AMD R9 290 (Non-X, Pro, etc) Owners Club

[Orangey]

Seeing as how the one that was made at launch has fallen flat and wasn't particularly inspired, here's the place for you to proudly display and talk about your "Bang-for-Buck King" cards. I'll also be adding all relevant links to guides/info about the 290.

NO NEED TO FLASH FOR VOLTAGE CONTROL ON STOCK BIOS, USE AFTERBURNER:

AMD R9 290 - You know it's cheaper! Save yourself some money!

Honour Roll

Post your proof of purchase pics here and be recognized among the ranks of discerning yet frugal enthusiasts! Feel free to include a link to any benchmark screenshots/logs as well. ​

1. Orangey [[ Make: MSI || Number of cards: 2 || Cooling: Water || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: OG cards (launch!) ]]
2. LtMatt [[ Make: VTX || Number of cards: 3 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Tri-fire FTW! ]]
3. tommybhoy [[ Make: Powercolor || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Unlocked to X; modded AC 5870 Xtreme with Alpenföhn ]]
4. Defconluke [[ Make: MSI || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: BF4 Edition ]]
5. GoogalyMoogaly [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 2 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: N/A ]]
6. Sacrifice [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: firestrike 10600; 1200/1550 bench / 1050/1400 24/7 ]]
7. Ragnahex [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 2 || Cooling: Water || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: N/A ]]
8. Vegeta [[ Make: VTX || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Water || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Arctic Accelero Hybrid ]]
9. Dazboots [[ Make: Powercolor || Number of cards: 2 || Cooling: Water || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: 1200/1500 benchable ]]
10. Confused Stu [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 2 || Cooling: Water || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Arctic Accelero Hybrid 2 ]]
11. wndsr [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 3 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: N/A ]]
12. atomic7431 [[ Make: VTX || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Unlocked to X ]]
13. Rangerjr1 [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Water || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: 1235/1500 (24/7) 1340/1700 (bench) / +100mV (24/7) 1.525v(Bench) ]]
14. flopper [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: http://www.3dmark.com/fs/1183884 || Notes: so many sapphires~ ]]
15. jrodga2k5 [[ Make: VTX || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: will it unlock? ]]
16. thewanted [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 2 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: N/A ]]
17. Tute [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: N/A ]]
18. tayto_0 [[ Make: VTX || Number of cards: 2 || Cooling: Water || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: N/A ]]
19. humbug [[ Make: Powercolor || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: PCS+ ]]
20. thefogo [[ Make: Powercolor || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: PCS+ ]]
21. hardkore [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Vapor-X ]]
22. gerico [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 2 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Vapor-X ]]
23. Gerard [[ Make: MSI || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: ref ]]
24. shankly1985 [[ Make: MSI || Number of cards: 2 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Gaming Editions ]]
25. Clov!s [[ Make: Powercolor || Number of cards: 3 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Ref ]]
26. gt_junkie [[ Make: MSI || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Gaming Ed ]]
27. foster grant [[ Make: XFX || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: DD ]]
28. teh_captain [[ Make: Powercolor || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: PCS+ ]]
29. Dempsey22 [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Ref ]]
30. thebennyboy [[ Make: Sapphire || Number of cards: 1 || Cooling: Air || Box shot / rig shot || Bench data: N/A || Notes: Tri-X ]]
    

We also have a google spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/169sRiaUoBiLTBZwX2RP3G7KnGgqIHkgmpGjRw0YTph8/edit?usp=sharing

​

Custom coolers

MSI Gaming Edition [ http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=gx-239-ms&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752 ]

Spoiler

sapphire tri-x [ http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=gx-341-sp&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752 ]

Spoiler

gigabyte windforce 3x [ http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=gx-133-gi&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752 ]

Spoiler

his iceq x2 turbo [ http://videocardz.com/48615/first-pictures-radeon-r9-290-iceq-x2-emerge ]

Spoiler

ocuk techlabs kraken pre-fitted [ http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=wc-070-tl ]

