Overview
Radeon R9 290 is a High-End Graphics Card based on the First Revision of the Graphics Core Next (GCN) Architecture.

Architecture
The GCN 1.1 revision of the Graphics Core Next Architecture adds new important technologies and is largely oriented for energy efficiency. New technologies such as PowerTune and TrueAudio are the biggest additions as well as DirectX 11.2 support.

GPU
It equips a GPU Codenamed Hawaii PRO which has 60 Compute Units activated and thus offers 2560 Shader Processing Units, 160 TMUs and 64 ROPs. The Central Unit is clocked at 947MHz.

Memory
The GPU accesses a 4GB frame buffer of fast GDDR5, through a 512-bit memory interface. The size of the frame buffer is adequate. The Memory Clock Operates at 1250MHz.

Power Consumption
With a rated board TDP of 275W, it requires at least a 750W PSU with one available 6-pin and one available 8-pin connectors.

Performance
Radeon R9 290 competes with GeForce GTX 780
but it proves to be slower than the latter at resolutions up to 1920x1080 but takes the lead beyond that.

System Suggestions
Radeon R9 290 is best suited for resolutions up to and including 2560x1440. We recommend a Very Strong Processor and 8GB of RAM for Optimal Performance.