- Oct 3, 2013
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**NOTE: This thread is still under development, individual pages are still under work and things are going to be edited and changed - just keep this in mind, I'm working on it. **
**Individual pages are being setup for each card series as well as crossfire FAQ's and compatibility**
AMD Radeon R9 2XX Megathread
The AMD Radeon R9 2XX series was a first aimed enthusiast classified platform announced by AMD in late 2013, with the R7 category targeted at the budgeting aspect of the newly established series. Two completely new chips were released under the codename Hawaii, with an XT and a Pro variant. Hawaii is currently AMD's top current enthusiast chip offering high video ram capability and memory bandwidth, with the drawbacks of high power consumption and heat. The majority of the series is modified past HD generation GPU's, with new labeling. The latest inclusion to the series is the R9 285, along with the R9 290X2 which has not been released as a reference model, as it was never intended to be a graphics card in the series at all. It was a move and production by the manufacturers only, with both a selection of one air and liquid cooling option available. With the near release of the 3XX series Radeon graphics cards you can often pick up a great deal on an AMD R9 2XX card currently. This Megathread aims to give you an insight on all of the current R9 2XX series graphics cards, along with almost all of the manufactured cards of each model. Because the R9 2XX category has launched (8) reference model cards and no more appear to be of a surprise and anticipated release, this thread will have no rumour sections. All of the current R9 2XX series models are listed below with their first look specification:
*Note: All models listed are with STANDARD video ram specification. Manufacturers produce and supply higher video ram models then the baseline.*
R9 270
Chip Codename: Pitcairn
Video Ram: 2GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 256-bit
Bandwidth: 179GB/s
150W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 1280
Texture Units: 80
RRP: USD $179
R9 270X
Chip Codename: Pitcairn
Video Ram: 2GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 256-bit
Bandwidth: 179GB/s
180W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 1280
Texture Units: 80
RRP: USD $199
R9 280
Chip Codename: Tahiti Pro
Video Ram: 3GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 384-bit
Bandwidth: 240GB/s
250W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 1792
Texture Units: 112
RRP: USD $249
R9 280X
Chip Codename: Tahiti XTL
Video Ram: 3GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 384-bit
Bandwidth: 288GB/s
250W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 2048
Texture Units: 128
RRP: USD $299
R9 285
Chip Codename: Tonga
Video Ram: 2GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 256-bit
Bandwidth: 176GB/s
190W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 1792
Texture Units: 112
RRP: USD $249
R9 290
Chip Codename: Hawaii Pro
Video Ram: 4GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 512-bit
Bandwidth: 320GB/s
275W TDP
ROPs: 64
Cores: 2560
Texture Units: 160
RRP: USD $399
R9 290X
Chip Codename: Hawaii XT
Video Ram: 4GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 512-bit
Bandwidth: 320GB/s
290W TDP
ROPs: 64
Cores: 2816
Texture Units: 176
RRP: USD $549
R9 290X2 (Dual GPU)
Chip Codename: Hawaii XT x2
Video Ram: 8GB GDDR5 (Total)
Memory Bus: 1024 (512 x 2)-bit
Bandwidth: 346GB/s x2
580W TDP
ROPs: 128 (64x2)
Cores: 5632 (2816x2)
Texture Units: 352 (176x2)
RRP: USD $1399
R9 295X2 (Dual GPU)
Chip Codename: Hawaii XT x2
Video Ram: 8GB GDDR5 (Total)
Memory Bus: 1024 (512 x 2)-bit
Bandwidth: 320GB/s x2
500W TDP
ROPs: 128 (64x2)
Cores: 5632 (2816x2)
Texture Units: 352 (176x2)
RRP: USD $1499
'R9' Refers to the category, '2' (first number) refers to the series, '7-9' (second number) refers to the model, '0 or 5' (third number) - after the release of the R9 285 this number has no meaning, inclusion of the 'X' (fourth letter in sequence) on the end of some means it's an extreme edition, and with a '2' (fifth number in sequence) at the end means it's two GPU's on the same PCB (mechanically connected). With all this implied, the higher the number, the better the card is in the series.
Which Radeon R9 2XX series card is right for you?
