ASUS STRIX Radeon R9 390 8GB graphics card

ASUS STRIX R9 390 8GB graphics card

The ASUS STRIX R9 390 is an 8GB graphics card built on the AMD Radeon R9 300 Series GPU. It targets gamers who want high frame rates at 1440p and entry-level 4K using a 512-bit GDDR5 memory interface and PCI Express 3.0 connectivity. The card supports DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.4 for modern API features and is marked Virtual Reality Ready for headset use. Outputs include one HDMI, three DisplayPort and one DVI connector for multi-monitor setups.

Installation experience and common issues

The card fits a standard PCI Express 3.0 slot and requires sufficient case length and two 8-pin power connectors for its 275W TDP. DirectCU III with Triple Wing-Blade 0dB Fan Design keeps the cooler silent at low loads, but the triple-slot thickness can block adjacent motherboard headers in compact builds. Driver installation is straightforward, though some users report occasional fan-curve resets after GPU Tweak II updates that require a profile reload.

Who this suits and who should look elsewhere

This model suits enthusiasts who value 8GB VRAM for texture-heavy titles and appreciate factory overclock headroom with 1050 MHz Gaming Mode and 1070 MHz OC Mode. Builders with limited case clearance or modest power supplies should consider smaller, lower-TDP alternatives. Users needing newer architecture features such as hardware ray tracing or AV1 decode will need to look at more recent GPU generations.