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The OCN Official R9 390 / 390X Owners' Club!
The latest refreshment of the Hawaii Pro and Hawaii XT (code named Grenada Pro and Grenada XT respectively) can be found in the new AMD R9 390 and 390X GPU's.
Where the last Hawaii Series was the enthusiest level line of GPU's, the new 300 series will be considered mainstream.
But don't let this relabeling of our beloved Hawaii cards fool you!!! These cards bring some exciting reform to the table!!!
To be added on the member list please submit the following in your post:
1. PROOF- Either GPU-Z Link with OCN name or Screen shot of GPU-Z validation tab open with OCN Name or a simple pic of your actual GPU with your OCN name showing somewhere in the picture.
2. Manufacturer & Model if not reference
3. Cooling - Stock, Aftermarket or 3rd Party Water
Specs (Not much here you haven't seen!)
Reviews:
Owners:
Driver:
UPDATED 7/8/15
HERE
AMD Has now released the 15.7 driver that covers all of their GPU's for Windows 7, 8.1, and Windows 10.
This driver seems to have brought the tessellation improvements found on the original 390/390X 15.15 driver to the entire Hawaii series (290/290X).
I have personally tested the driver and it performs very well in all games tested.
Mainstream you say?
Yes, this card is a mainstream card, though it is on the high-end side of mainstream.
You will find the best performance/per dollar (while still having great 1080P performance) in this range.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Fury X is 11% faster on average than the 390X @ 1080P
and 18% faster on average than the 390X @ 4K yet cost 34% more
2. Fury X is 16% faster on average than the 390 @ 1080P
and 22% faster on average than the 390 @ 4k and cost 49% more
When considering a GPU purchase, please keep overall performance, price, and price/performance ratio in mind. Below is a chart that I will be updating whenever major price changes occur.
WHICH CARD IS FOR ME?
Let's start with some generalizations about each brand that I have simply made for myself based on user information....
then we will branch off into details and photos...Here is a beak down on what I have seen with these cards so far. Keep in mind that aesthetics were not considered, as that is a personal preference
XFX= Full cover waterblock available. SEE COOLING SECTION! These are good clockers usually, and cooling is good for core, but not stellar, and VRM cooling has been revised to stay much cooler than early versions of this card.
Sapphire=SEMI-COVER waterblocks are now available from Alphacool!!! Not to mention this card has excellent air cooling. Require 8+8 pin connectors versus 8+6. Some would prefer that, in hopes of obtaining higher OC results, but unfortunately OC results so far on the Nitro and Tri-X are only mediocre-good
Gigabyte= No waterblocks. Well built card, decent cooling, but the voltage is hard locked, so expect clock ceiling to be very limited... most likely 1100 or less.
PowerColor= Offers full cover waterblocks, and also has excellent air cooling, but so far there have only been weak-mediocre-ish overclocking results. 1150 or less on the core seems to be the norm, with most landing between 1130-1140, even despite it's excellent cooling.
MSI= SEMI-COVER waterblocks are now available from Alphacool!! Stock air cooling is good but not great with regards to the core temps, but seems to be very good for the VRM temps. So far, these seem to have the best overclocking results. Most poeople hitting 1160-1200
Asus= (DCU2) Full cover block available. Not much info on these, but theyappears to use the same cooler as the 290 series, which was a poor performing cooler. I have seen very few purchasing the Asus card. Overclock results seem to be average so far, but have very little data to make a general claim.
Asus= (Strix) Unsure on waterblocks with these... stock cooling is good. Very little OC information, but from what I have seen, they are average. Probably in line with Sapphire when it comes to binning.
And now the details and pictures....
>
![devil.gif]()
OVERCLOCKING SECTION
![devil.gif]()
To overclock these cards, one can simply use the Overdrive function of the Catalyst Control Center, but for anyone wanting to overclock these cards outside the constraints of factory voltage, you will need a third party application. I normally recommend one of the following utilities:
MSI Afterburner (up to 100mv+)
Sapphire Trixx (up to 200mv+)
***Keep in mind that these utilities, to my knowledge, will work with all manufacturers' cards***
Then, there is also Asus' GPU Tweak, but it is not known if this utility supports all 300 series cards yet, or only those supplied by Asus.
It can be found HERE
After gathering more overclocking information from new members, and based on my personal experience, it is apparent that these cards, while capable of reaching respectable clock speeds, are not capable of much higher overclocks than were achieved on the 290/290X cards.
At this point, most members are able to reach speeds of 1090-1150 on stock voltage, which is not very common on the 290 series.
Many members are finding themselves in the 1150-1200 range using 50-100mv+ voltage offset. These results are inline with some of the better clocking 290's I've seen, but not congruent with some of the golden samples I have seen from the 290 series, that will exceed 1200MHz using more than 100mv offset, and these certainly don't seem to like high voltages and clocks over 1200MHz at all.....
