AMD Radeon R9 M390X
AMD graphics card specifications and benchmark scores
At a Glance
AMDAMD Radeon R9 M390X Specifications
Radeon R9 M390X GPU Core
Shader units and compute resources
The AMD Radeon R9 M390X 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.
R9 M390X Clock Speeds
GPU and memory frequencies
Clock speeds directly impact the Radeon R9 M390X'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 M390X by AMD dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.
AMD's Radeon R9 M390X Memory
VRAM capacity and bandwidth
VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The Radeon R9 M390X'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.
Radeon R9 M390X by AMD Cache
On-chip cache hierarchy
On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the R9 M390X, 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.
R9 M390X Theoretical Performance
Compute and fill rates
Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the AMD Radeon R9 M390X 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.
GCN 3.0 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The AMD Radeon R9 M390X is built on AMD's GCN 3.0 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 M390X will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.
AMD's Radeon R9 M390X Power & Thermal
TDP and power requirements
Power specifications for the AMD Radeon R9 M390X 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 M390X to maintain boost clocks without throttling.
Radeon R9 M390X by AMD Physical & Connectivity
Dimensions and outputs
Physical dimensions of the AMD Radeon R9 M390X 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.
AMD API Support
Graphics and compute APIs
API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the AMD Radeon R9 M390X. 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.
Radeon R9 M390X Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Radeon R9 M390X 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 M390X by AMD represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.
Radeon R9 M390X Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this GPU.
About AMD Radeon R9 M390X
How It Compares
The AMD Radeon R9 M390X sits at the 50th percentile among all GPUs in the benchmark database, placing it squarely in the middle of the performance distribution. This is a mobile graphics solution built on the GCN 3.0 architecture with the Amethyst chip, fabricated on TSMC's 28 nm process. The data shows a GPU that, while not breaking any records, holds its own as a competent mid-range option for laptops of its generation.
The R9 M390X carries 2048 shading units, 128 texture mapping units, and 32 ROPs. These figures translate to a pixel rate of 23.14 GPixel/s and a texture rate of 92.54 GTexel/s. The FP32 compute throughput comes in at 2.961 TFLOPS, with FP16 performance matching at a 1:1 ratio. With no nearest rivals listed in the benchmark data, the comparison set is limited to aggregate performance against the broader GPU landscape rather than direct head-to-head matchups.
As a member of the Gem System generation within the R9 M300 series, this GPU occupies a specific niche. Its predecessor is listed as Solar System, and its successor is Polaris Mobile, giving it a clear lineage in AMD's mobile GPU roadmap. The production status is end-of-life, which aligns with its release date of May 4, 2015.
Ray Tracing and Feature Set
The R9 M390X does not include dedicated ray tracing cores or tensor cores. The benchmark data lists these fields as null, confirming that this GPU relies entirely on traditional rasterization techniques. This places it firmly in the pre-ray-tracing era of GPU architecture, where real-time ray tracing was not yet a consumer-facing feature.
API support is solid for its generation. DirectX 12 support is listed at version 12 (12_0), which means it can handle the baseline feature set of Microsoft's then-current graphics API. OpenGL support extends to version 4.6, and Vulkan support reaches version 1.2.170. These API levels indicate that the GPU can run modern titles that support these interfaces, though without the advanced features that ray tracing cores would enable.
The memory subsystem consists of 4 GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus, delivering 160.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The memory clock runs at 1250 MHz, which translates to 5 Gbps effective. This configuration provides adequate bandwidth for the 2.961 TFLOPS of compute throughput, though games with very high texture demands might see bottlenecks at higher resolutions.
The shading unit count of 2048 paired with 128 TMUs and 32 ROPs suggests a balanced design for 1080p gaming. The 1:1 FP16 to FP32 ratio indicates no special optimization for half-precision compute workloads, which is typical for GPUs of this architecture generation.
Power and Cooling
The R9 M390X carries a TDP of 75 W, making it a relatively modest power consumer for a GPU with 2048 shading units. This power envelope is well-suited for the MXM Module form factor, which is the listed slot width. The GPU requires no external power connectors, drawing all its power through the MXM interface.
The data does not list a suggested PSU, which is consistent with the mobile nature of this GPU. Desktop power supply recommendations are not applicable when the GPU is designed for laptop integration. The 75 W TDP means that system designers can pair this with reasonably sized laptop power bricks, though the actual system power draw would depend on the CPU and other components.
