GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 Review | 118 Data compared
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GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • VRAM: 3 GB
  • Memory bus width: 384 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 250 W

GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether 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%

4.2

Technical Score

10.0%

7.6

User score

Poor
4.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.

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

Score components:

44.0%

2.2

Performance

24.0%

3.6

Memory

12.0%

8.5

Power & Cooling

11.0%

6.2

Platform & Features

5.0%

7.2

Design

4.0%

6.2

Connectivity & Media

Poor
7.6

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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

6.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(58)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(70)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 2.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.4

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    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%

    1.4

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.1
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    1.4

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    10.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 1.7
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    1.4

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    15.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 1.7
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.4

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

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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 Gigabyte R9 280X Windforce 3X OC Rev 2 is a high-performance graphics card built on the Tahiti XTL architecture, featuring 2048 stream processors, 3GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 384-bit memory interface. Factory overclocked to a 1000 MHz base and 1100 MHz boost clock, it utilizes the Windforce 3X cooling system with 'Triangle Cool' technology and three direct-touch 8mm heat pipes for effective thermal management. Its main pros include superior heat dissipation, a quiet operational profile compared to reference models, and a durable design with dual BIOS support. However, cons include a high 250W power draw requiring both 6-pin and 8-pin connectors, a long 285mm physical footprint that may challenge smaller cases, and limited additional overclocking headroom due to the aggressive factory settings.

Technical Specifications of graphics card GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.

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

Score components:

44.0%

2.2

Performance

24.0%

3.6

Memory

12.0%

8.5

Power & Cooling

11.0%

6.2

Platform & Features

5.0%

7.2

Design

4.0%

6.2

Connectivity & Media

4.2
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a technical score of 4.17 points, which is lower than that of 91.1% 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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

6.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(58)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(70)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.6
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a user score of 7.55 points, which is lower than that of 91.2% 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.
6.5
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a popularity of 6.5 points, which is higher than 61.9% 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%

9.2

Price

5.9
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 89.1% 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

2,754 points
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 scores 2,754 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 93.3% of graphics cards.
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

0 points
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 scores 0 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 83.2% of graphics cards and equal to 16.8% of graphics cards.
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

5,118 points
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 scores 5,118 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 93.5% 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

2,843 points
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 scores 2,843 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 91.9% 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

4.51 TFLOPS
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 delivers 4.51 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 89.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% 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

3 GB
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has 3 GB of VRAM, which is less than 94% of graphics cards and equal to 0.5% 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

GDDR6
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 uses GDDR6 memory, which is newer than on 15.9% of graphics cards and equal to 40.3% 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

384 bit
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 uses a 384 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 89.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 7.3% 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

288 GB/s
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 reaches 288 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 69.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 6.8% 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
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports PCIe 3.0, which is older than on 77.7% 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
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 23.4% of graphics cards and equal to 76.6% 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

12
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports DirectX 12, which is older than on 81.8% of graphics cards and equal to 16.9% of graphics cards.
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

1.2
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports Vulkan 1.2, which is older than on 95.1% of graphics cards and equal to 3.7% of graphics cards.
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
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 1.9% of graphics cards and equal to 98.1% 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

4
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 8.3% of graphics cards and equal to 88.9% 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

4096x2160
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports a maximum digital resolution of 4096x2160, which is lower than that of 92.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.4% of graphics cards.
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
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 offers 1 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 88.7% 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
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports DisplayPort 1.2, which is older than on 93.9% of graphics cards and equal to 5.1% 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

17.28 Gbps
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports DisplayPort link rates up to 17.28 Gbps, which is slower than on 57.2% of graphics cards and equal to 1% 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

250 W
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a TDP of 250 W, which is higher than that of 58.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 6.2% 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

250 W
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 draws 250 W under peak load, which is higher than 56.8% of graphics cards and equal to 4.8% 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

600 W
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 recommends a 600 W PSU, which is lower than that of 54.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 7.9% 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

250 W
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a board power limit of 250 W, which is higher than that of 55.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.4% of graphics cards.
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

250 W
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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

285 x 126 x 38 mm
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 measures 285x126x 38 mm, which is more compact than 75.4% of graphics cards.
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

285 mm
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 is 285 mm long, which is shorter than 49.9% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.5% 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

127 mm
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 is 127 mm tall, which is taller than 53.5% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1.2% of graphics cards.
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
GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 53.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 42.5% 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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GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 vs the average graphics card

  • 128 bit wider memory bus
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (384 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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (384 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.384 bit vs 256 bit
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 4 more GPUs supported
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (4 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    What it is: Maximum number of GPUs supported in a multi-GPU setup
    When it matters: When you are planning a rendering or compute setup with more than one card.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (4 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.4 vs 0
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • Supports NVLink
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
    What it is: Supports NVIDIA NVLink or bridge connection for multi-GPU setups
    When it matters: When a professional or niche multi-GPU workflow needs a bridge connection.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
  • More compact card size
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 is more compact than the average graphics card (285x126x 38 mm vs 285x127x 52 mm). The average graphics card has a size of 285x127x 52 mm.
    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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 is more compact than the average graphics card (285x126x 38 mm vs 285x127x 52 mm). The average graphics card has a size of 285x127x 52 mm.285x126 x 38 mm vs 285x127 x 52 mm
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • Better FP64 ratio
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).1:16 vs 1:64
  • Better FP64 ratio
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
  • 2.13x higher FP64 performance
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a higher FP64 performance than the average graphics card (1 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
  • 128 bit wider memory bus
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (384 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
  • 4 more GPUs supported
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (4 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • Supports NVLink
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
  • 7.7% lower PSU requirement
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (600 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
  • 7 °C lower idle temperature
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (30 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
  • More compact card size
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 is more compact than the average graphics card (285x126x 38 mm vs 285x127x 52 mm). The average graphics card has a size of 285x127x 52 mm.

