The AMD Radeon R9 390, which launched earlier this year, features 8 GB of GDDR5 memory as standard. However, some board partners are starting to release 4 GB variants of the same card at a lower price point, presenting an attractive option for those that don't need a full 8 GB of frame buffer.

So far these cards have only appeared at Chinese retailer JD.com , although they could hit other markets shortly. The most expensive of the options is from PowerColor, with their triple-fan-cooled 4 GB model going for approximately US$325. A dual-fan model from Sapphire is available for $309, while a similar product from XFX costs $305.





Typical 8 GB Radeon R9 390 models go for around $330, so there is a small saving to be made by choosing a 4 GB model. However, depending on the day and the current crop of rebate offerings, you can get an 8 GB R9 390 for as low as $290, making the new 4 GB model somewhat redundant at the above, converted prices.





Of course there is a chance that when (and if) these cards reach the United States, they will be priced at a reasonable point below the current 8 GB models. There is currently a sizable gap in price between the R9 390 and the R9 380X, where a 4 GB model of the R9 390 could slot in nicely.

Interestingly, a 4 GB variant of the R9 390 is essentially a simple rebrand of its predecessor, the Radeon R9 290, that launched with 4 GB of GDDR5. Unless you're gaming at 4K or other high resolutions, 4 GB of frame buffer should be sufficient for today's games, although if you want to future proof your purchase, opting for the 8 GB model is a more sensible decision.