Is Upgrading My MSI R9 390 to an AMD 580 Worth It?
When considering whether upgrading from an MSI R9 390 to an AMD 580 is worthwhile, it's essential to weigh the potential performance gains against the total cost. Given the current market and available options, this upgrade might not provide the best value for money.
Current GPU Market Overview
The current GPU landscape is dominated by two major players: Nvidia and AMD. While upgrading to an AMD 580 may seem like a logical step-up from an MSI R9 390, it's important to understand the context in which these GPUs are being consumed.
Performance Comparisons
When compared to the MSI R9 390, the AMD 580 offers only about a 10% improvement in performance. This might not be a significant gain for most users. The AMD RX 590 and AMD R9 Fury series provide a much more substantial performance boost, ranging from 8% to 10%, as well as additional benefits for specific gaming preferences and resolutions.
The RX 590 and R9 Fury
For instance, the AMD RX 590 is capable of handling 1440p gaming at high settings comfortably. Meanwhile, the R9 Fury is powerful enough for low settings at 4K resolution. Therefore, if your gaming preferences include these resolutions, the RX 590 and R9 Fury are more aligned with your needs. Spending a little extra on the RX 590 could be a smarter investment.
Should you decide to go for the AMD 580, it might be more beneficial to invest in the RX 590 instead. The small performance gain, while noticeable, may not justify the cost versus getting a GPU that offers better value and utility.
UserBenchmark Analysis
For a more comprehensive understanding, it's recommended to consult resources like UserBenchmark. UserBenchmark provides detailed performance comparisons and user feedback, which can be invaluable when making such a decision. By using the top result from UserBenchmark, you can gain insights into real-world performance charts and benchmarks. This can be a powerful tool when deciding between different GPU options.
Additionally, the RX 590 offers a fairly solid balance of performance and price-to-performance ratio, making it a more versatile choice. Even if you're upgrading a used GPU, ensuring you get a quality component is crucial.
Final Thoughts
While the AMD 580 might seem like a step forward, it's not necessarily the best upgrade option, especially if you're considering the performance gain versus cost. If you're looking for a more robust upgrade, the AMD RX 590 or even the R9 Fury could be more worthwhile investments. Using tools like UserBenchmark can help you make an informed decision.