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3 x Sapphire R9 280X Vapor

Cavallino

Cavallino

Cavallino

Soldato
Joined
8 Dec 2004
Posts
15,078
Location
Hampshire
Hi folks,

I just read that this card takes up 2.5 slots, does this mean I am screwed if I want a triple card setup with an MSI Z87?
I.e. I cant put these cards one above the other?

If so... damn.
 
Why 3?

Also, which MSI Z87? You'll have more luck with an XPower than a G45 Gaming.
 
the1gooner said:
2 x 290's better option if you really need that much power and cheaper than 3 x 280's.
Click to expand...

I see. Howabout the fans on 290s? I thought they were quite noisy?

Fulax said:
Why 3?

Also, which MSI Z87? You'll have more luck with an XPower than a G45 Gaming.
Click to expand...


Well originally I was going to go with 2 but for the future I thought Id add a third you know?

E: The Mobo is a G45.
 
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Good luck keeping them cool without blood pouring from your ears.i have a sapphire dual x cooler and it gets pretty loud. 2x 290pro would be my vote. Reference cards will also blow out the back but will still be loud. Make sure your psu is up to it. 800w minimum id guess
 
For around the price of three 280Xs you could get two 780s, or two 290s with money to spare. I'd take either over the 280Xs any day. With a G45 three cards will be running at x8/x4/x4.
 
Cavallino said:
I see. Howabout the fans on 290s? I thought they were quite noisy?
Click to expand...

Fans/coolers on 290x are fine - if the case is well ventilated with lots of cool air - unless you want extreme overclocks (not needed IMHO except for benching - the card is fast enough).

290 is the same fan but with a higher limit - but if you put in your own profiles then they are fine.

IF you need 3 cards - get the WS editions - e.g. Asus Z87-WS - they have the PLX chip and can run upto 4 cards at PCIe x8 speeds (space permitting). I have the Z77WS and its an awesome board.
 
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Im thinking of returning the 2 X R9 280Xs I have in that case.
Which R290 should I go for in you opinions?
How is the performance difference between the R280X and the R290?
 
Nice review thanks Fulax, this is what I was looking for (something that compares all the variants).

The R9 290 looks sweet actually...
 
Hmm Im conscience that the 290 power consumption is 419watts, according to the review.
I have an 850W PSU so Im not sure two of these are going to work with my PSU...
 
Cavallino said:
Hmm Im conscience that the 290 power consumption is 419watts, according to the review.
I have an 850W PSU so Im not sure two of these are going to work with my PSU...
Click to expand...

3 280X burn 750W on their own, so your 850W PSU cannot handle them either.
 
Hmm nevermind I think I can see it.

E: Ok going to stick with the R280Xs after reading the reviews. I think its still good value.
And later on down the line I could get rid of them and go for another series of GFX cards.
 
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