Radeon R9 280 3GB

3GB GDDR5. Documented release: March 2014.

THE RECORDED NUMBERS

R9 280 3GB benchmark

Benchmark FPS at 1080p: 49 FPS
Our rating: 37.9 /100
R9280s we've tested: 3
Recorded benchmark rank: #138 of 257 variants

Historical total for this model.

GPUsed’s continuous 1080p FurMark workload. These figures compare that benchmark, not FPS in a particular game. Historical quantities are supplied model or family totals, not the retained sample size of the displayed FPS average.

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GPUSED’S TAKE

The verdict

The 3GB R9 280 kept AMD's Tahiti GPU busy under a new name. It was a sturdy 1080p performer with more memory than several nearby rivals, and later price cuts made the familiar design easier to recommend than its refresh status suggested.

GPUsed Legend Rating

5.7 /10

5.7 out of 10

Our editorial rating of its legacy and character. It is separate from benchmark performance and is not an audience vote.

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THE EXACT VERSION

Identity and release

Model: Radeon R9 280 3GB
Memory: 3GB GDDR5
Documented release: March 2014
Release event: first documented retail availability
Release scope: MSI R9 280 GAMING 3G dated 15 March 2014 retail release in Japan

Japanese distributor ASK lists MSI's R9 280 GAMING 3G with 3072 MB GDDR5, distinct from the R9 280X.

A board-specific test SKU is not supplied with this profile. It identifies the recorded GPU variant; a particular card’s dimensions, cooler and power connections need their own check.

PICK ITS OPPONENT

R9 280 3GB comparisons

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CHECK THE RECEIPTS

Profile sources

Reviewed 3 October 2026. The release date above uses the documented event and scope shown in this profile.

Profile references support the identity and editorial context. The benchmark FPS and historical quantities are GPUsed’s supplied records.