290X CF and/or 295X2

[martos123]

Thinking of upgrading my 7970s to either 290X CF or 295X2 (currently erring towards 290x CG as i can completely disable the 2nd GPU if needed), but will be looking to watercool them on my custom loop.

Are any of the ones on offer at the moment standard layouts so i can add waterblocks, as I cant work out whether its a custom PCB or just the cooler on most of them?

 

[passey89]

I went with the ocuk sapphire reference 8gb for watercooling easier for blocks and 8gb for future

 

[old gamer]

yep the 8gb reference would also be my choice, the sapphire tri-x also uses a reference board

 

[Mal X]

yep the 8gb reference would also be my choice, the sapphire tri-x also uses a reference board

yea the others dont have enough RAM now

 

[martos123]

cheers guys, the 8GBs are a bit pricey at the mo, so might hang on a bit to see whether they drop a bit more.

 

[Threepwood]

What res are you playing at?

 

[martos123]

1440p

 

[passey89]

1440p

The dangerous middle res. some games may use more than 4gb most probably wont but 8gb would make it fairly future proof.

 

[Divine Pain]

Anyone link me from a reliable source where 8GB 290x has any benefits over a 4GB?

 

[VincentHanna]

It won't unless you are using Crossfire and gaming at 4k.

Under those conditions I would want 8GB VRAM.

 

[Divine Pain]

Well can you find me a link with 2x 290x 8gb vs 4gb then?

 

[VincentHanna]

I can find a link to 2x 290x 8GB vs 295x2.

http://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/zardon/sapphire-r9-290x-vapor-x-8gb-cf-review/

The 290x's come out on top, but I think their stock clocks are higher than the 295x2, so that might be why.

They didn't really benchmark on games that are hungry for VRAM. They need to be looking at Shadows of Mordor, GTA V etc.

 

[LtMatt]

Assuming clock speeds are identical 8GB versions will be slightly slower than 4GB counterparts, however you won't notice a difference. Should you bench any game that uses more than 4GB of video memory, then difference between the cards will be instantly noticeable. Only go 8GB if you're planning to use more than one card and game at 4K or higher.

 

[Divine Pain]

hmmm looking at the graphs.. doesnt seem worth paying £70 over a 4GB model just for 2-4 fps but I guess they arent vram heavy games. Still I dont think the 8GB models are worth.

 

[old gamer]

if your happy with 4gb and theres no real reason not to be for 1400p then further savings could be had by getting 290 crossfire

 

[pandem0nium]

yep the 8gb reference would also be my choice, the sapphire tri-x also uses a reference board

Tri X cards all have hynix ram, whereas with reference cards it's random whether or not you get elpida or hynix.

Hynix is generally better and will overclock further.

 

[LtMatt]

Tri X cards all have hynix ram, whereas with reference cards it's random whether or not you get elpida or hynix.

Hynix is generally better and will overclock further.

Actually i believe the Sapphire 8GB Tri-X cards have Elpida memory. If you want Hynix 8GB you'll need a Sapphire Vapor-X.

 

[passey89]

Tri X cards all have hynix ram, whereas with reference cards it's random whether or not you get elpida or hynix.

Hynix is generally better and will overclock further.

both my reference cards have elpida

 

[martos123]

Seems like 4GB will be enough, even though I am looking to CF?

I take it the Asus cards that are on special arent reference then? The 4GB Sapphire card is the same price as the 8GB one.

 

[ALXAndy]

Seems like 4GB will be enough, even though I am looking to CF?

I take it the Asus cards that are on special arent reference then? The 4GB Sapphire card is the same price as the 8GB one.

Going by the monitor in your sig you will be fine at 1440p.

It's only really 4k that will eat more than 4gb and even that is rare.