The AMD Radeon R9 380, released in 2015, was once a powerful mid-range graphics card that dominated the gaming scene. With its 2048 Stream processors, 4GB of GDDR5 memory, and 128-bit memory bus, it was capable of delivering smooth performance at high resolutions. But, as technology advances at an incredible pace, the question arises: is the R9 380 still good?
A Brief History of the R9 380
The R9 380 was based on the Antigua GPU, which was a modified version of the Tonga GPU from the R9 285. AMD’s goal was to create a more efficient and powerful GPU that would appeal to gamers on a budget. The R9 380 was positioned as a sweet spot between the R9 370 and the R9 390, offering a balance of performance and price. It was available in both 2GB and 4GB variants, with the latter being the more popular choice.
Original Performance and Features
At its launch, the R9 380 impressed gamers with its ability to handle modern games at high resolutions. It boasted a core clock speed of 970 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1020 MHz. The 4GB GDDR5 memory provided ample bandwidth for demanding games, and its 128-bit memory bus ensured efficient data transfer.
Some notable features of the R9 380 included:
- DirectX 12 support, allowing for improved performance and compatibility with modern games
- Multi-threaded processing, enabling the GPU to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- FreeSync technology, reducing screen tearing and providing a smoother gaming experience
- Virtual Super Resolution (VSR), allowing gamers to play at higher resolutions than their monitor’s native resolution
Performance in Modern Games
Fast-forward to the present, and the R9 380’s performance is still respectable, but it’s not without its limitations. In modern games, the R9 380 struggles to maintain high frame rates at high resolutions and detail settings.
- In Fortnite, the R9 380 can deliver around 40-50 FPS at 1080p resolution with medium to high detail settings.
- In PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), the R9 380 can manage around 30-40 FPS at 1080p resolution with medium to high detail settings.
- In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the R9 380 can only achieve around 20-30 FPS at 1080p resolution with medium detail settings.
As you can see, the R9 380’s performance has dropped significantly, especially in more demanding games. This is because modern games are optimized to take advantage of newer graphics technologies, leaving older GPUs like the R9 380 struggling to keep up.
Comparison to Modern Graphics Cards
To put the R9 380’s performance into perspective, let’s compare it to some modern graphics cards:
| Graphics Card | Resolution | Frame Rate (FPS) |
| — | — | — |
| R9 380 | 1080p | 40-50 |
| Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super | 1080p | 60-70 |
| AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT | 1440p | 60-70 |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 | 1440p | 80-100 |
As you can see, the R9 380 is no match for modern graphics cards, even in the mid-range segment. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super, for example, offers significantly better performance at a similar price point.
Is the R9 380 Still Worth It?
Despite its limitations, the R9 380 is still a viable option for those on a tight budget or looking to upgrade from an even older GPU. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision:
Pros:
- Affordable price point, making it an attractive option for those on a budget
- Still capable of delivering smooth performance in older games
- Wide range of available models and brands, offering flexibility in choosing the right card
Cons:
- Outdated architecture and technology, making it less efficient and less capable than modern GPUs
- Limited performance in modern games, even at lower resolutions and detail settings
- Lack of support for newer features and technologies, such as ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics
If you’re looking to upgrade from an older GPU or are on an extremely tight budget, the R9 380 might still be a viable option. However, if you’re looking for a more future-proof solution or want to play modern games at high resolutions, it’s worth considering newer graphics cards like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super or the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT.
Conclusion
The AMD Radeon R9 380 was a powerful mid-range graphics card in its time, but it’s now showing its age. While it can still deliver smooth performance in older games, its limitations in modern titles and lack of support for newer features make it less desirable. If you’re in the market for a new graphics card, it’s worth exploring newer options that offer better performance, efficiency, and features. However, if you’re on an extremely tight budget or looking for a temporary upgrade, the R9 380 might still be worth considering.
What is the AMD R9 380 and is it still available?
The AMD R9 380 is a high-performance graphics card released in 2015 as part of the Radeon R9 series. It’s based on the Antigua GPU architecture and features 1792 stream processors, 112 texture units, and 32 ROPs. Although it’s an older model, the R9 380 can still be found for sale on online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, usually from third-party sellers. However, be wary of the prices and the condition of the used cards, as they may not come with warranties or support.
