Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire
AMD
G3D Mark
6,000
MSRP
$800
AVG Price
$200
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. The Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire is positioned at rank #408 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire across popular games. Tested paired with Ryzen 7 7800X3D to isolate GPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
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.
| Specification | Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire |
|---|---|
| G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score | 6,000 |
| ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generation | GCN (2012−2015) |
| CodenameInternal GPU die codename | Neptune CF |
| Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient | 28 nm |
| Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute | 2560 |
| Boost ClockMaximum GPU frequency under load | 900 MHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency | 850 MHz |
| PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Transistor Count | 2x 2800 Million |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #348 |
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.
| Specification | Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire |
|---|---|
| VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures | 4 GB |
| VRAM TypeMemory technology generation | GDDR5 |
| Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth | 512-bit (Dual) |
| Memory SpeedEffective memory data rate | 8 Gbps |
| BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAM | 307.2 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.
| Specification | Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire |
|---|---|
| FSR Frame Generation | ❌ Not Supported |
| AMD Fluid Motion Frames | ❌ Not Supported |
| FidelityFX Super Resolution | ✅ Supported |
| DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version | 12 |
| Compute APIGPGPU framework (CUDA/ROCm/OpenCL) | OpenCL 1.2 |
| Multi-GPUSLI/CrossFire/NVLink support | CrossFire |
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.
| Specification | Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire |
|---|---|
| Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors | 0 |
| Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine version | VCE 1.0 |
| Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine version | UVD 3.1 |
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.
| Specification | Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire |
|---|---|
| TDPPower consumption under load | 200 Watt |
| Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage | 350W |
| Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type | Mobile |
| Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance | 1mm |
| Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied | 0-slot |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $200 (MSRP: $800), the Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire delivers 30 G3D Mark points per dollar. It holds Rank #408 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #348 among all indexed GPUs.
| Specification | Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $800 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $200 |
| Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position | #408 |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #348 |
| Release Date | March 1 2014 |
| Release Year | 2014 |
Similar Performance
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AMD (12)
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Our Recommendation for Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Radeon R9 M290X Crossfire
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