Good idea to move to R9 290?

[frowertr]

I need a monitor upgrade and with that probably also a GPU upgrade as well. I'm looking to go directly to 4K (my monitor now isn't even 1080). Been doing some reading and it looks like the 290 is the bare minimum GPU I would need to move to. I am seeing them priced around $250 - $300 in the used market.

Would this be more preferable than going with a 290X? It seems the performance difference is quite small when factoring in the difference in cost between the two. I'm probably also looking into getting a used one as well so that I can still afford a shiny new 4K monitor!

 

[n0x1ous]

I would say yes absolutely that is the way to go for 4k right now. but you probably will need 2 for a good experience across a range of titles

 

[tg2708]

I would say not for 4k because while it does offer quite a bit more eye candy its not worth it due to less than desirable frame rates with certain game settings or options factored in. But if you are CF'ing (qaudfire) the 295x2 or two titan blacks then go for it.

 

[Gikaseixas]

It will drive some games well @4k and others not so well
If you want good performance plan to get a second 290 later in the year or if $ is not a problem get two and enjoy

 

[frowertr]

Hmm.. Well I wonder if I should even bother with 4K yet? Perhaps just move to 1440 as that will still be a very big upgrade over the 1050 I run now.

 

[Sohaltang]

Hmm.. Well I wonder if I should even bother with 4K yet? Perhaps just move to 1440 as that will still be a very big upgrade over the 1050 I run now.

I would say yes. your going to need 2 290's. Hell if you go 1440 @120hz your still going to need 2 290s to really push the monitor to whats its capable of.

 

[frowertr]

I would say yes. your going to need 2 290's. Hell if you go 1440 @120hz your still going to need 2 290s to really push the monitor to whats its capable of.

Ok, thanks for the clarification. I'm not so sure I want to mess with CF. I like the simplicity of a single GPU solution and I guess there really isn't a single card that will handle 4K all by itself.

I'll still probably pick up a used 290/290x and go with that. That should be a massive upgrade from my 7870. Guess I need to start looking around at monitors...

 

[tweakboy]

Gof or it as its best bang for the buck. GL

 

[Sohaltang]

Yes it will be a huge leap for you. Buy one and later on you can buy another. Most of the CF and SLI issues of the past have been resolved. I do agree single card is best but its going to be a while before we see a single card push a consistent 60FPS maxxed @4K. Even then its gonna cost a fortune. Im seeing 290x's for 300-350 used right now. There has not been a better deal on GPU's in a long time.

 

[borderdeal]

Ok, thanks for the clarification. I'm not so sure I want to mess with CF. I like the simplicity of a single GPU solution and I guess there really isn't a single card that will handle 4K all by itself.

I'll still probably pick up a used 290/290x and go with that. That should be a massive upgrade from my 7870. Guess I need to start looking around at monitors...

I would recommend getting the 290. I got one used from ebay for @211 shipped. It has been great (loud though) and it unlocked successfully to a 290x so I have a 290x for $211. It is about twice as fast as a 7870 GHz that I had oc to 1125 core and 1375 memory and the 290 is at default. waiting for my H50, kraken g10 and vrm hs to water cool this baby and see if I can get 1150 out of the core and 1400 memory