R9 285 VS HD 7970 For Upgrade - Tom's Hardware Forum

Search

Everywhere Threads This forum This thread Search titles only Note By: Search Advanced search… Everywhere Threads This forum This thread Search titles only By: Search Advanced… Log in Register What's new

Search

Everywhere Threads This forum This thread Search titles only Note By: Search Advanced search… Everywhere Threads This forum This thread Search titles only By: Search Advanced… Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar Menu Install the app Install How to install the app on iOS

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

• Home
• Featured
• Forums New posts Search forums
• What's new Featured content New posts Latest activity

• Thank you all so much for sharing your 2025 with us. Have a great holiday season and a Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
• Twas the night before Tom's Christmas!

R9 285 VS HD 7970 For Upgrade

• Thread starter Thread starter 3key
• Start date Start date Aug 3, 2016

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar

• Home
• Forums
• Hardware
• Graphics Cards

You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 So currently I can get either a HD 7970 or a R9 285 used for the same price, I have a 650w EVGA 80+ Gold Psu so thats not a problem and a AMD FX 8320 @ 4ghz (Lost the silicon lottery BAD), which shouldn't bottleneck either of these, currently have a R9 270@ 1100mhz. Thanks for any replys. Update: Currently selling One Of My Cards (I had 2 in crossfire but actually performed worse, either compatibility issues or PCIE 2.0 x4 slot holding 1 card back) Here:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PowerColor-R9-270X-/252481856173?hash=item3ac91762ad:g😀ToAAOSwbsBXnLCa (Shameless Ad), If It Sells Then My Budget Will Go Upto £200, May Be Getting R9 290X For £155, Any Other Recommendations Will Be Appreciated. Sort by date Sort by votes

jimmysmitty

Champion

Oct 5, 2007 21,595 596 59,140 Is there a price limit? Because depending on what you plan to pay for either of those you might be able to get a newer GPU for the same or a bit more that would give better performance. Upvote 0 Downvote

Sakkura

Illustrious

Aug 22, 2011 8,129 3 37,965 At stock clocks they'll probably perform fairly similarly, but the 7970 should pull ahead once you overclock (since it's just a lower clocked 280X). The 285 is more power-efficient though, and supports newer features. So that's a bit of a tradeoff. Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 jimmysmitty : Is there a price limit? Because depending on what you plan to pay for either of those you might be able to get a newer GPU for the same or a bit more that would give better performance. My budget is about £130 (Due to leaving the EU, thats about $0.25), and found both the cards locally for about £100, don't mind buying used. Upvote 0 Downvote M

miningshark23

Reputable

Nov 23, 2014 203 0 4,710 I would go for the R9 285, it's a newer GPU and is a great card for 1080p gaming. I have an R9 380 which performs similarly and is a delight. The 7970 is older and has less features but may pull a head in a few benchmarks. The choice is up to you, but my vote is the R9 285. Upvote 0 Downvote

jimmysmitty

Champion

Oct 5, 2007 21,595 596 59,140 http://www.anandtech.com/show/8460/amd-radeon-r9-285-review The R9 280X is the same as a HD7970. The R9 285 overall a much slower GPU. Less SPUs, less TMUs, lower clock speed, lower VRAM speed, less memory bandwidth and less VRAM. The only benefit is that it has 8 ACE engines so if you happen to play a game that uses ASYNC it might actually be better but overall the HD7970 will be the better GPU. There are some GPUs for around $130 British Pounds but the closest I could fins was a R9 380 2GB which is in essence the same thing as a R9 280 2GB. Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 jimmysmitty : http://www.anandtech.com/show/8460/amd-radeon-r9-285-review The R9 280X is the same as a HD7970. The R9 285 overall a much slower GPU. Less SPUs, less TMUs, lower clock speed, lower VRAM speed, less memory bandwidth and less VRAM. The only benefit is that it has 8 ACE engines so if you happen to play a game that uses ASYNC it might actually be better but overall the HD7970 will be the better GPU. There are some GPUs for around $130 British Pounds but the closest I could fins was a R9 380 2GB which is in essence the same thing as a R9 280 2GB. Due to your suggestion, I might purchase this: http://www.ebuyer.com/730576-sapphire-nitro-r9-380-4gb-gddr5-dvi-i-dvi-d-hdmi-displayport-pci-e-graphics-11242-13-20g?mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=51482416379&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKEAjwz4u9BRCbioK3stnBznESJADA75xbRQwYK-apXXjb6tERNJJmPvE7xIhk3L9pFVFrBcry4RoCY_nw_wcB, great seller in UK, bought my current R9 270 from there back in 2014 (I think) for £200, bit of a Rip-off, bought my cheap HP laptop from there and an Athlon XP based Acer PC back in 2005. Upvote 0 Downvote

