AMD 280 - 280x or R9 290

[mentos]

Hello,

I'm interested in upgrading my 6950 to either a R9 280, 280x or 290 series video card.

I game at 1080p.

I will not be upgrading my cpu for some time as its still fine for everyday use. Right now on ncix.com I can get a visiontek 290 card for $369 w/free shipping. I wasn't looking to spend that much but seeing as it's on sale and just $50-60 more than a 280x, I'm willing to spend it if the extra performance is noticeable.

http://www.ncix.com/detail/visiontek-radeon-r9-290-947mhz-8e-99345-1046.htm

Firstly, will there be a noticeable difference between all 3 cards at max setting with a 15 2500k cpu and 1080p gaming?

Secondly, if not, what brand and version R9 card do any of you experienced guys recommend for my cpu/res for max setting gaming?

Thirdly, is it worth waiting for the next generation of graphics cards? I've been out of the loop for a few years. When is the next generation of cards supposed to drop? I don't mind waiting if it's in the next 3-4 months.

Thank you for any input!

 

[96Firebird]

The 290 would be about 25% faster @ 1080p (95/76=1.25), so I'd say it is worth the extra money.

I did a quick check to make sure the 290 wasn't a reference card, and it is not. So I'd say go with the 290 if you don't mind spending a bit more than originally planned.

 

[Rvenger]

I have that 290 and it runs cool. VRMs barely hit 60c and the GPU temp doesn't exceed 72c. It's supposed to be the same as the Powercolor TurboDuo and mine came with the Powercolor OC bios on both switches. ASIC was 79.6% with Hynix memory. I did buy mine used on Ebay though.

The PCB components appear to be reference except for the cooler. Has the same bussman chokes and components on the PCB as the reference design but the PCB is manufactured by Powercolor.

 

[guskline]

Like Rvenger, I also bought a R9 290 used on Ebay. I happened to luck into a Sapphire R9-290 Tri-X for @$290 delivered. EXCELLENT card. I use it in my FX8350 rig with a HANNS-G 27.5" 1920 x 1200 monitor and it is a tremendous card.

Personally, I'd spend the $$ for a non reference 290 in a hearbeat. Very powerful card.

 

[mentos]

Ok, so if it is 25% faster and I would see a difference between all cards with my 2500k cpu, I think I might pull the trigger.

The visiontek R9 is a recommended card? In terms of noise, anyone with experience with this particular board?

If more people chime in recommending this card, I might buy it.

But what about the next crop of video cards around the corner? What's the current status on when they will drop?

Thanks!

 

[AtenRa]

Go for non reference 290, for 1080p it will last you for a long time.
For the price you can buy today, you will not get better performance for at least one year or more.

 

[RussianSensation]

Thirdly, is it worth waiting for the next generation of graphics cards? I've been out of the loop for a few years. When is the next generation of cards supposed to drop? I don't mind waiting if it's in the next 3-4 months.

Thank you for any input!

If you are willing to wait 3-4 months, the definitely wait as GTX870/880 are rumoured to launch October-November. Worst case, R9 290 and 780/780Ti will drop in price. Best case, 870 will smoke R9 290 for not much more $$ while using a lot less power.

 

[lyssword]

I dunno, if it were me, for ~$200 280 is more than enough for 1080p...

 

[mentos]

I dunno, if it were me, for ~$200 280 is more than enough for 1080p...

that's what I was thinking too. Will I even see a difference?

I don't plan on upgrading my monitors, at least for the next few years.

is there really a difference between 280x and 290?

 

[96Firebird]

is there really a difference between 280x and 290?

25%, as I linked to in the second post above.

Some people say anything over a 280(X) will be overkill for 1080p, but that is simply not true. Your 2500K will not bottleneck the GPU, it is still a very good CPU even today. With 25% more performance, you can either run better settings at the same framerate, or achieve higher FPS at the same settings.

Even having my 770 @ 1680x1050, I can't max everything in the latest games. That card is about even with a 280X.

 

[Rvenger]

that's what I was thinking too. Will I even see a difference?

I don't plan on upgrading my monitors, at least for the next few years.

is there really a difference between 280x and 290?

Mentos, see if you can grab a 290 on Ebay cheap. I only paid $220 for mine shipped. You will feel much better about your purchase if you can get one under $300.

280x and 290 is about a 25% difference, at high resolutions especially. The 290 has a newer architecture and supports Trueaudio. Some users are saying Mantle works better on GCN 1.1.

 

[mentos]

ok guys, you've convinced me. since i'll most likely keep this card for the next few years, as i did with all my previous amd cards, i'm pulling the trigger on a sapphire r9 290 later today.

BUT, one very last thing! Should I wait for next gen cards? Would you at this point in the year?

 

[96Firebird]

Well, if you don't need to upgrade now, you can always wait. Is there a game that you play right now where your 6950 struggles? Just want to scratch the upgrade itch?

Be sure that 290 doesn't have a reference cooler. Best to go with the aftermarket designs, especially on the 290(X).

 

[ZipSpeed]

I have that 290 and it runs cool. VRMs barely hit 60c and the GPU temp doesn't exceed 72c. It's supposed to be the same as the Powercolor TurboDuo and mine came with the Powercolor OC bios on both switches. ASIC was 79.6% with Hynix memory. I did buy mine used on Ebay though.

The PCB components appear to be reference except for the cooler. Has the same bussman chokes and components on the PCB as the reference design but the PCB is manufactured by Powercolor.

How is the card for noise? Price is very tempting.

 

[Rvenger]

Mine is very quiet under load. Fans still ramp up but no mechanical sound or any coilwhine on my particular card.

 

[guskline]

Sapphire Tri-X is VERY quiet.

 

[mentos]

So quick update guys, I pulled the trigger on a sapphire r9 290!
I think this was more an upgrade itch I needed to scratch which I think you guys can all understand! I haven't had a chance to test much because I'm flying to Europe for a few weeks. I'll update again when I get a chance and thanks to all for the input!!

 

[Attic]

Is that the Tri-x you got?

Id recommend setting memory to 1250 and up volts by 50mv and power target to +40% and then teasing the core as high as it will go. Then experiment with getting ram to 1500mhz.

I see minimal minimal difference on my card between 1100/1250 and 1100/1350. I see solid gains from 1000/1350 to 1100/1350 and 1100/1250.

 

[Ryujin Jakka]

OMG u got a great deal