Since the R9 380 is no longer a current-generation product, you’re unlikely to find it on store shelves or as part of new system builds. If you’re looking for a similar performance profile in a modern graphics card, you may want to consider newer options like the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT or the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super. Keep in mind that these newer cards will likely come with better power efficiency, new features, and improved performance.
What kind of performance can I expect from the R9 380?
The R9 380 is a powerful graphics card that can handle demanding games at high resolutions. At its launch, it was capable of producing over 60 FPS in popular titles like Assassin’s Creed Unity, Far Cry 4, and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor at 1440p (2560×1440) resolution with high graphics settings. It can also handle 4K gaming (3840×2160) at lower graphics settings. However, its performance will vary depending on the specific game, graphics settings, and system configuration.
In recent years, the R9 380’s performance has become more average, and it may struggle to maintain high frame rates in newer, more demanding games. Additionally, the R9 380 lacks some of the modern features and technologies found in newer graphics cards, such as DirectX Raytracing, AI-enhanced graphics, and variable rate shading. Still, for its age, the R9 380 remains a capable performer, especially for those who want to play older games or less demanding titles.
How does the R9 380 compare to newer graphics cards?
Compared to newer graphics cards, the R9 380 is generally outperformed by mid-to-high-end options from AMD and Nvidia. For example, the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 both offer significantly better performance, power efficiency, and features. However, the R9 380 still holds its own against some lower-tier modern graphics cards, such as the AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT or the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super.
That being said, the R9 380 has a certain charm for those who want a powerful, older graphics card without breaking the bank. If you can find a good deal on a used or refurbished R9 380, it might still be a viable option for 1080p or 1440p gaming. Just be aware that you’ll miss out on the latest features, power efficiency, and performance optimizations found in newer cards.
Is the R9 380 power-hungry and noisy?
Yes, the R9 380 is considered a power-hungry graphics card, with a TDP (thermal design power) of 190W. This means it requires a 6-pin power connector and can draw significant power from the system’s power supply. Furthermore, the R9 380 can generate a fair amount of heat, which may lead to higher system temperatures and increased fan noise.
To mitigate these concerns, make sure your system has a sufficient power supply, and consider a well-ventilated case with good airflow. You may also want to adjust the fan profile or use a custom fan curve to reduce noise levels. However, if power efficiency is a top priority, you may want to consider newer graphics cards that have made significant strides in reducing power consumption.
Can I overclock the R9 380 for better performance?
Yes, the R9 380 can be overclocked to squeeze out additional performance. You can use software tools like AMD’s Radeon Software or third-party utilities like MSI Afterburner to adjust the GPU clock speed, memory clock speed, and voltage. However, be cautious when overclocking, as excessive temperatures, voltage, or clock speeds can reduce the lifespan of the graphics card or cause system instability.
Before overclocking, ensure your system’s power supply can handle the increased power draw, and consider investing in a high-quality cooling solution to keep temperatures in check. Additionally, be aware that overclocking may void your warranty, if applicable.
What kind of system requirements does the R9 380 need?
The R9 380 requires a 6-pin power connector and a minimum power supply of 500W. It’s also essential to have a compatible motherboard with a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and a sufficient amount of system memory (at least 8GB of RAM). Additionally, the R9 380 supports Windows 10 (64-bit) and Linux operating systems.
In terms of CPU, a mid-to-high-end processor from the Core i5 or Core i7 families (Intel) or the FX-8000 or Ryzen families (AMD) should provide a good match for the R9 380. However, the specific system requirements may vary depending on the games or applications you want to run.
Is the R9 380 still worth buying in 2023?
The R9 380 can still be a good option for those on a tight budget or looking for a low-cost, high-performance graphics card for older games or less demanding titles. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. If you can find a good deal on a used or refurbished R9 380, it might be a viable option. But if you’re looking for the latest features, power efficiency, and top-notch performance, you’re better off considering newer graphics cards.
Ultimately, whether the R9 380 is still worth buying in 2023 depends on your specific needs and expectations. If you’re willing to compromise on performance and features, the R9 380 can still provide a good gaming experience. But if you want the best possible performance and latest technologies, it’s worth exploring newer options.