jimmysmitty

Champion

Oct 5, 2007 21,595 596 59,140 Has more VRAM but lower others: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1495?vs=1591 The HD7970 still comes up better in most games. Upvote 0 Downvote M

miningshark23

Reputable

Nov 23, 2014 203 0 4,710 3key : jimmysmitty : http://www.anandtech.com/show/8460/amd-radeon-r9-285-review The R9 280X is the same as a HD7970. The R9 285 overall a much slower GPU. Less SPUs, less TMUs, lower clock speed, lower VRAM speed, less memory bandwidth and less VRAM. The only benefit is that it has 8 ACE engines so if you happen to play a game that uses ASYNC it might actually be better but overall the HD7970 will be the better GPU. There are some GPUs for around $130 British Pounds but the closest I could fins was a R9 380 2GB which is in essence the same thing as a R9 280 2GB. Due to your suggestion, I might purchase this: http://www.ebuyer.com/730576-sapphire-nitro-r9-380-4gb-gddr5-dvi-i-dvi-d-hdmi-displayport-pci-e-graphics-11242-13-20g?mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=51482416379&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKEAjwz4u9BRCbioK3stnBznESJADA75xbRQwYK-apXXjb6tERNJJmPvE7xIhk3L9pFVFrBcry4RoCY_nw_wcB, great seller in UK, bought my current R9 270 from there back in 2014 (I think) for £200, bit of a Rip-off, bought my cheap HP laptop from there and an Athlon XP based Acer PC back in 2005. That's the exact GPU that I purchased off of Amazon a few weeks ago, so far it is working flawlessly performance wise and it outperforms anything else in its price range and for the cherry on top I believe that one comes with a backplate. Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 miningshark23 : 3key : jimmysmitty : http://www.anandtech.com/show/8460/amd-radeon-r9-285-review The R9 280X is the same as a HD7970. The R9 285 overall a much slower GPU. Less SPUs, less TMUs, lower clock speed, lower VRAM speed, less memory bandwidth and less VRAM. The only benefit is that it has 8 ACE engines so if you happen to play a game that uses ASYNC it might actually be better but overall the HD7970 will be the better GPU. There are some GPUs for around $130 British Pounds but the closest I could fins was a R9 380 2GB which is in essence the same thing as a R9 280 2GB. Due to your suggestion, I might purchase this: http://www.ebuyer.com/730576-sapphire-nitro-r9-380-4gb-gddr5-dvi-i-dvi-d-hdmi-displayport-pci-e-graphics-11242-13-20g?mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=51482416379&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKEAjwz4u9BRCbioK3stnBznESJADA75xbRQwYK-apXXjb6tERNJJmPvE7xIhk3L9pFVFrBcry4RoCY_nw_wcB, great seller in UK, bought my current R9 270 from there back in 2014 (I think) for £200, bit of a Rip-off, bought my cheap HP laptop from there and an Athlon XP based Acer PC back in 2005. That's the exact GPU that I purchased off of Amazon a few weeks ago, so far it is working flawlessly performance wise and it outperforms anything else in its price range and for the cherry on top I believe that one comes with a backplate. Only Just noticed that! Seriously considering that and OCing the hell out of it, just will see if my 270x sells! Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 Don't mind the slight lack of speed, the higher vram amount of the 380 and the fact it's new, I know what cooler I'm getting (Cards only had stock photos) and also the sapphire card I'm thinking of getting has a backplate, so if the R9 270x dosen't sell, that's what I'm getting. Upvote 0 Downvote M

miningshark23

Reputable

Nov 23, 2014 203 0 4,710 3key : Don't mind the slight lack of speed, the higher vram amount of the 380 and the fact it's new, I know what cooler I'm getting (Cards only had stock photos) and also the sapphire card I'm thinking of getting has a backplate, so if the R9 270x dosen't sell, that's what I'm getting. It's a more than solid card. Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 miningshark23 : 3key : Don't mind the slight lack of speed, the higher vram amount of the 380 and the fact it's new, I know what cooler I'm getting (Cards only had stock photos) and also the sapphire card I'm thinking of getting has a backplate, so if the R9 270x dosen't sell, that's what I'm getting. It's a more than solid card. Which One? Upvote 0 Downvote

