Are you a gamer or a PC enthusiast trying to decide between two popular AMD graphics cards? The landscape of GPU choices can be overwhelming, and when looking at slightly older but still capable options, the RX 480 and RX 390 often come up in discussions. Both offered compelling performance for their respective times, but how do they stack up against each other now?
This comparison dives deep into the nitty-gritty details of the RX 480 versus the RX 390. We’ll explore their architectural differences, raw performance benchmarks, power consumption, and overall value proposition. Understanding these key aspects will help you make an informed decision, whether you’re upgrading an existing rig or building a new one on a budget.
Join us as we pit these two AMD titans head-to-head to determine which graphics card truly delivers the better gaming experience and overall performance for your needs. Get ready to see the benchmarks and uncover the winner of the RX 480 vs RX 390 showdown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | RX 480 | RX 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Polaris | Hawaii XT |
| Process Size | 14nm FinFET | 28nm |
| Stream Processors | 2304 | 2816 |
| Texture Units | 144 | 176 |
| ROPs | 32 | 64 |
| Base Clock | 1120 MHz | 1000 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1266 MHz | 1000 MHz |
| Memory Size | 4GB / 8GB GDDR5 | 8GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 512-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 384 GB/s |
| TDP | 150W | 275W |
| DirectX Support | 12 (Feature Level 12_1) | 12 (Feature Level 11_0) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- Rx 480: Built on AMD’s newer Polaris architecture, the RX 480 utilizes a 14nm FinFET manufacturing process. This leads to significant improvements in power efficiency and a more modern feature set compared to its predecessor.
- Rx 390: Based on the older GCN 2.0 architecture and manufactured on a 28nm process, the RX 390 is a more power-hungry card. While still capable, it lacks some of the architectural advancements found in the RX 480.
- Winner: rx 480
Performance (General Gaming)
- Rx 480: Generally offers comparable or slightly better performance than the RX 390 in most modern titles, especially at 1080p. Its efficiency allows it to maintain strong frame rates without excessive heat or power draw.
- Rx 390: Can still hold its own in many games, particularly those that favor its architecture or have been optimized for it. However, it often trails the RX 480 in newer, more demanding titles.
- Winner: rx 480
Power Consumption & Efficiency
- Rx 480: A major advantage of the RX 480 is its significantly lower power consumption, typically around 150W TDP. This translates to less heat output, quieter operation, and lower electricity bills.
- Rx 390: The RX 390 is known for its high power draw, often exceeding 275W TDP. This requires a more robust power supply and can lead to higher operating temperatures and noise levels.
- Winner: rx 480
VRAM
- Rx 480: Typically available with 4GB or 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM. The 8GB variant is preferable for higher resolutions and texture settings, offering a good balance for its class.
- Rx 390: Comes standard with 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM. While the capacity is the same as the higher-end RX 480, the older architecture might not utilize it as effectively in all scenarios.
- Winner: rx 390
Price & Value (At Launch & Used Market)
- Rx 480: Launched at a very competitive price point, making it an excellent value for mainstream gamers. It often remains a strong contender in the used market for budget builds.
- Rx 390: Was a high-end card at launch with a higher price tag. While its price has dropped significantly on the used market, its power draw and older architecture can make it less appealing for new builds.
- Winner: rx 480
API Support (DirectX 12 & Vulkan)
- Rx 480: Benefits from the Polaris architecture’s improved support for modern APIs like DirectX 12 and Vulkan. This can lead to better performance and efficiency in games that leverage these technologies.
- Rx 390: While it supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan, its older architecture may not exploit these APIs as efficiently as the RX 480.
- Winner: rx 480
Overclocking Potential
- Rx 480: Offers decent overclocking headroom, allowing for a modest performance boost. Its efficiency also helps keep temperatures in check during overclocking.
- Rx 390: Has been known to overclock reasonably well, but its already high power consumption can become a significant limiting factor, leading to substantial heat and noise increases.
- Winner: rx 480
Features & Technologies
- Rx 480: Supports newer features like AMD’s FreeSync technology more natively and benefits from driver optimizations for modern gaming. It’s also a more future-proof option due to its architecture.
- Rx 390: While it supports FreeSync, it lacks some of the newer architectural enhancements and might not receive the same level of driver optimization for cutting-edge features.
- Winner: rx 480
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Power Efficiency | RX 480 |
| DirectX 12 Performance | RX 480 |
| Architecture & Features | RX 480 |
| Raw Memory Bandwidth | RX 390 |
| Price (Used Market Potential) | RX 390 (if significantly cheaper) |
| Overall Modern Gaming Performance | RX 480 |
What They Have in Common
- Vram: Both cards offer a substantial 8GB of GDDR5 video memory, which was a significant amount for their respective release times, enabling them to handle high-resolution textures and complex scenes.
