AMD
Radeon RX 560 2GB vs Radeon R9 290
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
AMD
R9 290
Aggregate performance score
We've compared RX 560 2GB and R9 290 across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗R9 290 outperforms RX 560 2GB by ~15% on the catalog index; this is not a measured FPS gain.+15%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better. How is this calculated?H2HBench Data Quality
Low confidenceSpecifications: Field verification not recordedVerified gaming results: 0Estimated / unverified results: 32Price record updated: Sep 6, 2026
Limited verified data
H2HBench Verdict
Higher catalog score: Radeon RX 560 2GB (~15%)
The score difference is not a measured FPS improvement.
Reasons to consider RX 560 2GB
- Lower stated power consumption
- Recorded feature support: OpenCL 2.0 / DirectCompute 5.0 · Not supported
Reasons to consider R9 290
- Higher catalog performance index
- Recorded feature support: OpenCL 2.1 · Not supported
Catalog metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
AMDPerformance
Efficiency
Price / performance
Memory capacity
3338
10046
100100
5656
Graphics card ranking
Positions 126–131of 321
Which should you choose?
Two practical conclusions based on community votes and gaming value.
Radeon R9 290
153 likesHead to Head visitors currently choose this model more often.
Radeon R9 290
Price $46.00Based on catalog performance per unit of current market price, not measured FPS.
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
33
38Better
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
30
34Better
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
28
31Better
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
100Better
46
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
53Better
46
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
Device class
DirectX
Vulkan
OpenGL
HDMI
DisplayPort
Max monitors
Max resolution
Recommended PSU
Length
Thickness
TFLOPSBetter
Power consumptionBetter
Memory type
Power connector
Release date
Launch price—
Clock speedBetter
Base clockBetter
Boost clockBetter
VRAMBetter
Memory frequencyBetter
Memory busBetter
Memory bandwidthBetter
Interface
Power consumptionBetter
Process nodeBetter
Architecture
Transistor countBetter
Die sizeBetter
Shader units / coresBetter
Memory cache
USB Type-C
Compute API
Upscaling
Gaming FPS
Available results are shown separately; missing data is not treated as zero.
The Gaming FPS section compares RX 560 2GB and R9 290 across curated H2H Lab game presets. The useful signal is not only average FPS, but also how each device behaves at 1440p and 4K, how memory capacity and bus width affect heavy textures, and whether the game engine favors raster performance, ray tracing, or driver maturity.
RX 560 2GBR9 290
Verified externalEstimatedSources ↗
Counter-Strike 2
1080p High
165 FPS
184 FPS
1080p Ultra
114 FPS
130 FPS
1440p Ultra
63 FPS
80 FPS
4K Ultra
22 FPS
28 FPS
Counter-Strike 2RX 560 2GB165 FPSR9 290184 FPSRX 560 2GB114 FPSR9 290130 FPSRX 560 2GB63 FPSR9 29080 FPSRX 560 2GB22 FPSR9 29028 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077RX 560 2GB107 FPSR9 290119 FPSRX 560 2GB90 FPSR9 290102 FPSRX 560 2GB46 FPSR9 29058 FPSRX 560 2GB15 FPSR9 29019 FPS
Forza Horizon 5RX 560 2GB135 FPSR9 290150 FPSRX 560 2GB86 FPSR9 29097 FPSRX 560 2GB57 FPSR9 29072 FPSRX 560 2GB32 FPSR9 29041 FPS
Hogwarts LegacyRX 560 2GB87 FPSR9 29097 FPSRX 560 2GB72 FPSR9 29081 FPSRX 560 2GB41 FPSR9 29052 FPSRX 560 2GB15 FPSR9 29019 FPS
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
H2H Raster IndexH2H Index / 100333814%
H2H Compute IndexH2H Index / 10038405%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100394310%
H2H Memory Workload IndexH2H Index / 10056560%
H2H Efficiency IndexH2H Index / 1001004674%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
H2H Image Generation IndexH2H Index / 10043467%
H2H ML Training IndexH2H Index / 10042457%
H2H Inference IndexH2H Index / 100394310%
H2H Local LLM IndexH2H Index / 10045486%
H2H Computer Vision IndexH2H Index / 10040437%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
Graphics APIs, SDKs and upscaling
DirectX12.012.0
Vulkan1.21.2
OpenGL4.64.6
UpscalingNot supportedNot supported
Compute APIOpenCL 2.0 / DirectCompute 5.0OpenCL 2.1
Architecture and release
ArchitecturePolarisGCN 2.0
Process node14 nmBetter28 nm
Release date20172013
Device classDesktopDesktop
GPU cores, die and clocks
Transistor count3000 million6200 millionBetter
Die size123 mm²Better438 mm²
Shader units / cores8962816Better
Base clock1175 MHzBetter947 MHz
Boost clock1275 MHzBetter947 MHz
Board size, power and compatibility
InterfacePCIe 3x8PCIe 3x16
LengthVaries by boardVaries by board
ThicknessVaries by boardTriple-slot
Recommended PSUVaries by board950 W
Power connector6 pin6+8 pin
Display outputs and limits
HDMIHDMI 2.0bHDMI 1.4a
DisplayPortDisplayPort 1.4DisplayPort 1.2
USB Type-CNoNo
Max monitorsVaries by board4
Max resolution7680 × 43204096 × 2160
Memory and compute throughput
VRAM2 GB GDDR54 GB GDDR5Better
Memory typeGDDR5GDDR5
Memory bus128 bit512 bitBetter
TFLOPS2.6115.632Better
Other comparisons
Reviews and questions
Explain this comparison
Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.
What AI will explain
Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.
Evidence details
Data coverage
- Verified gaming results
- 0
- Verified synthetic results
- 0
- Games with verified results
- 0
- Verified community results
- 0
- Estimated / unverified results
- 32
- Specifications
- 0 / 69
Calculated scores · How is this calculated?
Scores use the catalog model and may include estimated inputs. Open each score to see its origin and the methodology.
clamp(round(performance × 0.7 + (efficiency ?? 50) × 0.2 + (value is missing ? 0 : (value − 50) × 0.2)), 0, 100)Price evidence · View sources (5)
Verified community results
No verified community benchmarks yet.
Reviewed by
No individual editorial review is recorded for this comparison.
Comparison history
Show recorded changes (5)
- · Record updated: products
- · Record updated: products
- · Record changed: product_prices
- · Record updated: products
- · Record updated: products
Why you can trust this comparison
Origin and confidence are evaluated from the evidence attached to each value. Unverified results are identified, and specification, benchmark and price dates remain separate.
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
Moderator reviewedHelpful to the communityExpert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: RX 560 2GB or R9 290?+
RX 560 2GB has the higher overall gaming score, while RX 560 2GB offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
RX 560 2GB is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.
03Which is better for Blender?+
RX 560 2GB is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
RX 560 2GB offers more overall performance, while RX 560 2GB offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
RX 560 2GB is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
RX 560 2GB is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
RX 560 2GB leads in combined 1440p performance. RX 560 2GB can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
RX 560 2GB is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
RX 560 2GB is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.
10Which is better without replacing the power supply?+
RX 560 2GB is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.
11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?+
Consider upgrading to RX 560 2GB if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.