AMD Radeon R9 280X vs AMD Radeon R9 380
The AMD Radeon R9 280X is the faster card by roughly 10%. Here is how the two compare across every spec that matters for gaming.
| Specification | AMD Radeon R9 280X | AMD Radeon R9 380 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance score | 11/100 | 10/100 |
| Tier | D | D |
| VRAM | 3 GB | 2 GB |
| Power draw (TDP) | 250 W | 190 W |
| Launch MSRP | $299 | $199 |
| Performance per $100 | 3.7 | 5.0 |
| Release year | 2013 | 2015 |
| DLSS | — No | — No |
| FSR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| XeSS | — No | — No |
| Ray tracing | — No | — No |
Which should you buy?
The AMD Radeon R9 280X is the stronger performer of the two, and it is the default choice if raw frame rate is what you care about. The AMD Radeon R9 280X carries more VRAM (3GB vs 2GB), which matters at 1440p and above and for texture-heavy titles. The AMD Radeon R9 380 draws 60W less, so it is easier on your power supply and case cooling — check the PSU calculator before committing. On launch pricing, the AMD Radeon R9 380 offers better performance per dollar.