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Buying R9 290 Non-Reference Card - Help Needed!

LiveWireUK

LiveWireUK

LiveWireUK

Associate
Joined
23 Nov 2009
Posts
290
Hello,

After much pondering and advice from here, I have fibnally decided to plump for a couple of R9 290's over 2 780's.

However, I heard the R9's run pretty hot so need non-reference models for better cooling if I'm not mistaken.

As I use an ASUS P9X79 mobo, I don't think the bottom PCI-E slot is going to take a cooler bigger than a slot (so whole card takes up 2 slots) without it hitting my case.

Therefore, what would yu guys recommend? Was looking at the Sapphire Tri-X's.

Have also heard the R9's are a little hit and miss - would that be enough reason to turn to the Green side or have these issues been fixed and remain proudly Red?

Thanks in advance!
 
the Sapphire Tri-X looks pretty good, the powercolor pcs+ and gigabyte windforce also would be on my shortlist if i was looking for one
 
having owned the gigabyte, msi, sapphire
i can say yes they are hit and miss
but if you get it from a good place that dont make a fuss on return then no problem!

tri-x is my fav, all day long under 80c overclocked
msi is ok! better warranty, wont stay as cool
 
All the AIB 290's are good. I'd go with the Tri X if it was me, but you can't go wrong with any of them.
 
I thought I had read the PCS+ was a 3 slot card? Or did I mis-read things?

Mei & Matt - Seems like the Tri-X is a firm favourite then! Appreciate the advice :)
 
LiveWireUK said:
Haha - that's a conversation I'm going to stay well away from Matt! :)
Click to expand...

me too :)
the tri-x isnt any louder than other either aslong as you set a fan profile up
mines set to 42% on max and it always stays cool so *shrug
everyone should just copy that cooler :p
 
Powercolor PCS+ is a two-and-a-half slot card, so won't fit if you only have two slots at the bottom. Tri-X is very long, so you need to check for clearance in your case.
 
Since you can move drive racks about you should be ok with that case it isn't exactly small
Must be quite a big M/b you have actually if your bottom card is close to hiting your power supply (yes i see you said what model but i'm too lazy to google it this time of day)
On my old rampage 2 board i have about 3.5 inches from last slot to the P/s if that helps
Length depending on drive bays 14-20 inchs
 
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Have to be honest, I'm at work so am just speculating it's close to the bottom of the case :)

I would've thought it is about "mid-size" - certainly not one of the biggest, but not one of the smallest.

Could certainly move the drive bays but if the gap isn't big enough then KI'm sure one of the two cards is going to be a pain :)
 
Well a 780 windforce fits in with drive bays with plenty of room to spare lengthwise not sure how much longer a 290 tri X is.

VGA Card 325mm/507mm (Without HDD cage)
Click to expand...

From NZXT website
 
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If its only 13mm longer than my 780 windforce u should be able to have hard drives in And still have room for the little Swivel fan which is probably a great idea for crossfire
 
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