The card you choose should be based on what you need, and also how long you'll need it for. There is no way to future-proof a graphics card, but there are ways to spend less and get the exact same performance for your particular uses over a similar period of time. The more you spend usually always means the longer a card will last, however the amount extra it costs over another may not be worth the investment at all. An example of this would be buying the R9 290X which costs noticeably more then the R9 290, but the performance difference is not anything worth taking note of for the majority of people. To help you decide which card is best for you, it is worth taking a look through each individual subtopic for each card series. This will give you an understanding of what the cards are capable of, and what is worthwhile in your point of view for your uses in your desired price range. Each Card series listed will have it's relative and overclocked performance, with resolutions varying from 1366x768 HD to 3840x2160 Ultra-HD. Each Radeon subtopic also lists almost every card available, along with facts/features and requirements to make your choice straightforward if your either upgrading an older card or choosing a new one for a build. Your choice must be based on:
-What the card is being used for (e.g. Gaming - particular games your playing ect.)
-what you really need, and not always what is best
-What resolution(s) you plan to use or how many screens your considering
-minimum settings your comfortable with
-How long you want the card to last
-what you plan on getting in the future
The future is often impossible to predict, but for graphics cards it's often easy to tell what you will need for the period of time you want it for. Games for example don't increase their requirements in a massive jump over a period of months, game requirements gradually increase over time. When buying a new card you must consider if your planning on upgrading also, there is no point buying a card suited to your current needs if you were to upgrade later. For example; If your knowingly going to upgrade to game at 2560x1440 but you select your card based upon 1920x1080 performance, your going to realize your choice of card was not the best for your needs, and your going to want to upgrade. A smart choice of card can last you 2 years depending on what you do, the price you can get it at is the factor which can make all the difference. If you do not care about what is needed then you will most likely buy the best out there, That is perfectly fine to do but does come at a cost, the cost at times is often ridiculous but worth it to people due to bragging rights.
Considering buying multiple cards?
it is suggested that you check out the Crossfire Facts and compatibility thread for R9 2XX series graphics cards.
Considering buying a Radeon R9 2XX series graphics card but have never installed a graphics card before?
Check out the R9 2XX graphics card installation and removal thread.
AMD Radeon Driver updates and Release thread found here.
Thread Notifications:
An R9 2XX graphics card installation and removal thread has now been released
A Driver Updates thread has been released
Multiple individual pages have been released and are currently being worked on.
Please refrain from spamming messages about incorrect information listed in this thread or posting opinions about what you 'think' is correct, If you manage to spot something or would incline to have a suggestion, please send me a private message through Toms Hardware for an investigation and changes. Fanboy arguments or Trolling are NOT tolerated in this thread, if so the moderation team will be sorting that out.
**Individual pages are being setup for each card series as well as crossfire FAQ's and compatibility**
AMD Radeon R9 2XX Megathread
The AMD Radeon R9 2XX series was a first aimed enthusiast classified platform announced by AMD in late 2013, with the R7 category targeted at the budgeting aspect of the newly established series. Two completely new chips were released under the codename Hawaii, with an XT and a Pro variant. Hawaii is currently AMD's top current enthusiast chip offering high video ram capability and memory bandwidth, with the drawbacks of high power consumption and heat. The majority of the series is modified past HD generation GPU's, with new labeling. The latest inclusion to the series is the R9 285, along with the R9 290X2 which has not been released as a reference model, as it was never intended to be a graphics card in the series at all. It was a move and production by the manufacturers only, with both a selection of one air and liquid cooling option available. With the near release of the 3XX series Radeon graphics cards you can often pick up a great deal on an AMD R9 2XX card currently. This Megathread aims to give you an insight on all of the current R9 2XX series graphics cards, along with almost all of the manufactured cards of each model. Because the R9 2XX category has launched (8) reference model cards and no more appear to be of a surprise and anticipated release, this thread will have no rumour sections. All of the current R9 2XX series models are listed below with their first look specification:
*Note: All models listed are with STANDARD video ram specification. Manufacturers produce and supply higher video ram models then the baseline.*
R9 270
Chip Codename: Pitcairn
Video Ram: 2GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 256-bit
Bandwidth: 179GB/s
150W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 1280
Texture Units: 80
RRP: USD $179
R9 270X
Chip Codename: Pitcairn
Video Ram: 2GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 256-bit
Bandwidth: 179GB/s
180W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 1280
