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GTX 970 vs Radeon R9 390: Which Graphics Card is Right for You?

If you’re in the market for a new graphics card, you’ve likely heard of the GTX 970 and Radeon R9 390.

These two cards have been popular choices among gamers for years, but which one is better?

In this article, we’ll compare the GTX 970 and Radeon R9 390 in terms of performance, features, and price to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the GTX 970 and Radeon R9 390

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at the key specs of these two graphics cards.

GTX 970

  • CUDA cores: 1664
  • Base clock: 1050 MHz
  • Boost clock: 1178 MHz
  • Memory: 4GB GDDR5
  • Memory clock: 7010 MHz
  • TDP: 145W

Radeon R9 390

  • Stream processors: 2560
  • Base clock: 1000 MHz
  • Boost clock: 1050 MHz
  • Memory: 8GB GDDR5
  • Memory clock: 6000 MHz
  • TDP: 275W

Performance Comparison

When it comes to gaming performance, the GTX 970 and Radeon R9 390 are very similar. Both cards can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings and a solid frame rate.

However, the Radeon R9 390 has a clear advantage when it comes to higher resolutions. With its 8GB of VRAM, it can handle 1440p and even 4K gaming with ease. The GTX 970, on the other hand, may struggle with some games at these resolutions.

In terms of power consumption, the GTX 970 has a lower TDP than the Radeon R9 390. This means it consumes less power and generates less heat, making it a better choice for smaller builds or those with limited cooling options.

Features Comparison

When it comes to features, both the GTX 970 and Radeon R9 390 have a lot to offer. The GTX 970 supports NVIDIA G-Sync, which synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s output to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. It also supports NVIDIA ShadowPlay, which allows you to record and stream gameplay without impacting performance.

The Radeon R9 390, on the other hand, supports AMD FreeSync, which is similar to G-Sync but is an open standard that doesn’t require any additional hardware. It also supports Virtual Super Resolution (VSR), which allows you to render games at a higher resolution and then downscale them to your monitor’s native resolution for improved image quality.

Price Comparison

Finally, let’s talk about price. Both the GTX 970 and Radeon R9 390 are relatively old graphics cards, so they can be found at discounted prices compared to newer models.

As of the time of writing, the GTX 970 can be found for around $150-$200, while the Radeon R9 390 is slightly more expensive at around $200-$250. However, the Radeon R9 390 comes with twice the amount of VRAM as the GTX 970, which could make it a better long-term investment if you’re planning on gaming at higher resolutions.

Conclusion

So, which graphics card is right for you? It depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re on a tight budget and mainly game at 1080p resolution, the GTX 970 is a solid choice. However, if you have a bit more money to spend and want to future-proof your build for higher resolutions, the Radeon R9 390 is the way to go.

FAQs

  1. Is the GTX 970 still worth buying in 2023?
  • While the GTX 970 is a few years old at this point, it can still handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings. However, if you’re planning on gaming at higher resolutions or with more demanding games, it may be worth considering a newer graphics card.
  1. Can the GTX 970 handle VR?
  • Yes, the GTX 970 can handle VR games and experiences, although you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance.
  1. Does the Radeon R9 390 run hot?
  • The Radeon R9 390 does have a higher TDP than the GTX 970, which means it consumes more power and generates more heat. However, with proper cooling and ventilation, it should be able to run at acceptable temperatures.
  1. Can the Radeon R9 390 handle ray tracing?
  • No, the Radeon R9 390 does not support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which is a feature found in newer graphics cards.
  1. Which graphics card is better for video editing?
  • Both the GTX 970 and Radeon R9 390 can handle video editing, but the Radeon R9 390 may have a slight advantage thanks to its higher amount of VRAM. However, for serious video editing work, you may want to consider a newer graphics card with even more VRAM and faster processing capabilities.