It appears that while these cards clock higher than the 290 series using less voltage, they inherently don't clock higher than the 290's using MORE voltage.... (
![kookoo.gif]()
right?) Well actually, here's why.. or at least my current theory as to why.... With the improved "low leakage" silicon used on this series, we are getting higher clocks within a low to moderate voltage range (0-100mv+), but due to the nature of these newer chips, they do not respond to high voltage (over 100mv) because they can not bleed the voltage off. This causes these chip to exhibit higher temps also. They all seem to get to a stopping point (around 1180MHz on average), and then they are simply "done" (I've not seen any stable over 1200mhz, self included). Even in spite of how cool you get them, and how much juice you send. These characteristics are very similar to AMD's improved process to their Vishera family of CPU's. This improved process has major advantages for the average user who does standard overclocking on air using no or mild voltage bumps, however this series may not be the best option for extreme overclockers who plan to put their cards on custom water loops and use high amounts of voltage. Definitely stick with modified 290 boards (ala Lightning / Matrix) for that kind of stuff
![thumb.gif]()
I had theorized early on that these cards would clock much better on water, but as more water results surface, we are still seeing these cards run out at 1200MHz. It's not to say there aren't some samples out there capable of doing marginally better, or who knows, maybe a lot better......
but as of now, these are 1200MHz or less Hawaii cards....
Now, it's not to say they WON'T run at higher clocks, but you won't get better performance, as the cards just tend to give deminish returns at a certain point. This is not due to temps or throttling or power either, it's just simply an "unhappy" card after that point.
I have personally benchmarked my card at 1220 MHz/1750 using 150mv/50mv+, and with no artifacts at all, only to find that it scores better at 1200Mhz at 100mv. And even 1200MHz at 100mv only scores a few more points (FireStrike graphics score) than running at 1190 with 75mv, and 1180MHz on 60mv.
NOW, the non-debatable, and good news for all overclockers... The Memory IC's are hands-down, great clockers on this series, and users are finding themselves in the 1700+ range on a regular basis.
I too was able to break the 1750MHz mark, but only with the addition of AUX voltage.
Anyone finding their cards memory to be capping at 1600MHz may want to try 25-50mv+ (or more) AUX voltage to achieve a higher clock speed.
For members who are overclocking their cards, and would like their results to be reported on the owner spread sheet, PLEASE include your clock speeds, your voltage offset used to achieve them, and a benchmark for some verification.
***More to come on votlage, temps, cooling, etc.... again, PLEASE STAY TUNED!!....***
![post-flame-small.gif]()
: COOLING
![post-flame-small.gif]()
This section will be a work in progress as more information is gathered on coolers, aftermarket blocks, etc...
For those planning on running their cards with factory cooling, keep this in mind:
MANY CARDS are equipped with a zero-state fan feature that completely turns the fan off as long as the temp is under 60c. This will cause idle temps to be very high, but it is completely safe. Also, even when the GPU does break 60c at idle (for example, another member mentioned their idle temp was 65c) the fans will only spin at a very low speed. This is done to maintain a silent experience at idle/general usage.
If you would prefer to reduce the idle temperature, you can create a custom fan profile in one of the third party OC utilities posted in the overclocking section.
COFIRMED (UPDATED 7/15/15)
The only full cover EK blocks that are cross compatible between 290 and 390 series cards, are those manufactured for Asus DCU, XFX DD (ACCORDING TO MEMBERS AND REPORTS, THE XFX CARD IS NO LONGER COMPATIBLE WITH EK BLOCKS!!!! THIS IS DUE TO A PCB/COOLING REVISION TO IMPROVE VRM COOLING.... oh the irony...
![rolleyes.gif]()
), and PowerColor PCS+ cards.
However, Alphacool has now began producing a semi-cover blocks for the Sapphire and MSI cards, which uses a water block, mated to a large passivbe heatsink to cool the VRM's. Good news for owners of those cards, as those cards are both quite popular!
Again, please stay tuned for more information....
Have something to contribute to our main post?
![teaching.gif]()
Contact me through PM and I will make sure any valid and useful information is added, along with you credentials and a nice "thank you!"
![thumb.gif]()
The latest refreshment of the Hawaii Pro and Hawaii XT (code named Grenada Pro and Grenada XT respectively) can be found in the new AMD R9 390 and 390X GPU's.
Where the last Hawaii Series was the enthusiest level line of GPU's, the new 300 series will be considered mainstream.
But don't let this relabeling of our beloved Hawaii cards fool you!!! These cards bring some exciting reform to the table!!!