- Api Support: Both graphics cards support DirectX 12, allowing them to take advantage of modern gaming features and potentially offer better performance in compatible titles compared to older APIs.
- Display Outputs: Typically, both cards feature a similar array of display outputs, including DisplayPort and HDMI, providing flexibility for connecting to various monitors and display setups.
- Crossfire Support: Both the RX 480 and RX 390 support AMD’s CrossFire technology, allowing users to pair two cards together for potentially increased performance in games that scale well with multi-GPU configurations.
- Gaming Focus: Both GPUs were primarily designed for gaming, aiming to provide a strong performance-per-dollar proposition for mainstream and enthusiast gamers looking for solid 1080p and 1440p experiences.
Rx 480 Vs Rx 390 Buying Guide
Performance Considerations
When comparing the RX 480 and RX 390, the RX 480 generally offers superior performance in modern titles, especially at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Its newer architecture and improved efficiency lead to higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in many benchmarks. The RX 390, while still capable, shows its age and can struggle with newer, more demanding games compared to its successor. (See Also: Pixel 6 Vs 6a )
Power Consumption and Thermals
The RX 480 boasts significantly better power efficiency than the RX 390. This translates to lower electricity bills and less heat output, which is crucial for maintaining a quiet and cool PC build. The RX 390 is known for its higher power draw and can contribute to a warmer system, potentially requiring more robust cooling solutions.
Price and Availability
As older cards, both the RX 480 and RX 390 are primarily available on the used market. The RX 480 can often be found at competitive prices, offering excellent value for its performance. The RX 390 might be cheaper initially, but its performance deficit and higher power consumption should be factored into the overall cost of ownership.
Future-Proofing and Features
The RX 480, being a more recent card, supports newer technologies and has better driver support for current and upcoming games. Its architecture is more aligned with modern gaming demands, offering a slightly better outlook for future compatibility. While both are capable DX12 cards, the RX 480’s architectural advantages give it an edge in longevity. (See Also: Cashmere Tree Vs Regular )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy RX 480 If…
- You prioritize power efficiency and lower heat output.
- You want better performance in modern DirectX 12 titles.
- You are building a new system and want the latest architecture.
- You are looking for a card with a lower TDP for quieter operation or smaller builds.
Buy RX 390 If…
- You can find one at a significantly lower price point (used market).
- You primarily play older games that may not fully utilize newer architectures.
- You don’t mind higher power consumption and heat generation.
- You need the wider memory bus for specific workloads that benefit from it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
For 1080p gaming, the RX 480 is generally the superior choice. Its newer architecture allows it to achieve higher and more consistent frame rates in modern titles compared to the RX 390. While the RX 390 can still handle many games at this resolution, the RX 480 offers a smoother and more future-proof experience.
Is the RX 480 more power efficient than the RX 390?
Yes, the RX 480 is significantly more power efficient than the RX 390. This means it consumes less power under load, generating less heat and placing less strain on your power supply. This improved efficiency contributes to a quieter and cooler PC environment, making it a more desirable option for many builders.
Which card offers better value for money on the used market?
When considering the used market, the RX 480 often presents better overall value. While the RX 390 might have a lower initial price, the RX 480’s superior performance, better power efficiency, and newer architecture provide a more compelling long-term investment for gaming. The difference in performance often justifies a slightly higher price for the RX 480. (See Also: Laser Vs Inkjet )
Does the RX 480 support newer technologies that the RX 390 doesn’t?
The RX 480, being built on a newer architecture, generally has better support for modern graphics APIs and features. While both cards support DirectX 12, the RX 480’s architecture is more optimized for these newer technologies, potentially leading to better performance and compatibility in future games that leverage these advancements.
Which card is easier to keep cool?
The RX 480 is considerably easier to keep cool due to its superior power efficiency. It generates less heat than the RX 390, meaning your PC’s cooling system won’t have to work as hard to maintain optimal temperatures. This can lead to quieter operation and potentially extend the lifespan of your components.
Final Verdict
The RX 480 emerges as the clear victor in this comparison. Its modern architecture delivers superior performance, especially in contemporary games, while its significantly improved power efficiency ensures a cooler and quieter system. While the RX 390 was a capable card in its time, the RX 480 offers a better overall value proposition for gamers seeking a more future-proof and efficient experience, particularly at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
Winner: RX 480