SAPPHIRE Radeon R9 290 $158 AR (Using Amex card)

[Elixer]

http://flash.newegg.com/Product/N82...b6f1a623265a9b5a0000&AID=10440897&PID=1225267

Nice price!

*Edit, RussianSensation found a even better deal...

Newegg has a 2-day Flash Sale on R9 290 for $180. Add a $1-2 filler, get $25 off $200 with AMEX and this card is ~$157. Even after buying an after-market AIO to cool it, still way better deal than any card in the $150-240 space right now.

 

[cbn]

Awesome find.

Even though I know the reference fan is louder than the custom air coolers, I do like that this design is easily repairable (due to the standardized blower fan).

 

[Jaepheth]

Am I correct in surmising that this card has more raw power (theoretically) than a GTX 970, but the 970 crushes the R9 290 in efficiency?

 

[isekii]

don't need it but i'm tempted.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Am I correct in surmising that this card has more raw power (theoretically) than a GTX 970, but the 970 crushes the R9 290 in efficiency?

No, the 290x is the card that beatw out the 970. I mean in a few games where AMD cards overall do better a 290 might beat a 970 (like in the new Star Wars game), but overall at 1080p the 970 is the faster card. It is the 390 that beats the 970.

 

[RussianSensation]

No, the 290x is the card that beatw out the 970. I mean in a few games where AMD cards overall do better a 290 might beat a 970 (like in the new Star Wars game), but overall at 1080p the 970 is the faster card. It is the 390 that beats the 970.

:thumbsup: This. The reason R9 290 is a good deal is when it's priced well below the 970. If an after-market 970 and an after-market 290 are similarly priced, for 1080P gaming 970 wins.

The deal in the OP is sold out.

Now the HIS R9 290 IceQ Turbo is on sale for $230. With $25 AMEX, that would be $205 and no rebate required.

For anyone with a sub-$250 budget, there is no better card right now for gaming purposes.