Review: ASUS Strix R9 390X 8GB
Last month AMD announced Radeon R9 Fury series of graphics cards based on the new “Fiji” processor with high-bandwidth memory (HBM). The liquid-cooled Fury X leads the pack, followed by the air-cooled Fury and the small form-factor Nano which is coming next month. After that, AMD is said to be releasing the dual-GPU Fury card later this year.
At the same time, AMD has also released the Radeon 300 series of graphics cards, which are actually rebrands of AMD’s last-gen “Hawaii” 200 series. For instances, the R9 390X and 390 are rebadged from the R9 290X and 290. R9 300 series is not just renamed but these cards are actually tweaked with faster clocks and optimized for better power efficiency as well as beefed up to 8GB of GDDR5 of VRAM from 4GB.
With us today is the ASUS Strix R9 390X 8GB, which sports DirectCU III cooler with the company’s patented Triple Wing-Blade 0dB Fan Design. Last week we’ve published our review of the Strix GTX 980 Ti 6GB, so it’s now time to turn our attention to the new offering from ASUS and AMD.
Product Link: STRIXR9390XDC3OC8GD5GAMING
Suggested Retail Price: USD $ 449.99 (RM 2,169 in Malaysia)
Specifications
Same like the reference AMD R9 390X, the ASUS Strix R9 390X boasts 2,816 unified shaders, 64 ROPs, 176 GigaTexels/sec of Texture Units and 512-bit memory bus. It is specified to run at a GPU clock of 1,070 MHz, which is 20 MHz faster than the reference R9 390X (1,050 MHz). Also, the Strix R9 390X is outfitted with 8GB GDDR5 VRAM running at 1,500 MHz (6,000 MHz effective) which is no difference from the reference R9 390X.
GPU-Z of ASUS Strix R9 390X 8GB.
With the included ASUS GPU Tweak II utility, ASUS allows users to choose the performance profile from three modes. These include the Silent, Gaming and OC modes.
In Silent Mode, the GPU clock is downclocked to 1,050 MHz with the power target set to 90%.
In Gaming mode, the GPU frequency is clocked at 1,070 MHz with 100% power target. Our review sample is shipped with this mode out of the box hence we’ll be using this mode throughout our benchmark tests.
In OC mode, the GPU clock is bumped up to 1,090 MHz with along with 110% power target. This is around 4% faster than the reference R9 390X.
Special Features
- BLAZING-FAST. ARMOR-PROTECTED. SUPER-COOL
Taken from the ancient Roman and Greek word for owl, Strix means the keenest hearing and sharpest eyesight. Strix means feeling your environment so that you detect and react to the slightest movement. Strix means survival on the very edge of instinct. Strix is in your blood, as it is in ours.
ASUS STRIX R9 390X gaming graphics cards packed with exclusive ASUS technologies, including DirectCU III with Triple Wing-Blade 0dB Fan Design for maximum air flow with 30% cooler and 3X quieter performance. This card features exclusive ASUS AUTO-EXTREME Technology with Super Alloy Power II for premium quality and best reliability. It also has GPU Tweak II with Xsplit Gamecaster, provides intuitive performance tweaking and lets you stream your gameplay instantly.
- DirectCU III with Dual 10mm Heatpipe
30% Cooler and 3X Quieter Performance. Exclusive DirectCU III cooling technology features two exclusive 10 mm direct-GPU contact heat-pipes that transports 40% more heat away from the GPU and outperform reference designs, achieving up to 30% cooler gaming performance.
- Patented Triple Wing-Blade 0dB Fans
Max Air Flow with 105% More Air Pressure. DirectCU III features triple 0dB fans engineered with a patented, new wing-blade design that delivers maximum air flow and improved 105% static pressure over the heat sink, while operating at 3X quieter volumes than reference cards. The 0dB fans also let you enjoy games like League of Legends® and StarCraft® in complete silence — because the fan stops completely when the GPU temperature remains below a set level*. This makes DirectCU III the coolest and quietest graphics card in the market.
- AUTO-EXTREME Technology
All ASUS graphics cards are now produced using AUTO-EXTREME Technology, an industry-first, 100% automated production process that incorporates premium materials to set a new standard of quality. AUTO-EXTREME Technology ensures consistent graphics card quality as well as improved performance and longevity. This new manufacturing process is also environmentally friendly, eliminating harsh chemicals and reducing power consumption by 50%.
- 8-phase Super Alloy Power II
ASUS engineers have integrated premium components into their graphics card designs to reinforce overall reliability. Super Alloy Power II components greatly enhance efficiency, reduce power loss, provide 2X reduced component buzzing while under full load, and achieve thermal levels that are approximately 50% cooler than previous designs.
- Gamer Style
STRIX graphics cards exceed your performance expectations while looking amazing. Pulsating light effects add cool style to your system.
- Armor Protection
The advanced backplate levels up graphics card protection and prevents PCB bending over time.
Tweak Till Your Heart’s Content. Redesigned with an intuitive, all-new UI, GPU Tweak II makes overclocking easier and more visual than ever, while still retaining advanced options for seasoned overclockers. With one click, the new Gaming Booster function maximizes system performance by removing redundant processes and allocating all available resources automatically. XSplit Gamecaster lets you easily stream or record your gameplay right from a convenient, in-game overlay.
- Gaming Booster
One-click Performance Up
Visual effects: Boost your performance by turning off windows visual effects.
System Services: Automatically or manually turn off windows services or process.
Memory Defragmentation: Re-arrange & free your system memory without closing any processes.
owikh84
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