Radeon R9 290X Review: AMD's Back In Ultra-High-End Gaming

Results: Crysis 3 At 3840x2160

AMD’s Uber firmware does little to help the R9 290X’s performance in Crysis 3. Not that it needs it. In our custom run, the Hawaii-based board is able to slide by GeForce GTX Titan by a few frames per second, on average. Is that enough to call the R9’s finish a win? Not exactly—dropping under 30 FPS, even at a reduced quality level, doesn’t satisfy the maxed-out details you’d want with an expensive display on your desk.

This is where we see those dips, in this case corresponding with a big explosion. Still, R9 290X is a big improvement over Tahiti. The Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition approaches 20 FPS—definitely too slow.

As with BioShock, our variance numbers aren’t troubling, even if the instantaneous frame rates are.

  • beta212
    That's incredible. Especially at high res, I wonder how they do it. But the low price alone is enough to blow the competition away. Seriously think about it, it's around half the price for higher performance!
    - AMD: We're not aiming for the ultra high end.
    I think Nvidia just got trolled.
    Reply
  • slomo4sho
    Great price point. This card has already broken world records just a few hours after release!

    Reply
  • esrever
    2 of these for 4k looks amazing but Im a little disappointed by the power consumption when you crank up performance.
    Reply
  • aznguy0028
    I was thinking about hopping on the 7970ghz when it's on sale, but after seeing this, it's time to break apart the piggy bank for the 290x, what value!
    Reply
  • Benthon
    Like the conclusion said, you just can't argue about aesthetics and thermals at this price point/performance. Well done AMD, lets see team green's response! Go consumer!
    Reply
  • tuklap
    This is awesome for us ^_^
    Reply
  • Shankovich
    Wow, and it's pegged at 73% too. Even if nVidia's "780ti" beats the 290X, it probably won't beat a 290X running at full power. And if mantle does make some big performance boosts, nVidia is going to be in a really tight spot. Looking forward to what they'll do. In the mean time, loving this competition! We all win in the end.
    Reply
  • julianbautista87
    daaaaayyyyyuuuummmm
    Reply
  • anxiousinfusion
    Wait the 290 X... X? is going to be $550?! Forgive me, padre for I have sinned.
    Reply
  • Darkerson
    Good job, AMD!
    Reply