To be added on the member list please submit the following in your post:
1. PROOF- Either GPU-Z Link with OCN name or Screen shot of GPU-Z validation tab open with OCN Name or a simple pic of your actual GPU with your OCN name showing somewhere in the picture.
2. Manufacturer & Model if not reference
3. Cooling - Stock, Aftermarket or 3rd Party Water
Specs (Not much here you haven't seen!)
390X:
Stream Processors: 2816
Compute Units: 44
Clock Speed: 1050MHz
Compute Performance: 5.9TF
Texture Units: 176
ROPs: 64
Memory: 8GB GDDR5
Memory Interface: 512-bit
Memory Speed: 6.0gpbs
TDP: 275W-300W
Fabrication Process: 28nm
390:
Stream Processors: 2560
Compute Units: 44
Clock Speed: 1000MHz
Compute Performance: 5.9TF
Texture Units: 176
ROPs: 64
Memory: 8GB GDDR5
Memory Interface: 512-bit
Memory Speed: 6.0gpbs
TDP: 275W
Fabrication Process: 28nm
Stream Processors: 2816
Compute Units: 44
Clock Speed: 1050MHz
Compute Performance: 5.9TF
Texture Units: 176
ROPs: 64
Memory: 8GB GDDR5
Memory Interface: 512-bit
Memory Speed: 6.0gpbs
TDP: 275W-300W
Fabrication Process: 28nm
390:
Stream Processors: 2560
Compute Units: 44
Clock Speed: 1000MHz
Compute Performance: 5.9TF
Texture Units: 176
ROPs: 64
Memory: 8GB GDDR5
Memory Interface: 512-bit
Memory Speed: 6.0gpbs
TDP: 275W
Fabrication Process: 28nm
Reviews:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-radeon-r9-390x-r9-380-r7-370,4178.html
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2015-radeon-r9-390x-review
http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/msi-radeon-r9-390x-gaming-8g-oc-review,1.html
http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/graphics/84194-sapphire-radeon-r9-390x-tri-x/
http://hothardware.com/reviews/powercolor-pcs-radeon-r9-390x-8gb-gddr5-review
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/R9_390X_Gaming/
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2015-radeon-r9-390x-review
http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/msi-radeon-r9-390x-gaming-8g-oc-review,1.html
http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/graphics/84194-sapphire-radeon-r9-390x-tri-x/
http://hothardware.com/reviews/powercolor-pcs-radeon-r9-390x-8gb-gddr5-review
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/R9_390X_Gaming/
Owners:
Driver:
UPDATED 7/8/15
HERE
AMD Has now released the 15.7 driver that covers all of their GPU's for Windows 7, 8.1, and Windows 10.
This driver seems to have brought the tessellation improvements found on the original 390/390X 15.15 driver to the entire Hawaii series (290/290X).
I have personally tested the driver and it performs very well in all games tested.
Mainstream you say?
Yes, this card is a mainstream card, though it is on the high-end side of mainstream.
You will find the best performance/per dollar (while still having great 1080P performance) in this range.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Fury X is 11% faster on average than the 390X @ 1080P
and 18% faster on average than the 390X @ 4K yet cost 34% more
2. Fury X is 16% faster on average than the 390 @ 1080P
and 22% faster on average than the 390 @ 4k and cost 49% more
When considering a GPU purchase, please keep overall performance, price, and price/performance ratio in mind. Below is a chart that I will be updating whenever major price changes occur.
WHICH CARD IS FOR ME?
Let's start with some generalizations about each brand that I have simply made for myself based on user information....
then we will branch off into details and photos...Here is a beak down on what I have seen with these cards so far. Keep in mind that aesthetics were not considered, as that is a personal preference
XFX= Full cover waterblock available. SEE COOLING SECTION! These are good clockers usually, and cooling is good for core, but not stellar, and VRM cooling has been revised to stay much cooler than early versions of this card.
Sapphire=SEMI-COVER waterblocks are now available from Alphacool!!! Not to mention this card has excellent air cooling. Require 8+8 pin connectors versus 8+6. Some would prefer that, in hopes of obtaining higher OC results, but unfortunately OC results so far on the Nitro and Tri-X are only mediocre-good
Gigabyte= No waterblocks. Well built card, decent cooling, but the voltage is hard locked, so expect clock ceiling to be very limited... most likely 1100 or less.
PowerColor= Offers full cover waterblocks, and also has excellent air cooling, but so far there have only been weak-mediocre-ish overclocking results. 1150 or less on the core seems to be the norm, with most landing between 1130-1140, even despite it's excellent cooling.