Total
Overall
Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design
  • 56.1% lower boost clock speed
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,100 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
  • 47.9% lower base clock speed
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,000 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
  • No CUDA support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 78.4% lower pixel rate
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (35.2 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
  • 63.1% lower texture rate
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (140.8 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
  • 144 fewer AI cores
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
  • 32 fewer ROPs
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
  • 80% lower FP32 performance
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (4.5 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
  • 56 fewer TMUs
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (128 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 8 fewer compute units
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (32 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 77.4% lower PassMark score
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (5,118 points vs 22,653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22,653 points.
  • 81.2% lower gaming score
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (2,754 points vs 14,678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14,678.5 points.
  • 76.5% lower compute score
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (2,843 points vs 12,074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12,074 points.
  • 80.4% lower compute throughput
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (4.5 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
  • 2,304 fewer FP32 units
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (2048 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 9 GB less VRAM
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (3 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 68.4% slower memory speed
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (6,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 35.7% lower memory bandwidth
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (288 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
  • 87.5% smaller L1 cache
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (16 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
  • 14.3% slower VRAM clock
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,500 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
  • 5.6x larger process node
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 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.
  • No DLSS support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • 10 older
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 was released earlier than the average graphics card (2013 vs 2023).
    October 2013
  • Older PCIe version
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • No AI upscalers
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support AI upscalers, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • No XeSS support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • Older Vulkan version
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports an older Vulkan version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4).
  • Worse SAM support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • Older DirectX version
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12 vs 12 Ultimate).
  • Older OpenCL version
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 3.0).
  • Older shader model
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.5 vs 6.8).
  • No sampler feedback
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • 81.2% fewer transistors
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (4,313 million vs 22,900 million). The average graphics card has 22,900 million transistors.
  • 2 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
  • No AV1 encoding
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older HDMI version
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 2.1).
  • No VRR support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support VRR, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4a).
  • Narrower encode codec support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports narrower hardware encode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
  • Narrower decode codec support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
  • Older HDCP version
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 2.3).
  • Lower display resolution
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 supports a lower maximum digital resolution than the average graphics card (4096x2160 vs 7680x4320). The average graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320.
  • No fan stop
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support fan stop, the average graphics card does.
  • 16.3% higher TDP
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (250 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 9.6 dB noisier under load
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a higher load noise level than the average graphics card (45 dB vs 35.4 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35.4 dB.
  • 36 dB noisier at idle
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a higher idle noise level than the average graphics card (36 dB vs 0 dB). The average graphics card has an idle noise level of 0 dB.
  • 50% higher idle power draw
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a higher idle power draw than the average graphics card (18 W vs 12 W). The average graphics card has an idle power draw of 12 W.
  • No backplate
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
  • No RGB lighting
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.
  • 56.1% lower boost clock speed
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,100 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,100 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.1100 MHz vs 2505 MHz
  • 9 GB less VRAM
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (3 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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (3 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.3 GB vs 12 GB
  • 5.6x larger process node
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 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
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    What it is: Number of dedicated ray tracing processing cores or units
    When it matters: When you care about ray-traced lighting, reflections, and shadows in newer games.

    Importance: HIGH

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.0 vs 40
  • No CUDA support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
    What it is: Supports CUDA parallel computing platform
    When it matters: When your apps or AI tools specifically depend on the CUDA software stack.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 47.9% lower base clock speed
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,000 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,000 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.1000 MHz vs 1920 MHz
  • 78.4% lower pixel rate
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (35.2 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 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

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (35.2 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.35.2 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
  • No DLSS support
    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
    What it is: Supports NVIDIA DLSS upscaling technology
    When it matters: When you play NVIDIA-supported games and want better frame rates at higher settings.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
Total
Overall
Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design

Graphic comparison of GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2 and other products in the Graphics cards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
58 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
70 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2?

  • Effective Windforce 3X cooling system with three fans for low load temperatures
  • Factory overclocked out of the box for better performance than reference designs
  • Revision 2.0 features an improved matte black PCB over the original blue version
  • Includes a Dual BIOS feature for easier recovery and overclocking flexibility
  • Beefed-up VRM design in Rev 2.0 can enhance stability and overclocking potential
  • Excellent value for money, often priced competitively without a premium for the custom cooler

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE R9 280X WINDFORCE 3X OC Rev 2?

  • High power consumption, particularly in non-gaming/idle states due to voltage circuitry
  • Very high fan noise during intensive gaming as fans work hard to dissipate massive heat
  • Significant physical length (approx. 285mm) may not fit in smaller PC cases
  • Reported issues with screen flickering and system instability in some user configurations
  • Limited overclocking potential for the included Elpida memory chips
  • Lacks modern DirectX 12 feature-level support and up-to-date official AMD drivers

Expert reviews

O
overclocking.com
13/07/2014
Summary of the review
Cinq Radeon R9 280X testées par Overclocking.com
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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