RADEON

AMD Radeon R9 390 X2

AMD graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

8 GB
VRAM
MHz Boost
580W
TDP
512
Bus Width

AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 Specifications

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Radeon R9 390 X2 GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 GPU core specifications define its raw processing power for graphics and compute workloads. Shading units (also called CUDA cores, stream processors, or execution units depending on manufacturer) handle the parallel calculations required for rendering. TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) process texture data, while ROPs (Render Output Units) handle final pixel output. Higher shader counts generally translate to better GPU benchmark performance, especially in demanding games and 3D applications.

Shading Units
2,560
Shaders
2,560
TMUs
160
ROPs
64
Compute Units
40
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R9 390 X2 Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the Radeon R9 390 X2's performance in GPU benchmarks and real-world gaming. The base clock represents the minimum guaranteed frequency, while the boost clock indicates peak performance under optimal thermal conditions. Memory clock speed affects texture loading and frame buffer operations. The Radeon R9 390 X2 by AMD dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

GPU Clock
1000 MHz
Memory Clock
1350 MHz 5.4 Gbps effective
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

AMD's Radeon R9 390 X2 Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The Radeon R9 390 X2's memory capacity determines how well it handles high-resolution textures and multiple displays. Memory bandwidth, measured in GB/s, affects how quickly data moves between the GPU and VRAM. Higher bandwidth improves performance in memory-intensive scenarios like 4K gaming. The memory bus width and type (GDDR6, GDDR6X, HBM) significantly influence overall GPU benchmark scores.

Memory Size
8 GB
VRAM
8,192 MB
Memory Type
GDDR5
VRAM Type
GDDR5
Memory Bus
512 bit
Bus Width
512-bit
Bandwidth
345.6 GB/s
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Radeon R9 390 X2 by AMD Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the R9 390 X2, reducing the need to fetch data from slower VRAM. L1 and L2 caches store frequently accessed data close to the compute units. AMD's Infinity Cache (L3) dramatically increases effective bandwidth, improving GPU benchmark performance without requiring wider memory buses. Larger cache sizes help maintain high frame rates in memory-bound scenarios and reduce power consumption by minimizing VRAM accesses.

L1 Cache
16 KB (per CU)
L2 Cache
1024 KB
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R9 390 X2 Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 against other graphics cards. FP32 (single-precision) performance, measured in TFLOPS, indicates compute capability for gaming and general GPU workloads. FP64 (double-precision) matters for scientific computing. Pixel and texture fill rates determine how quickly the GPU can render complex scenes. While real-world GPU benchmark results depend on many factors, these specifications help predict relative performance levels.

FP32 (Float)
5.120 TFLOPS
FP64 (Double)
640.0 GFLOPS (1:8)
Pixel Rate
64.00 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
160.0 GTexel/s
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GCN 2.0 Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 is built on AMD's GCN 2.0 architecture, which defines how the GPU processes graphics and compute workloads. The manufacturing process node affects power efficiency, thermal characteristics, and maximum clock speeds. Smaller process nodes pack more transistors into the same die area, enabling higher performance per watt. Understanding the architecture helps predict how the R9 390 X2 will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
GCN 2.0
GPU Name
Grenada
Process Node
28 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
6,200 million
Die Size
438 mm²
Density
14.2M / mm²
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AMD's Radeon R9 390 X2 Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 determine PSU requirements and thermal management needs. TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates the heat output under typical loads, guiding cooler selection. Power connector requirements ensure adequate power delivery for stable operation during demanding GPU benchmarks. The suggested PSU wattage accounts for the entire system, not just the graphics card. Efficient power delivery enables the Radeon R9 390 X2 to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
580 W
TDP
580W
Power Connectors
4x 8-pin
Suggested PSU
950 W
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Radeon R9 390 X2 by AMD Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 are critical for case compatibility. Card length, height, and slot width determine whether it fits in your chassis. The PCIe interface version affects bandwidth for communication with the CPU. Display outputs define monitor connectivity options, with modern cards supporting multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously. Verify these specifications against your case and motherboard before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Slot Width
Triple-slot
Bus Interface
PCIe 3.0 x16
Display Outputs
2x DVI1x HDMI 1.4a1x DisplayPort 1.2
Display Outputs
2x DVI1x HDMI 1.4a1x DisplayPort 1.2
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AMD API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the AMD Radeon R9 390 X2. DirectX 12 Ultimate enables advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading. Vulkan provides cross-platform graphics capabilities with low-level hardware access. OpenGL remains important for professional applications and older games. CUDA (NVIDIA) and OpenCL enable GPU compute for video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific applications. Higher API versions unlock newer graphical features in GPU benchmarks and games.

