AMD Radeon R9 290: Still Not Good For Linux Users

While OpenArena isn't a really relevant test for modern Linux gamers and for the binary AMD/NVIDIA Linux graphics drivers doesn't really stress a modern OpenGL driver and can push 60+ FPS on any reasonable GPU, the R9 290 performance shows it running ahead of the GeForce GTX 760 but behind the GTX 770... The R9 290 continues to sell for $400 USD or more while the GTX 770 can be found in the ~$350 price range and the GTX 760 goes for just $250+.

When running Unigine Heaven the Radeon R9 290 was just two frames per second faster than the GeForce GTX 770, which really isn't worthwhile given the ~$50 or more price difference. Some R9 290 graphics cards are even approaching the $500 price-tag.

Unigine Valley showed the Radeon R9 290 on the latest Catalyst Linux beta driver running at the same speed as the GeForce GTX 680 and behind the GeForce GTX 770... Compare that to Windows where the Radeon R9 290 can begin to compete with the GeForce GTX 780 (non-Ti)... GTX 680 graphics cards in a refurbished state can be found for sub-$400.