The 28 nm process node from TSMC with 5,000 million transistors on a 366 mm² die gives a transistor density of 13.7 million per square millimeter. This is a reflection of the manufacturing technology of its era, which was less dense than later nodes but still capable of delivering respectable performance per watt for a mid-range mobile GPU.
Display outputs are listed as portable device dependent, which means the specific output configuration varies by laptop manufacturer. The bus interface is PCIe 3.0 x16, which provides adequate bandwidth for the GPU's memory and compute capabilities.
Who Should Consider It
The R9 M390X, positioned at the 50th percentile of all GPUs, targets users who want solid 1080p gaming performance without stepping up to high-end mobile solutions. The 4 GB of GDDR5 memory and 160.0 GB/s bandwidth are sufficient for most titles at medium to high settings in this resolution class.
Users who primarily play esports titles and older games will find this GPU more than adequate, as those workloads rarely stress the 2.961 TFLOPS of compute throughput. The 2048 shading units provide enough geometry and pixel processing power for smooth frame rates in these less demanding scenarios.
For those who enjoy single-player, story-driven games, the R9 M390X can handle 1080p with adjusted settings. The 32 ROPs and 23.14 GPixel/s fill rate keep pixel throughput reasonable, but games with heavy post-processing effects may require turning down some quality options to maintain playable frame rates.
The lack of ray tracing cores means this GPU is not suitable for users who want to experience ray-traced lighting and reflections in modern titles. Those features, when present, would run on the traditional shader units at significantly reduced performance compared to dedicated ray tracing hardware.
Users considering this GPU for productivity workloads should note the 1:1 FP16 to FP32 ratio. This means no performance advantage for half-precision tasks, but full FP32 precision is available for general compute applications that can leverage the 2.961 TFLOPS.
Benchmark Performance
The benchmark data for the R9 M390X shows an average benchmark score of 0, with no individual benchmark entries listed. The percentile rank of 50 indicates that this GPU performs better than half of all GPUs in the database and worse than the other half. This median positioning suggests a balanced performer that neither excels nor disappoints relative to the broader GPU market.
Without nearest rivals listed, direct percentage comparisons to specific competing GPUs are not available from the data. The 50th percentile placement, however, provides context for how this GPU stacks up. GPUs above the 50th percentile would include various desktop and high-end mobile parts, while those below would include entry-level and older integrated solutions.
The compute metrics reveal where this GPU's strengths lie. The 2.961 TFLOPS FP32 throughput, combined with 92.54 GTexel/s texture rate, indicates strong raw processing capabilities for a 75 W mobile part. The pixel rate of 23.14 GPixel/s is more modest, which could limit performance in games that are heavily pixel-shader bound.
Memory bandwidth of 160.0 GB/s is a notable constraint. With 2048 shading units available to feed, the GPU may experience situations where the shader units are waiting on data from memory. This is particularly relevant at higher resolutions where texture fetch demands increase significantly.
The 5,000 million transistor count on a 366 mm² die reflects the architectural design priorities of the GCN 3.0 generation. The relatively large die for a mobile GPU indicates that AMD was prioritizing compute performance over power efficiency in this design. The 75 W TDP, however, keeps the power draw manageable within the constraints of a laptop chassis.
The FP32 performance of 2.961 TFLOPS positions this GPU as a capable compute device for its era. Applications that can utilize OpenCL or Vulkan compute shaders would benefit from this throughput, though the lack of tensor cores means no accelerated AI or machine learning workloads.
DirectX 12 (12_0) support means the GPU can run titles that use DirectX 12's baseline features, including asynchronous compute and explicit multi-adapter. Vulkan 1.2.170 support extends compatibility to a wide range of modern games and applications that favor this cross-platform API.
In aggregate, the R9 M390X delivers a balanced feature set for a 2015-era mobile GPU. Its 50th percentile ranking reflects a product that competes effectively within its segment, offering solid 1080p gaming performance and respectable compute capabilities within a 75 W power envelope. The absence of ray tracing cores and the 4 GB memory capacity are the most notable limitations for modern workloads, but for its intended use case and time period, the data shows a well-rounded mobile graphics solution.
The NVIDIA Equivalent of Radeon R9 M390X
Looking for a similar graphics card from NVIDIA? The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 offers comparable performance and features in the NVIDIA lineup.
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