Which ends up being the better deal for a video card now?

[TemjinGold]

Thanks, guys. Looks like Tri-X is worth the premium. I've never bought used hardware so will probably pay the extra for new.

So it sounds like the best deals really are between the $260AR Tri-X or the $240 AR XFX. Is the Tri-X worth the extra $20 over the XFX?

 

[Termie]

Thanks, guys. Looks like Tri-X is worth the premium. I've never bought used hardware so will probably pay the extra for new.

So it sounds like the best deals really are between the $260AR Tri-X or the $240 AR XFX. Is the Tri-X worth the extra $20 over the XFX?

The Tri-X gets you a factory overclock and better VRM cooling. The XFX has better styling, depending on taste, of course. Both are good choices.

 

[IEC]

OP, I have first-hand experience with multiple R290/X from those AIBs you mentioned. Here's my quick run-down:

1) Powercolor - if you don't have any issues with your card, they are fine. If you do, they have a reputation for nickel and diming on RMA issues like fans failing. My 290X PCS+ had a fan fail and they would not replace on their dime. So I switched to an AIO CLC. Out of the box the fan curve is a little aggressive and even though the cooler IS beefier than the Tri-X I would still give the Tri-X the nod overall.

2) Sapphire Tri-X is one of the best cooled 290/X and should perform well out of the box. RMA however is a pain in the rear. They outsource their RMA to Althon Micro and it's seriously hit or miss and SLOW. Lucky for me it was just a BIOS issue and after a week of back and forth I got it fixed with a BIOS they sent me. Newer Tri-X should not have any issues (I bought the cards on release).

3) XFX has a middling cooler, but their warranty/RMA service is good. I had a fan fail on a 290 and they shipped me a replacement HSF assembly on their dime. Lifetime warranty after registration never hurts either...

4) Gigabyte will replace cards as long as their S/N checks as under warranty. Nothing special here, but I've had cards replaced by them (e.g. 280X) in the past no questions asked. So they get a pass on warranty/RMA service.

If you plan to overclock the Tri-X will handle that better than the XFX (their cooler is optimized for noise, not performance). If you plan to run stock, XFX's superior warranty/RMA service may tip the scales.

Both are quiet at stock, no OC. Sapphire has better VRM cooling.

 

[TemjinGold]

Thanks, that's very helpful. I think I'm going to go with the XFX 290 for $240.