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Upgrade now to use AMD FreeSync or wait for new GPUs?

snoopy2k

snoopy2k

snoopy2k

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Joined
10 Jul 2013
Posts
16
I currently have a R9 280x and have just recently purchased a 144hz FreeSync monitor. Unfortunately the 280x isn't compatible with FreeSync and being unable to fully enjoy the high refresh rate due to the stuttering is frustrating.

Would it be best to do a smallish upgrade now to a 290/x or 390/x in order to use FreeSync or wait for the new AMD GPUs later in the year?
 
280X is compatible with Freesync, however is not powerful enough to keep the lowest fps needed for the Freesync to work at 2560x1440, especially if you have raised the graphics settings sky high.

Which monitor you have, which is it's fps band of working Freesync, and what is your fps in games at what settings?
 
Panos said:
280X is compatible with Freesync
Click to expand...

Nope. Only GCN 1.1 cards are, the 280X is GCN 1.0.


OP, upgrade now. Cheap second hand 290 or a new 390 if you can't find a decent priced 290. Might even lean towards the 390 with the extra ram. Can't be waiting around for half a year/maybe more...sell 280x cheap upgrade and get on with it/enjoy.

Think about the new amd stuff when it gets here.
 
Last edited:
Threepwood said:
Nope. Only GCN 1.1 cards are, the 280X is GCN 1.0.


OP, upgrade now. Cheap second hand 290 or a new 390 if you can't find a decent priced 290. Might even lean towards the 390 with the extra ram. Can't be waiting around for half a year/maybe more...sell 280x cheap upgrade and get on with it/enjoy.

Think about the new amd stuff when it gets here.
Click to expand...

What model 390 or 290 would you suggest? Cooling will be factor given that my 280x hits around 85/90 at full load.
 
snoopy2k said:
What model 390 or 290 would you suggest? Cooling will be factor given that my 280x hits around 85/90 at full load.
Click to expand...

The Sapphire nitro 390 :)

Sapphire are AMD's proper partners, they only make AMD cards, like evga only make nvidia cards.


290 wise, don't get a blower reference card.

The sapphire 290's (none reference) have reference printed circuit boards with quality componants and a none blower. I have a couple of the tri-x's, they run cool.

Never buy MSI GPU's. They skimp out on things, and run hot.
 
At this point... in April 2016... I'd choose to wait for new cards. June is only 2 months away for a potential crack at Polaris if it follows in the footsteps of the 300 series from last year.
 
If the OP only has a 1080p monitor then there's no point in waiting. A decent GPU today will drive it just fine. Get on and have fun now.
 
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