GeForce GTX 680MX vs Radeon R9 290X

When comparing GeForce GTX 680MX and Radeon R9 290X, we look primarily at benchmarks and game tests. But it is not only about the numbers. Often you can find third-party models with higher clock speeds, better cooling, or a customizable RGB lighting. Not all of them will have all the features you need. Another thing to consider is the port selection. Most graphics cards have at least one DisplayPort and HDMI interface, but some monitors require DVI. Before you buy, check the TDP of the graphics card - this characteristic will help you estimate the consumption of the graphics card. You may even have to upgrade your PSU to meet its requirements. An important factor when choosing between GeForce GTX 680MX and Radeon R9 290X is the price. Does the additional cost justify the performance hit? Our comparison should help you make the right decision.

GeForce GTX 680MX is a Laptop Graphics Card

Note: GeForce GTX 680MX is only used in laptop graphics. It has lower GPU clock speed compared to the desktop variant, which results in lower power consumption, but also 10-30% lower gaming performance. Check available laptop models with GeForce GTX 680MX here:

Main Specs

  GeForce GTX 680MX Radeon R9 290X
Power consumption (TDP) 122 Watt 250 Watt
Interface PCIe 3.0 x16
Supplementary power connectors 1 x 6-pin + 1 x 8-pin
Memory type GDDR5 GDDR5
Maximum RAM amount 2 GB 4 GB
Display Connectors 2x DVI, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort
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  • Radeon R9 290X has 104% more power consumption, than GeForce GTX 680MX.
  • Radeon R9 290X has 2 GB more memory, than GeForce GTX 680MX.
  • GeForce GTX 680MX is used in Laptops, and Radeon R9 290X - in Desktops.
  • GeForce GTX 680MX is build with Kepler architecture, and Radeon R9 290X - with GCN.
  • GeForce GTX 680MX and Radeon R9 290X are manufactured by 28 nm process technology.
  • Memory clock speed of GeForce GTX 680MX is 1250 MHz higher, than Radeon R9 290X.

Game benchmarks

high / 1080p 21−24 35−40
ultra / 1080p 12−14 24−27
QHD / 1440p 7−8 18−20
4K / 2160p 5−6 10−11
low / 720p 40−45 60−65
medium / 1080p 27−30 45−50
The average gaming FPS of Radeon R9 290X in Assassin's Creed Odyssey is 73% more, than GeForce GTX 680MX.

Full Specs

  GeForce GTX 680MX Radeon R9 290X
Architecture Kepler GCN
Code name Hawaii XT
Type Laptop Desktop
Release date 23 October 2012 24 October 2013
Pipelines 1536 2816
Core clock speed 720 MHz
Boost Clock 947 MHz
Transistor count 3540 Million 6,200 million
Manufacturing process technology 28 nm 28 nm
Texture fill rate 92.2 billion/sec 176.0
Floating-point performance 5,632 gflops
Length 275 mm
Memory bus width 256 Bit 512 Bit
Memory clock speed 2500 MHz 1250 MHz
Memory bandwidth 160 GB/s 320 GB/s
Shared memory - -
DirectX 12 API
Shader Model 6.3
OpenGL 4.5 4.6
OpenCL 1.1 2.0
Vulkan +
CUDA +
Monero / XMR (CryptoNight) 0.76 kh/s
FreeSync +
CUDA cores 1536
Bus support PCI Express 3.0 PCIe 3.0
SLI options +
HDMI +
3D Vision +
Bitcoin / BTC (SHA256) 57 Mh/s 623 Mh/s
Laptop size large
Optimus +
Eyefinity +
HD3D +
TrueAudio +
Design reference
DisplayPort support +
CrossFire +
DDMA audio +
Decred / DCR (Decred) 1.07 Gh/s
Ethereum / ETH (DaggerHashimoto) 25.75 Mh/s
Zcash / ZEC (Equihash) 350 Sol/s
AppAcceleration +
LiquidVR +
TressFX +
UVD +
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