Review: Sapphire Radeon R9 380X Nitro

Conclusion

AMD's Radeon R9 380X is a fine GPU. Introduced at $229 (£185), the mid-range addition to the R9 300-series line-up offers best-in-class performance coupled with genuine value-adds such as FreeSync compatibility and full DX12 support.

Filling the void between R9 380 and R9 390, the new addition belatedly realises the full potential of the Tonga core and delivers 1440p gaming credentials at a price point no rival GeForce can presently match.

There's nothing particularly ground breaking about the GPU's composition, but it's a clever case of maneuvering and AMD has ultimately hit a sweet spot with the right graphics card, at the right time, and at the right price.

Serving also as a sign of things to come, it could be debated that the days of huge performance innovations with each new GPU are coming to a close. Today's additions are all about delivering greater efficiency as well as a wider ecosystem of software enhancements and display technologies. FreeSync is a prime example, and AMD needs to maintain momentum with the upcoming Radeon Software refresh, codenamed Crimson.

So is this a GPU you should buy? The case for R9 380X will become murkier if retail pricing for partner cards is inflated much beyond the MSRP, but should it stick close to £185, Sapphire's R9 380X Nitro is well worth consideration.

Sapphire Radeon R9 380X Nitro

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The Sapphire Radeon R9 380X Nitro graphics card is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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