Radeon R9 290X LCS im Test - Hardwareluxx

The PowerColor Radeon R9 290X LCS (Liquid Cooling Solution) is a premium, factory-watercooled graphics card featuring a pre-mounted high-quality EK Water Blocks (EK-FC R9-290X Acetal+Nickel) block and a matching backplate. Built on the 28nm "Hawaii XT" architecture with 2,816 shader units and a 512-bit memory interface, this specific model features a dual-BIOS setup. The primary...Read more

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L
lesnumeriques.com
13/10/2014
Test AMD Radeon R9 290X, la carte à deux vitesses

The Les Numériques review details how the AMD Radeon R9 290X successfully reclaims market leadership by effectively matching the performance of Nvidia's premium offerings, the GeForce GTX 780 and GTX Titan, at a highly aggressive launch price of €489. Built on the "Hawaii" GPU architecture with 2,816 computing units and a massive 512-bit memory bus, the card features an innovative...Read more

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E
elchapuzasinformatico.com
20/03/2014
Review: MSI Radeon R9 290X Lightning Noticias 3D

The MSI Radeon R9 290X Lightning is highlighted as a high-end card utilizing the AMD Hawaii XT GPU with 2,816 shaders, a 1080 MHz factory-overclocked core, and 4 GB of Samsung GDDR5 memory. Key advantages include an exceptionally robust 15-phase VRM power delivery system for extreme overclocking and a triple-slot TriFrozr cooler that offers superior thermal performance over...Read more

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X
xataka.com
04/11/2013
AMD R9 290X, análisis - Xataka

The Xataka review establishes the AMD R9 290X as a highly aggressive and powerful flagship graphics card that marks the true arrival of AMD's next-generation "Hawaii" core. Tested on a high-end Intel Core i7 system running Windows 8, the card delivers exceptional gaming performance that successfully positions it slightly ahead of the Nvidia GTX 780. Its main advantage is its highly...Read more

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M
madboxpc.com
21/02/2014
Review Sapphire R9 290X Tri-X OC - madboxpc

The MadBoxPC review highlights the Sapphire R9 290X Tri-X OC as a high-performance card, featuring a factory overclocked 1040 MHz Hawaii XT GPU that leads in synthetic and gaming benchmarks. It demonstrates exceptional manual overclocking potential, reaching 1150 MHz core speeds, which results in a significant performance boost. Key pros include the effective Tri-X triple-fan...Read more

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T
tomshw.it
25/02/2015
Sapphire Vapor-X R9 290X 8 GB in prova: serve così tanta memoria Multiplayer

The Sapphire Vapor-X R9 290X 8 GB is a premium, factory-overclocked (1030 MHz) graphics card designed to compete with Nvidia’s GTX 970/980, boasting 8 GB of GDDR5 memory to handle demanding, high-resolution gaming. While the 8 GB frame buffer does not increase raw performance over the 4 GB version in standard scenarios, it proves advantageous for 2560x1440 and 4K, ensuring smooth...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
05/11/2013
AMD R9 290: het kleine broertje van... (inclusief tests tegen de 290X)

The AMD Radeon R9 290, reviewed by Tweakers, is described as a highly disruptive, high-end graphics card that offers near-flagship performance, specifically competing with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 at a lower price point. Featuring 2560 stream processors, 4GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 512-bit bus, the card is lauded for providing excellent 2.5K and 4K gaming capabilities. However, the...Read more

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