MSI= SEMI-COVER waterblocks are now available from Alphacool!! Stock air cooling is good but not great with regards to the core temps, but seems to be very good for the VRM temps. So far, these seem to have the best overclocking results. Most poeople hitting 1160-1200
Asus= (DCU2) Full cover block available. Not much info on these, but theyappears to use the same cooler as the 290 series, which was a poor performing cooler. I have seen very few purchasing the Asus card. Overclock results seem to be average so far, but have very little data to make a general claim.
Asus= (Strix) Unsure on waterblocks with these... stock cooling is good. Very little OC information, but from what I have seen, they are average. Probably in line with Sapphire when it comes to binning.
And now the details and pictures....
To overclock these cards, one can simply use the Overdrive function of the Catalyst Control Center, but for anyone wanting to overclock these cards outside the constraints of factory voltage, you will need a third party application. I normally recommend one of the following utilities:
MSI Afterburner (up to 100mv+)
Sapphire Trixx (up to 200mv+)
***Keep in mind that these utilities, to my knowledge, will work with all manufacturers' cards***
Then, there is also Asus' GPU Tweak, but it is not known if this utility supports all 300 series cards yet, or only those supplied by Asus.
It can be found HERE
After gathering more overclocking information from new members, and based on my personal experience, it is apparent that these cards, while capable of reaching respectable clock speeds, are not capable of much higher overclocks than were achieved on the 290/290X cards.
At this point, most members are able to reach speeds of 1090-1150 on stock voltage, which is not very common on the 290 series.
Many members are finding themselves in the 1150-1200 range using 50-100mv+ voltage offset. These results are inline with some of the better clocking 290's I've seen, but not congruent with some of the golden samples I have seen from the 290 series, that will exceed 1200MHz using more than 100mv offset, and these certainly don't seem to like high voltages and clocks over 1200MHz at all.....
It appears that while these cards clock higher than the 290 series using less voltage, they inherently don't clock higher than the 290's using MORE voltage.... (
I had theorized early on that these cards would clock much better on water, but as more water results surface, we are still seeing these cards run out at 1200MHz. It's not to say there aren't some samples out there capable of doing marginally better, or who knows, maybe a lot better......
but as of now, these are 1200MHz or less Hawaii cards....
Now, it's not to say they WON'T run at higher clocks, but you won't get better performance, as the cards just tend to give deminish returns at a certain point. This is not due to temps or throttling or power either, it's just simply an "unhappy" card after that point.
I have personally benchmarked my card at 1220 MHz/1750 using 150mv/50mv+, and with no artifacts at all, only to find that it scores better at 1200Mhz at 100mv. And even 1200MHz at 100mv only scores a few more points (FireStrike graphics score) than running at 1190 with 75mv, and 1180MHz on 60mv.
NOW, the non-debatable, and good news for all overclockers... The Memory IC's are hands-down, great clockers on this series, and users are finding themselves in the 1700+ range on a regular basis.
I too was able to break the 1750MHz mark, but only with the addition of AUX voltage.
Anyone finding their cards memory to be capping at 1600MHz may want to try 25-50mv+ (or more) AUX voltage to achieve a higher clock speed.
For members who are overclocking their cards, and would like their results to be reported on the owner spread sheet, PLEASE include your clock speeds, your voltage offset used to achieve them, and a benchmark for some verification.
***More to come on votlage, temps, cooling, etc.... again, PLEASE STAY TUNED!!....***
This section will be a work in progress as more information is gathered on coolers, aftermarket blocks, etc...
For those planning on running their cards with factory cooling, keep this in mind:
MANY CARDS are equipped with a zero-state fan feature that completely turns the fan off as long as the temp is under 60c. This will cause idle temps to be very high, but it is completely safe. Also, even when the GPU does break 60c at idle (for example, another member mentioned their idle temp was 65c) the fans will only spin at a very low speed. This is done to maintain a silent experience at idle/general usage.
If you would prefer to reduce the idle temperature, you can create a custom fan profile in one of the third party OC utilities posted in the overclocking section.
COFIRMED (UPDATED 7/15/15)
The only full cover EK blocks that are cross compatible between 290 and 390 series cards, are those manufactured for Asus DCU, XFX DD (ACCORDING TO MEMBERS AND REPORTS, THE XFX CARD IS NO LONGER COMPATIBLE WITH EK BLOCKS!!!! THIS IS DUE TO A PCB/COOLING REVISION TO IMPROVE VRM COOLING.... oh the irony...
However, Alphacool has now began producing a semi-cover blocks for the Sapphire and MSI cards, which uses a water block, mated to a large passivbe heatsink to cool the VRM's. Good news for owners of those cards, as those cards are both quite popular!
Again, please stay tuned for more information....
Have something to contribute to our main post?
Contact me through PM and I will make sure any valid and useful information is added, along with you credentials and a nice "thank you!"