jimmysmitty

Champion

Oct 5, 2007 21,595 596 59,140 3key : Don't mind the slight lack of speed, the higher vram amount of the 380 and the fact it's new, I know what cooler I'm getting (Cards only had stock photos) and also the sapphire card I'm thinking of getting has a backplate, so if the R9 270x dosen't sell, that's what I'm getting. I would prefer new as well, mainly because of a warranty and it is in new condition, so I agree with you. I just want to make sure you have the facts to make a well informed decision. Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 jimmysmitty : 3key : Don't mind the slight lack of speed, the higher vram amount of the 380 and the fact it's new, I know what cooler I'm getting (Cards only had stock photos) and also the sapphire card I'm thinking of getting has a backplate, so if the R9 270x dosen't sell, that's what I'm getting. I would prefer new as well, mainly because of a warranty and it is in new condition, so I agree with you. I just want to make sure you have the facts to make a well informed decision. Sure thing, thanks for replys! Upvote 0 Downvote

Sakkura

Illustrious

Aug 22, 2011 8,129 3 37,965 jimmysmitty : http://www.anandtech.com/show/8460/amd-radeon-r9-285-review The R9 280X is the same as a HD7970. The R9 285 overall a much slower GPU. Less SPUs, less TMUs, lower clock speed, lower VRAM speed, less memory bandwidth and less VRAM. The only benefit is that it has 8 ACE engines so if you happen to play a game that uses ASYNC it might actually be better but overall the HD7970 will be the better GPU. There are some GPUs for around $130 British Pounds but the closest I could fins was a R9 380 2GB which is in essence the same thing as a R9 280 2GB. The 285 is not much slower; it's on par with the 280. In addition, the 7970 is clocked lower than the 280X and thus doesn't perform as well at stock clocks; it's probably about on par with the 285. But the 7970 should have more overclocking headroom. As for less VRAM, that's counteracted by the 285 having improved compression that lets it use the memory more efficiently. Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 Sakkura : jimmysmitty : http://www.anandtech.com/show/8460/amd-radeon-r9-285-review The R9 280X is the same as a HD7970. The R9 285 overall a much slower GPU. Less SPUs, less TMUs, lower clock speed, lower VRAM speed, less memory bandwidth and less VRAM. The only benefit is that it has 8 ACE engines so if you happen to play a game that uses ASYNC it might actually be better but overall the HD7970 will be the better GPU. There are some GPUs for around $130 British Pounds but the closest I could fins was a R9 380 2GB which is in essence the same thing as a R9 280 2GB. The 285 is not much slower; it's on par with the 280. In addition, the 7970 is clocked lower than the 280X and thus doesn't perform as well at stock clocks; it's probably about on par with the 285. But the 7970 should have more overclocking headroom. As for less VRAM, that's counteracted by the 285 having improved compression that lets it use the memory more efficiently. Or I could Purchase a R9 380 which is basically a oced 285... Upvote 0 Downvote

jimmysmitty

Champion

Oct 5, 2007 21,595 596 59,140 Sakkura : jimmysmitty : http://www.anandtech.com/show/8460/amd-radeon-r9-285-review The R9 280X is the same as a HD7970. The R9 285 overall a much slower GPU. Less SPUs, less TMUs, lower clock speed, lower VRAM speed, less memory bandwidth and less VRAM. The only benefit is that it has 8 ACE engines so if you happen to play a game that uses ASYNC it might actually be better but overall the HD7970 will be the better GPU. There are some GPUs for around $130 British Pounds but the closest I could fins was a R9 380 2GB which is in essence the same thing as a R9 280 2GB. The 285 is not much slower; it's on par with the 280. In addition, the 7970 is clocked lower than the 280X and thus doesn't perform as well at stock clocks; it's probably about on par with the 285. But the 7970 should have more overclocking headroom. As for less VRAM, that's counteracted by the 285 having improved compression that lets it use the memory more efficiently. Unless he is getting a first gen HD 7970 this is probably a HD7970GHz, most people just call them HD7970. If it is a HD7970GHz then it is clocked at the same speed as a R9 280X. My HD7970GHz Vapor-X is clocked at 1050bas with a 1100 boost. Same as the R9 280X Vapor-X. Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 If my 270x sells, which would be better, a used 290x/290 or a new 380x here:http://www.ebuyer.com/729764-powercolor-r9-380x-myst-edition-4gb-gddr5-dual-dvi-hdmi-displayport-pci-e-axr9-380x-4gbd5-ppdhe?mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=51482416379&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKEAjwz4u9BRCbioK3stnBznESJADA75xbkbyB-ERhFpdqkozlPIeoOste9zDQtUBvx5CZ2aSAlRoCgTfw_wcB, i know the 290x would be faster but they run WAY hotter if I get a stock card and use WAY more power, is the heat and power worth it. (Keep in mind I really like powercolor cards, my 2 PowerColor R9 270s overclocked VERY well and I have never seen temps above 78C. Upvote 0 Downvote