DirectX
12 (12_0)
DirectX
12 (12_0)
OpenGL
4.6
OpenGL
4.6
Vulkan
1.2.170
Vulkan
1.2.170
OpenCL
2.1
Shader Model
6.5
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Radeon R9 390 X2 Product Information

Release and pricing details

The AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 is manufactured by AMD as part of their graphics card lineup. Release date and launch pricing provide context for comparing GPU benchmark results with competing products from the same era. Understanding the product lifecycle helps evaluate whether the Radeon R9 390 X2 by AMD represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.

Manufacturer
AMD
Release Date
Sep 2015
Launch Price
1,399 USD
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
Volcanic Islands
Successor
Arctic Islands

Radeon R9 390 X2 Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About AMD Radeon R9 390 X2

The AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 arrives with a steep launch price of $1,399, which immediately raises the question of whether the cost aligns with typical gaming budgets. At 8 GB of GDDR5 memory and a massive 580 W TDP, the card is clearly positioned for enthusiasts who demand raw horsepower. Its dual‑GPU configuration on a single PCB can deliver impressive frame rates in older titles, but the power draw may offset any savings on a multi‑card setup. When you factor in the need for a high‑wattage PSU and robust cooling, the total system cost can climb well beyond the sticker price. For users who already own a 750 W or larger power supply, the incremental expense might be justified, yet many builders will need to upgrade. So, does the performance premium truly outweigh the financial outlay? That’s the core of the cost analysis.

In the current market, the AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 faces stiff competition from single‑GPU solutions like the NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super and the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT. Those cards offer comparable or higher performance per watt at a fraction of the price, often under $500. While the dual‑GPU design can still shine in multi‑GPU‑friendly games, driver support has waned, leaving many modern titles unable to tap both processors. Moreover, the RTX series brings ray tracing and DLSS, features the R9 390 X2 simply cannot match. If you prioritize raw rasterization in legacy titles, the card remains a contender, but for future‑proof gaming the alternatives look more appealing. Could the older architecture still hold its own against newer silicon? It’s a question worth weighing against the list price.

From an investment perspective, the AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 is a mixed bag. Its 28 nm GCN 2.0 core is already several generations behind today’s 7 nm RDNA designs, which means driver updates are less frequent. The 8 GB of VRAM is generous for 1080p and even 1440p workloads, yet newer cards pack more memory at higher speeds. Resale value is another factor: dual‑GPU cards have historically depreciated faster than their single‑GPU counterparts. If you plan to keep the card for more than a couple of years, you may find its performance plateauing sooner than expected. On the other hand, for a user who needs a short‑term boost for a specific benchmark or legacy application, the card could deliver a solid return. Ultimately, the investment value hinges on how long you intend to extract performance before moving on.

Building a system around the AMD Radeon R9 390 X2 requires careful component selection. A quality 850 W or higher PSU is practically mandatory to handle the 580 W draw without risking instability. Good case airflow is equally critical; consider a chassis with multiple intake fans and ample vent space to keep temperatures in check. The card’s size can be a challenge, so verify that your motherboard’s PCIe layout and case dimensions can accommodate its length and dual‑slot thickness. Pairing it with a mid‑range CPU such as the Ryzen 5 3600 can avoid bottlenecks while keeping the overall budget reasonable. Finally, don’t forget to allocate budget for a reliable aftermarket cooler if the reference cooler proves insufficient under load. With these considerations in mind, the build can harness the card’s power without compromising stability.

The NVIDIA Equivalent of Radeon R9 390 X2

Looking for a similar graphics card from NVIDIA? The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 offers comparable performance and features in the NVIDIA lineup.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080

NVIDIA • 8 GB VRAM

View Specs Compare

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