Spoiler

asus directcu ii [ http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=gx-334-as ]

Spoiler

powercolor pcs+ [ http://videocardz.com/48598/powercolor-radeon-pcs-r9-290-r9-290x-detailed ]

Spoiler

xfx double dissipation [ http://videocardz.com/48543/xfx-launches-radeon-r9-290x-r9-290-double-dissipation ]

Spoiler

waterblocks

xspc razor [ http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=wc-289-xs ] || backplate [ http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=wc-290-xs&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=2327 ]

Spoiler

koolance vid-ar290x [ http://koolance.com/video-card-vga-amd-radeon-r9-290x-water-block-vid-ar290x ]

Spoiler

ek ek-fc 290x [ http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=wc-461-ek&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=2327 ] || backplate [ http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=wc-462-ek&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=2327 ]

Spoiler

aqua computer kryographics 290x [ http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=wc-166-aq&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=2327 ] || backplate [ http://shop.aquacomputer.de/product_info.php?language=en&products_id=3150 ]

Spoiler

useful links

• unlock extra volts in ab on stock bios: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18556274
• unlocking a 290 to a 290x: http://www.overclock.net/t/1443242/the-r9-290-290x-unlock-thread
• reviews/benchmarks thread: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18554854
• mantle infodump: http://techreport.com/review/25683/delving-deeper-into-amd-mantle-api
• arctic cooling accelero hybrid review: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18561523
• 100% fan vs stock profile: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/10/23/amd_radeon_r9_290x_video_card_review/13
• bridgeless crossfire (xdma) explained: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/10/23/amd_radeon_r9_290x_video_card_review/3
• amd blog post about xdma: http://community.amd.com/community/.../01/03/modernizing-multi-gpu-gaming-with-xdma
• multi-gpu high-end shootout: http://www.microsofttranslator.com/...l=en&lp=ko_en&a=http://udteam.tistory.com/585
• x owners thread: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18551717
• 290/x watercooling thread: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18552242
• warranty details/comparison of various graphics card brands: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18231329
• hawaiitools - check memory chip vendor & other info: http://www53.zippyshare.com/v/38595604/file.html
• BIOS archive: http://www.techpowerup.com/vgabios/...er=&model=R9+290&interface=&memType=&memSize=
• OCN Hawaii Owners Club: http://www.overclock.net/t/1436497/official-amd-r9-290x-290-owners-club
• EK Water block compatibility: http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/
• OcUK pre-fitted waterblock: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-070-TL&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752
• List of aftermarket coolers: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18559772
• Kuhler mod: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18559012
• Prolimatech MK-26 aftermarket cooler fitting guide: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18553466&highlight=prolimatech
• BIOS Flashing guide: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18552408

OcUK Benchmark Leaderboard Threads

• 3DMark11
• 3DMark11 Extreme
• 3DMark Firestrike
• 3DMark Firestrike Extreme
• Heaven
• Valley
• Vantage
• Catzilla
• Sleeping Dogs
• Tomb Raider
• BF4

 

[LtMatt]

Good man. Wasn't sure if you were going to do it or not.

Here's mine.

LtMatt [Make: VTX] [Number of cards: 2] [Reference PCB: Yes] [Cooling: Air] [Box shot / rig shot] [Clocks: 947/1250 (24/7) 975/1250 (bench)] [Volts: -0.50mv (24/7) -0.50mv(Bench)]

Don't know if you want to simplify the above a bit, seems a bit complicated.

 

[Kaapstad]

Don't know if you want to simplify the above a bit, seems a bit complicated.

+1

 

[Orangey]

Done.

 

[LtMatt]

That's better.

 

[Orangey]

Now let's get some people on the board! Red team go!

 

[LtMatt]

Now let's get some people on the board! Red team go!

Our national anthem.

