AMD Radeon R9 280X Graphics Card Review

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by Rob Williams on October 8, 2013 in Graphics & Displays

Most next-gen GPU launches are a simple affair: Launch one model, then another, and then another. AMD’s latest series is a bit different. In advance of its forthcoming flagship R9 290X, the company decided to push all of its mainstream parts off of the truck at once. So, let’s get started, first with a look at the $299 R9 280X.

Page 6 – Game Tests: Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Total War: SHOGUN 2

Tom Clancy is responsible for a countless number of video games, but his Splinter Cell series has become something special, with each game released having been considered “great” overall. The latest in the series, Blacklist, is no exception, and thankfully for us, its graphics are fantastic, and not to mention intensive. For those who love a stealth element in their games, this is one that shouldn’t be skipped.

RIP, Tom Clancy.

Splinter Cell Blacklist - 1920x1080 Single Monitor
1920×1080 (1 Monitor)

Splinter Cell Blacklist - 5760x1080 Triple Monitor
5760×1080 (3×1 Monitors)

Manual Run-through: From the start of the ‘Safehouse’ level in Benghazi, Libya, we progress through until we reach an apartment building that must be entered – this is where we end the FPS recording.

AMD Radeon R9 280X - Splinter Cell: Blacklist (1920x1080)

AMD Radeon R9 280X - Splinter Cell: Blacklist (2560x1440)

AMD Radeon R9 280X - Splinter Cell: Blacklist (4800x900)

AMD Radeon R9 280X - Splinter Cell: Blacklist (5760x1080)

At the low-end, AMD’s card keeps 15% ahead of NVIDIA’s; at the best, 27%. 1080p = ideal on both; higher, AMD’s card gets the obvious nod.

Total War: SHOGUN 2

Strategy games are well-known for pushing the limits of any system, and few others do this as well as Total War: SHOGUN 2. It fully supports DX11, has huge battlefields to oversee with hundreds or thousands of units, and a ton of graphics options to adjust. It’s quite simply a beast of a game.

Total War: SHOGUN 2 - 1920x1080 Single Monitor
1920×1080 (1 Monitor)

Total War: SHOGUN 2 - 5760x1080 Triple Monitor
5760×1080 (3×1 Monitors)

Manual Run-through: SHOGUN 2 is one of the few games in our suite where the built-in benchmark is opted for. Strategy games in particular are very difficult to benchmark, so this is where I become thankful to have the option of using a built-in benchmark.

AMD Radeon R9 280X - Total War: SHOGUN 2 (1920x1080)

AMD Radeon R9 280X - Total War: SHOGUN 2 (2560x1440)

AMD Radeon R9 280X - Total War: SHOGUN 2 (4800x900)

AMD Radeon R9 280X - Total War: SHOGUN 2 (5760x1080)

Wrapping up our real-world testing, AMD’s card comfortably comes out once again. Up to this point, NVIDIA’s card hasn’t managed to surpass AMD’s in any test – not entirely surprising given the $50 price premium on the AMD card, but even so, for NVIDIA to not come within 10% of AMD’s card speaks volumes about AMD’s attractive price-point here.

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Rob Williams

Rob founded Techgage in 2005 to be an 'Advocate of the consumer', focusing on fair reviews and keeping people apprised of news in the tech world. Catering to both enthusiasts and businesses alike; from desktop gaming to professional workstations, and all the supporting software.

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