Radeon R9 290X Review: AMD's Back In Ultra-High-End Gaming
After eight months of watching Nvidia go uncontested in the ultra-high-end graphics market, AMD has a new GPU based on existing technology that promises to challenge the top position. It gets mighty loud at times, but you can't ignore the R9 290X's price.
Results: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim At 1920x1080 And 2560x1440
These are the highest frame rates we’ve ever seen in Skyrim, thanks to our 4.3 GHz Core i7-4960X. At 1920x1080, Nvidia’s GeForce GTX Titan scores a narrow victory. Regardless, even the R9 280X averages more than 80 FPS at 2560x1440.
Because these cards are all so potent, they form a big jumble when we chart frame rate over time. Skyrim runs perfectly well on a Tahiti-powered board, even at its most taxing settings and with the high-res texture pack installed.
The multi-GPU cards exhibit some frame time variance, but the single-GPU boards perform flawlessly.
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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!Reply
- AMD: We're not aiming for the ultra high end.
I think Nvidia just got trolled. -
slomo4sho Great price point. This card has already broken world records just a few hours after release!Reply
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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 -
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 -
anxiousinfusion Wait the 290 X... X? is going to be $550?! Forgive me, padre for I have sinned.Reply