 

[LtMatt]

Be interested to know if any 290 (or 290X for that matter) owners have experimented with under volting the gpu using the new offset method? I have found that if i go below 0.050mv that sometimes i will get browser flicker, or flicker at Windows desktop. I assume because the lowering of the off set voltage is also lowering the idle voltage, causing the flickering. Games and benchmarks under 3D load were stable at -0.075mv, its just the 2D load which was giving me problems.

 

[Kaapstad]

Be interested to know if any 290 (or 290X for that matter) owners have experimented with under volting the gpu using the new offset method? I have found that if i go below 0.050mv that sometimes i will get browser flicker, or flicker at Windows desktop. I assume because the lowering of the off set voltage is also lowering the idle voltage, causing the flickering. Games and benchmarks under 3D load were stable at -0.075mv, its just the 2D load which was giving me problems.

Undervolting wash your mouth out with soap for using words like that.

 

[LtMatt]

Undervolting wash your mouth out with soap for using words like that.

For gaming, i love a good tweak. Sure i could be boring and use stock settings like every tom dick and harry out there but wheres the fun in that? The fun i have is lowering voltage, power draw, heat and fan speeds to within an inch of instability then settling for that. For benching? Of course not but thats a different matter. My benching time will come, but no point running before i can walk and before i master the Hawaii gpu.

 

[Kaapstad]

For gaming, i love a good tweak. Sure i could be boring and use stock settings like every tom dick and harry out there but wheres the fun in that? The fun i have is lowering voltage, power draw, heat and fan speeds to within an inch of instability then settling for that. For benching? Of course not but thats a different matter. My benching time will come, but no point running before i can walk and before i master the Hawaii gpu.

I must admit that at stock the 290Xs seem to have the volts set way too high.

 

[LtMatt]

I must admit that at stock the 290Xs seem to have the volts set way too high.

AMD have a habit of doiing that ever since they introduced Boost to Tahiti.

 

[Martini1991]

I was running my R9 290 with a custom fan profile which kept it 92c max at 1150MHZ at +0.100mv.

I'm running it stock at 1000MHZ (I have a 290X BIOS on it) and suddenly my FPS has increased (It's now getting no higher than 81c on my fan profile and it's not too bad heat wise)



But I know it wasn't throttling, unless it was error correction (But I was running it at 0.05v for ages till Bionic Commando of all things caused artefacts)

 

[LtMatt]

I was running my R9 290 with a custom fan profile which kept it 92c max at 1150MHZ at +0.100mv.

I'm running it stock at 1000MHZ (I have a 290X BIOS on it) and suddenly my FPS has increased (It's now getting no higher than 81c on my fan profile and it's not too bad heat wise)



But I know it wasn't throttling, unless it was error correction (But I was running it at 0.05v for ages till Bionic Commando of all things caused artefacts)

What fan speed?

 

[Martini1991]

As fast as it needed to be to maintain the temps, but my overclocked one was decently loud.

I should have bought 3DMark so I could do some proper testing, I don't want to wait for the benchmark to finish.

 

[LtMatt]

As fast as it needed to be to maintain the temps, but my overclocked one was decently loud.

I've gone full retard custom fan profile rather than relying on powertune to alter the fan. This keeps the fan pretty quiet and keeps gpu temps at 90c or lower under heavy load. Stii a work in progress though and i hope to get the final fap fan speed lower than 60% and still maintain 90c or lower.

 

[Martini1991]

Oh yeah, custom profile required, these cards just don't work with auto

But still doesn't explain how my 1000MHZ is besting my 1150MHZ

 

[GoogalyMoogaly]

Oh yeah, custom profile required, these cards just don't work with auto

Glad I'm not the only one that found the default behaviour caused throttling.

 

[Jamous]

I have an unlocked VTX3D 290 and one of the new batch VTX3D's on order, though looking at LtMatt's thread an unlock looks unlikely.

 

[Ragnahex]

i have 2 saph ref cards but i put them under water so don't need to mess around with fan profiles they sit at about 45 degrees but love this thread it will save me a hell of a lot of searching about. 2 really is the magic number for this card for some reason 1 just seemed lonely and had to get it a friend