![]() ![]() The 4GB of GDDR5 memory runs at 1,450mhz (5.8Gbps effective) and is connected via a 256 bit memory interface. There are 32 ROP's, 112 Texture units and 1792 Stream Processors. AMD's Antigua Pro (Tonga) core is built on the 28nm process. GPU-Z depicts an overview of the Sapphire R9 380 Nitro – which is basically the same as the last generation R9 285, with higher core and memory clocks. Memory and VRMs are actively cooled by the heatsink as well. The four thick copper heatpipes run directly into a big copper base which cools the Antigua (Tonga) core – these heatpipes run into aluminium fins on either side of the GPU core to quickly disperse the heat. The plastic shroud can be easily removed showing the large heatsink underneath in all its glory. Simply plug in two of these cards into a Crossfire capable motherboard and Catalyst Control Center will enable Crossfire options. There are no crossfire connectors on the R9 380 Nitro – as this is based on the R9 285, it has bridgeless Crossfire support. The card takes power from two six pin PCIe power connectors. It is, however, an annoyance to users who want to occasionally connect their system to their big 4K TV for high-resolution media consumption from the likes of Netflix. There is no HDMI 2.0 on this card, although that is unlikely to annoy HTPC gamers with a 4K TV as the R9 380 is not strong enough to push playable frame rates at a 3840×2160 resolution. There is a full sized HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort underneath an exhaust vent. ![]() The card is equipped with two DVI ports, one DVI-I and one DVI-D. The card measures in at almost 240mm, meaning that compatibility and installation issues are unlikely. The PCB is black, to match the matte finish of the cooler. Sapphire's Nitro cooler is very understated which will appeal to the enthusiast audience who have an inherent adverse reaction to flashing lights and bright colours. We always advise people to get the latest driver direct from AMD's website as the driver on the optical disc may be a couple of revisions older. The bundle contains a video adapter, literature, and a software/driver disc. The rear of the box highlights the Nitro cooler in the form of a breakdown diagram. The Sapphire box artwork features another futuristic robotic render with a little window to showcase the Nitro sticker on one of the fans. Sapphire have opted for minor increases on both core and memory clocks, compared against the reference design. The Antigua Pro (formerly Tonga) core on the Sapphire R9 380 Nitro is clocked at 985mhz and the 4GB of GDDR5 memory is running at 1,450MHz (5.8Gbps effective). The Sapphire R9 Nitro 4GB we are analysing today is priced at £179.99 inc vat at Overclockers UK. The R9 380 is a lower cost solution aimed at a much wider enthusiast audience – after all £200 is seen as an affordable sweet spot for many gamers. The matte black finished Nitro series is new for Sapphire – and KitGuru had very positive experiences with their R9 390 Nitro 8GB back in July. What if you only have £200 to spend and need a new graphics card that can handle resolutions up to 1440p? Today we look at the latest Sapphire R9 380 Nitro which is priced to go head to head against Nvidia's GTX960. For many, the R9 Fury X and GTX980Ti are fantasy solutions – dream cards most of us will never be able to afford.
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