Thinking of replacing ref. 290x with non-ref 290/x

[WalderX]

As the title suggests, I'm thinking of replacing my release-day Sapphire 290x with one of the new non-ref designs. I do love the card and have had no issues with it other than the much publicised noise it makes (with a custom fan profile keeping it at 80 degrees max).

The noise doesn't actually bother me that much but after seeing some reviews of the new cards it is very tempting to go for one! The main driving factor is that it wouldn't actually cost me much/anything to make the change. I will be able to get about £350 for my one on ebay, plus my workplace allows me to buy computer parts at pre-vat cost deducted from my wages. PLUS I have a trade account with OCUK so usually get another £10 or so off the retail price so for example the Gigabyte 290X OC WindForce would cost me around £370 + delivery.

The question is, what card to go for Perhaps a 290 (non-x) would be a good plan as it can clock to similar speeds as the 290x anyway? But I do like having the best of the best so would still prefer a 290x

Thanks in advance guys

 

[WalderX]

I'd go for this one.

Mmm looks damn good for sure. Any particular reason you recommend that one over others? I see MSI are building a Lightning edition which sports 2x 8-pin and 1x 6-pin power connectors, allowing an additional 150W to play with! Perhaps I should hold out for that...

 

[WalderX]

Just get your ref card watercooled and it will shine.You can either use the new kraken g10 and mount a clc unit,they wark really well.I got an antec 620 on my 290x max temps in bf4 around 55°C in a pretty hot room.

This is a sound idea and I have already considered this, posting this thread back in November:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18560791

I previously had the prolimatech air cooler fitted to my 290x but had various problems with it, so eventually went back to stock cooler. So this time around I would rather get a factory fitted non-ref cooler, and a custom water loop for my current card will be rather pricey (saving custom WC for my next build).

So it looks like it is a toss up between the MSI and Sapphire Tri-X, I understand the Tri-X has reference PCB design? In which case the MSI would win for me... (if i'm 'upgrading' to the same card then would rather have a new cooler and new PCB design).

As for the MSI lightning, based on previous releases do we think it will be a lot more expensive? Like over £450 + VAT?