Texture Units: 80
RRP: USD $199
R9 280
Chip Codename: Tahiti Pro
Video Ram: 3GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 384-bit
Bandwidth: 240GB/s
250W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 1792
Texture Units: 112
RRP: USD $249
R9 280X
Chip Codename: Tahiti XTL
Video Ram: 3GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 384-bit
Bandwidth: 288GB/s
250W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 2048
Texture Units: 128
RRP: USD $299
R9 285
Chip Codename: Tonga
Video Ram: 2GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 256-bit
Bandwidth: 176GB/s
190W TDP
ROPs: 32
Cores: 1792
Texture Units: 112
RRP: USD $249
R9 290
Chip Codename: Hawaii Pro
Video Ram: 4GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 512-bit
Bandwidth: 320GB/s
275W TDP
ROPs: 64
Cores: 2560
Texture Units: 160
RRP: USD $399
R9 290X
Chip Codename: Hawaii XT
Video Ram: 4GB GDDR5
Memory Bus: 512-bit
Bandwidth: 320GB/s
290W TDP
ROPs: 64
Cores: 2816
Texture Units: 176
RRP: USD $549
R9 290X2 (Dual GPU)
Chip Codename: Hawaii XT x2
Video Ram: 8GB GDDR5 (Total)
Memory Bus: 1024 (512 x 2)-bit
Bandwidth: 346GB/s x2
580W TDP
ROPs: 128 (64x2)
Cores: 5632 (2816x2)
Texture Units: 352 (176x2)
RRP: USD $1399
R9 295X2 (Dual GPU)
Chip Codename: Hawaii XT x2
Video Ram: 8GB GDDR5 (Total)
Memory Bus: 1024 (512 x 2)-bit
Bandwidth: 320GB/s x2
500W TDP
ROPs: 128 (64x2)
Cores: 5632 (2816x2)
Texture Units: 352 (176x2)
RRP: USD $1499
'R9' Refers to the category, '2' (first number) refers to the series, '7-9' (second number) refers to the model, '0 or 5' (third number) - after the release of the R9 285 this number has no meaning, inclusion of the 'X' (fourth letter in sequence) on the end of some means it's an extreme edition, and with a '2' (fifth number in sequence) at the end means it's two GPU's on the same PCB (mechanically connected). With all this implied, the higher the number, the better the card is in the series.
Which Radeon R9 2XX series card is right for you?
The card you choose should be based on what you need, and also how long you'll need it for. There is no way to future-proof a graphics card, but there are ways to spend less and get the exact same performance for your particular uses over a similar period of time. The more you spend usually always means the longer a card will last, however the amount extra it costs over another may not be worth the investment at all. An example of this would be buying the R9 290X which costs noticeably more then the R9 290, but the performance difference is not anything worth taking note of for the majority of people. To help you decide which card is best for you, it is worth taking a look through each individual subtopic for each card series. This will give you an understanding of what the cards are capable of, and what is worthwhile in your point of view for your uses in your desired price range. Each Card series listed will have it's relative and overclocked performance, with resolutions varying from 1366x768 HD to 3840x2160 Ultra-HD. Each Radeon subtopic also lists almost every card available, along with facts/features and requirements to make your choice straightforward if your either upgrading an older card or choosing a new one for a build. Your choice must be based on:
-What the card is being used for (e.g. Gaming - particular games your playing ect.)
-what you really need, and not always what is best
-What resolution(s) you plan to use or how many screens your considering
-minimum settings your comfortable with
-How long you want the card to last
-what you plan on getting in the future
The future is often impossible to predict, but for graphics cards it's often easy to tell what you will need for the period of time you want it for. Games for example don't increase their requirements in a massive jump over a period of months, game requirements gradually increase over time. When buying a new card you must consider if your planning on upgrading also, there is no point buying a card suited to your current needs if you were to upgrade later. For example; If your knowingly going to upgrade to game at 2560x1440 but you select your card based upon 1920x1080 performance, your going to realize your choice of card was not the best for your needs, and your going to want to upgrade. A smart choice of card can last you 2 years depending on what you do, the price you can get it at is the factor which can make all the difference. If you do not care about what is needed then you will most likely buy the best out there, That is perfectly fine to do but does come at a cost, the cost at times is often ridiculous but worth it to people due to bragging rights.
Considering buying multiple cards?
it is suggested that you check out the Crossfire Facts and compatibility thread for R9 2XX series graphics cards.
Considering buying a Radeon R9 2XX series graphics card but have never installed a graphics card before?
Check out the R9 2XX graphics card installation and removal thread.
AMD Radeon Driver updates and Release thread found here.
Thread Notifications:
An R9 2XX graphics card installation and removal thread has now been released
A Driver Updates thread has been released
Multiple individual pages have been released and are currently being worked on.
Please refrain from spamming messages about incorrect information listed in this thread or posting opinions about what you 'think' is correct, If you manage to spot something or would incline to have a suggestion, please send me a private message through Toms Hardware for an investigation and changes. Fanboy arguments or Trolling are NOT tolerated in this thread, if so the moderation team will be sorting that out.
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