jimmysmitty

Champion

Oct 5, 2007 21,595 596 59,140 A stock R9 290x290x, and by stock I mean the blower cooler, is not worth it as it will throttle a lot due to the blower not being able to keep it under its target temp. If the 270X sells a 380X would not be a bad card as it was similar to a HD7970/280X but improved in some ways (more VRAM, faster VRAM, ACE engines etc). Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 jimmysmitty : A stock R9 290x290x, and by stock I mean the blower cooler, is not worth it as it will throttle a lot due to the blower not being able to keep it under its target temp. If the 270X sells a 380X would not be a bad card as it was similar to a HD7970/280X but improved in some ways (more VRAM, faster VRAM, ACE engines etc). I was thinking about that, and as I plan to overclock these cards to the limit (My current 270 cannot be pushed any further, 5mhz more and it crashes.), my only other option is either wait for the RX 470 or for the RX 480 4gb to be in stock (reference xfx on ebuyer.com), but that won't be until the 19th, and I'm not in the slightest bit pacient. Upvote 0 Downvote

3key

Reputable

Jul 18, 2015 39 0 4,540 Update: This litterly just showed up: https://www.cclonline.com/product/213907/11256-01-20G/Graphics-Cards/Sapphire-Radeon-RX-470-Nitro-Plus-4GB-OC-Graphics-Card/VGA3571/?gclid=CjwKEAjwz4u9BRCbioK3stnBznESJADA75xbelMg3_YlU8dQ5IKTiznpbYxCzxBnDefInmsI_pg71RoCHSXw_wcB If the price goes down, or the card sells for a tiny bit more, it's a possibility. Upvote 0 Downvote You must log in or register to reply here. Share: Facebook X Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link

TRENDING THREADS

• DiscussionWhat's your favourite video game you've been playing?
  • Started by amdfangirl
  • Aug 3, 2014
  • Replies: 4K
  PC Gaming
• QuestionDid AMD drop driver support for the rx 6600?
  • Started by Birl
  • Today at 1:02 PM
  • Replies: 9
  Graphics Cards
• NewsNvidia GeForce RTX 5090 power wire reportedly caught fire despite using the original cable
  • Started by Admin
  • Today at 7:15 AM
  • Replies: 26
  News Comments
• QuestionWin10 treats my SSD as two separate SSDs... I think
  • Started by The_Lancer
  • Today at 11:06 AM
  • Replies: 7
  Storage
• NewsRegistry hack enables new performance-boosting native NVMe support on Windows 11 — Windows Server 2025 feature can be unlocked for consumer PCs, bu...
  • Started by Admin
  • Dec 20, 2025
  • Replies: 76
  News Comments
• QuestionTime/Date reset problem
  • Started by nostall
  • Today at 12:14 PM
  • Replies: 5
  Systems
• C QuestionBoth monitors randomly go full color, my main monitor goes white and my second monitor goes green
  • Started by cre1dann
  • Today at 3:09 PM
  • Replies: 2
  Graphics Cards

Latest posts

• 2 Build AdviceUpgrading my desktop PC to make it Windows 11 compatible ?
  • Latest: 22547mike
  • 1 minute ago
  Systems
• QuestionFirst startup problem that requires a hard restart
  • Latest: COLGeek
  • 4 minutes ago
  Systems
• QuestionPrebuilt PC arrived without components connected inside console
  • Latest: USAFRet
  • 34 minutes ago
  Prebuilt & Enterprise
• QuestionMy GPU is not being detected and I can’t find a fix anywhere that works for me ?
  • Latest: beyondlogic
  • Today at 9:31 PM
  Graphics Cards
• QuestionI upgraded my PC and now it keeps crashing and I can't seem to put my finger on it ?
  • Latest: beyondlogic
  • Today at 9:27 PM
  Systems
• QuestionWhat is the least expensive card that can do 5K2K at 60Hz?
  • Latest: Aeacus
  • Today at 9:20 PM
  Graphics Cards
• QuestionDid AMD drop driver support for the rx 6600?
  • Latest: beyondlogic
  • Today at 9:14 PM
  Graphics Cards

Moderators online

• 
• 

Share this page

Facebook X Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link COMPANY Space.com is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. RESOURCES

• Advertising
• Cookies Policies
• Privacy
• Term & Conditions
• Topics

FOLLOW Facebook Twitter Instagram Top Bottom