Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire
GPU·Budget

Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire

AMD

G3D Mark

6,000

MSRP

$800

AVG Price

$200

March 1 2014
200 Watt
GCN (2012−2015)

Performance Spectrum - GPU

About G3D Mark

G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Overview

The Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire is manufactured by AMD. It was released in March 1 2014. It features the GCN architecture. The core clock ranges from 850 MHz to 900 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 200W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 6,000 points.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire

#449
GeForce 810A
MSRP: $100|Avg: $20
109%
#450
Radeon Vega 8 Ryzen 5 3450U
MSRP: $150|Avg: $40
109%
#451
Radeon RX 6600S
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
108%
#452
Radeon R9 M390X
MSRP: $550|Avg: $120
108%
#453
Radeon R5 M430
MSRP: $99|Avg: $20
108%
#454
Radeon HD 7670
MSRP: $100|Avg: $25
107%
#455
Radeon RX 8060S
MSRP: $500|Avg: $500
107%
#456
Radeon 630
MSRP: $100|Avg: $50
105%
#457
104%
#458
GeForce GTX 760A
MSRP: $249|Avg: $40
102%
#459
GeForce GTX 460M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $40
101%
#460
Radeon R7 M465
MSRP: $120|Avg: $35
101%
#461
GeForce 940MX
MSRP: $100|Avg: $50
101%
#462
Radeon R9 M270X
MSRP: $250|Avg: $40
100%
#463
Radeon R5 (Bristol Ridge)
MSRP: $50|Avg: $50
100%
#464
Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire
MSRP: $800|Avg: $200
100%
#465
GeForce MX550
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
100%
#466
Radeon R5 M330
MSRP: $120|Avg: $20
99%
#467
Radeon R9 M365X
MSRP: $250|Avg: $50
99%
#468
Iris Pro Graphics 5200
MSRP: $150|Avg: $40
98%
#469
Radeon R9 M470
MSRP: $350|Avg: $80
97%
#470
GeForce GT 520MX
MSRP: $45|Avg: $10
97%
#471
Radeon R7 M260X
MSRP: $139|Avg: $35
96%
#472
Radeon R5 M435
MSRP: $150|Avg: $30
96%
#473
GeForce 310
MSRP: $45|Avg: $5
95%
#474
Radeon HD 7570M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $15
94%
#475
93%
#476
GeForce 210
MSRP: $50|Avg: $5
92%
#477
Radeon HD 7850M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $50
92%
#478
Radeon HD 8180
MSRP: $30|Avg: $5
90%
#479
Mobility Radeon HD 4650
MSRP: $49|Avg: $15
89%
Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire specifications and capabilities.

Graphics Performance

The Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire scores 6,000 in the G3D Mark benchmark (the standard measure of rasterization GPU performance), placing it in the Budget tier as a Legacy generation graphics card. It is built on the GCN (2012−2015) architecture (codename: Neptune CF), manufactured on a 28 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 2560 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels). Boost clock reaches 900 MHz from a base of 850 MHz.

SpecificationRadeon R9 M290X Crossfire
G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score6,000
ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generationGCN (2012−2015)
CodenameInternal GPU die codenameNeptune CF
Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient28 nm
Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute2560
Boost ClockMaximum GPU frequency under load900 MHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency850 MHz
PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generationPCIe 3.0
Transistor Count2x 2800 Million
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#348
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Video Memory (VRAM)

The Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire is equipped with 4 GB of GDDR5 video memory connected via a 512-bit (Dual) memory bus, delivering 307.2 GB/s (Dual) of bandwidth. Memory operates at 8 Gbps effective speed.

SpecificationRadeon R9 M290X Crossfire
VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures4 GB
VRAM TypeMemory technology generationGDDR5
Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth512-bit (Dual)
Memory SpeedEffective memory data rate8 Gbps
BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAM307.2 GB/s (Dual)

Advanced Features & APIs

The Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire supports modern upscaling and frame generation technologies: FidelityFX Super Resolution — these can dramatically boost effective FPS by generating intermediate frames or upscaling from lower internal resolution. Graphics API support: DirectX 12— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.

SpecificationRadeon R9 M290X Crossfire
FSR Frame Generation❌ Not Supported
AMD Fluid Motion Frames❌ Not Supported
FidelityFX Super Resolution✅ Supported
DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version12
Compute APIGPGPU framework (CUDA/ROCm/OpenCL)OpenCL 1.2
Multi-GPUSLI/CrossFire/NVLink supportCrossFire
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Display & Media

Display outputs: — supports up to 0 simultaneous displays. Hardware encoder: VCE 1.0, decoder: UVD 3.1— dedicated hardware for video encoding/decoding accelerates streaming, recording, and video playback.

SpecificationRadeon R9 M290X Crossfire
Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors0
Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine versionVCE 1.0
Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine versionUVD 3.1
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Power & Dimensions

The Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire draws 200 Watt under load (TDP) — a 350W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: Mobile. Physical size: 1mm long, occupying 0 expansion slots— verify your case has clearance before purchasing.

SpecificationRadeon R9 M290X Crossfire
TDPPower consumption under load200 Watt
Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage350W
Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable typeMobile
Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance1mm
Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied0-slot
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Value Analysis

At an average price of $200 (MSRP: $800), the Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire delivers 30 G3D Mark points per dollar. Overall performance ranking position: #348 among all indexed GPUs.

SpecificationRadeon R9 M290X Crossfire
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$800
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$200
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#348
Release DateMarch 1 2014
Release Year2014

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