It’s that time again, when AMD releases their new batch of cards. Given these new 28nm cards, we can see that there is a stronger push towards 4K and VR that may be a bigger part of every gamer’s system in the near future.
We were also able to get a sample 390x card and ran tests to benchmark it. Check it out.
What Cards Are Coming Out?
We expect the initial launch to include R7 360, R7 370, R9 380 and R9 390 cards respectively, along with X versions for more power and better benchmarks.
What New Technologies Are In The 300 Series?
Along with the original features like Eyefinity and Mantle, the 300 Series comes with some upgrades that will definitely improve our game. Check them out below:
FreeSync
FreeSync will allow users to finally end the terror of tearing screens. This new feature shared with monitors will finally stop screen tearing which most of us have gotten used to seeing over and over.
Virtual Super Resolution
Virtual Super Resolution is like supercharging your current displays, enabling 4k like performance while maintaining your current resolution. This feature will provide that perfect balance of visuals for users who aren’t ready for 4k yet. It will also make things better for those running on 1080 monitors
Gaming Evolved Client
Gaming evolved client, helps users pick the best settings for their particular game for their card, optimizing performance for the best game play.
Frame Rate Target Control
Frame rate control allows a user to define a framerate, which prevents those moments of popping into a room and waiting for it to load.
LiquidVR
LiquidVR is designed to fill the gaps between devices and video cards; this will help reduce the motion sickness problems some devices have seen. It also has scalable functions such as allowing multi GPU and CPU functions to work together to render faster to provide a better VR experience.
Our 390X test Sample: XFX 390X
Alright So How’s It Scoring?
We ran some benchmarks on our ABS Commander system. It’s running an Intel I5-4690k on 16GB memory and 120 GB SSD/1TB SATA. We’ll be using this system as our base for future benchmarks as well.
The benchmarks were recorded at 2560×1600 unless otherwise noted.
3DMark
Fire Strike Ultra: 2787
Fire Strike Extreme: 5171
Skydiver: 23183
Tomb Raider Default: Min. 58.1 Max 60.2 Avg.: 60
Tomb Raider Ultra: Min. 58.1 Max 60 Average: 60
Tomb Raider Ultimate: Min. 41.41 Max 60 Avg.: 53.2
Metro Last Light: Avg.:28.67 max 73.89 Min 2.99
Metro Last Light: (1800×1440) Ultimate Avg. 42.67 Max. 72.13 Min 2.53
I think what we’re seeing from a benchmark perspective is a casual nudge from the previous 200 series cards, so these will be more in line with those upgrading from the 7000 series of cards. These are solid cards that should be good for gamers as we head into Windows 10 and a good cost effective card for those who are looking to get the most out of games on a budget.
Which Radeon Is Right For You?
If you’re upgrading from the 7000 series to the 300 here are the recommended jumps:
Going from 7770->R7-370
Going from 7850->R9-380
Going from 7870->R9-390
Don’t worry; these cards are still PCI express 3.0 so it’s simply plug and play.
We love to check out new tech and get to see these products in action, if you like to see more blogs posts like this or different benchmarks lets us know in the comments below.
