When it comes to gaming, having the right graphics card is crucial for an optimal gaming experience. Two popular graphics cards that gamers often compare are the AMD Radeon R9 M290X and the AMD Radeon RX 580. While both graphics cards are from AMD, they have distinct features and specifications that might make one better suited for gaming compared to the other. In this article, we will compare the AMD Radeon R9 M290X and the AMD Radeon RX 580 and determine which is better for gaming.
Introduction
Before we look at the differences between the two graphics cards, let’s first understand what they are. The AMD Radeon R9 M290X is a mobile graphics card that was released in 2013. It features a clock speed of 900 MHz and 4GB of GDDR5 memory. On the other hand, the AMD Radeon RX 580 is a desktop graphics card that was released in 2017. It features a clock speed of up to 1340 MHz and 8GB of GDDR5 memory.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the AMD Radeon RX 580 outperforms the AMD Radeon R9 M290X. This is because the RX 580 has a higher clock speed and more VRAM. The RX 580 also features the Polaris 20 graphics processor, which is more efficient and has better performance compared to the older Tahiti XT graphics processor that powers the AMD Radeon R9 M290X. The RX 580 also has a higher number of stream processors and texture mapping units, which translates to better gaming performance.
Power Consumption
Another important factor to consider when comparing the two graphics cards is their power consumption. The AMD Radeon RX 580 consumes more power compared to the AMD Radeon R9 M290X. The RX 580 has a TDP of 185 watts, while the R9 M290X has a TDP of 100 watts. This means that the RX 580 is likely to consume more power when running high-end games or applications, which might lead to higher electricity bills.
Heat Dissipation
Heat dissipation is another important factor to consider when comparing the two graphics cards. The AMD Radeon RX 580 runs hotter than the AMD Radeon R9 M290X. The RX 580 has a larger die size and requires more power, which contributes to the heat produced. This means that you might need a more powerful cooling solution for the RX 580, such as liquid cooling or a high-end air cooling system, especially if you plan on overclocking the card. The AMD Radeon R9 M290X, on the other hand, runs cooler since it is a mobile graphics card designed for laptops and has a lower TDP.
Compatibility
Another factor to consider when choosing between the two graphics cards is compatibility. The AMD Radeon RX 580 is a desktop graphics card that requires a desktop computer with a PCIe x16 slot to work. In contrast, the AMD Radeon R9 M290X is a mobile graphics card that is designed for laptops. This means that you cannot use the R9 M290X on a desktop computer and vice versa.
Price
Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing between the two graphics cards. The AMD Radeon RX 580 is a newer and more powerful graphics card compared to the AMD Radeon R9 M290X, and as a result, it is more expensive. The RX 580 typically costs around $200 to $300 more than the R9 M290X. This might be a deciding factor if you are on a tight budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AMD Radeon RX 580 is a better graphics card for gaming compared to the AMD Radeon R9 M290X due to its better performance, higher VRAM, and more efficient architecture. However, the RX 580 is also more expensive and consumes more power, which might be a disadvantage for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two graphics cards depends on your gaming needs and budget. If you are a casual gamer or on a tight budget, the AMD Radeon R9 M290X might still be a viable option. However, if you are a serious gamer and want the best performance, the AMD Radeon RX 580 is an excellent choice.
