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Thoughts On Upgrade Options

Apache14

Apache14

Apache14

Associate
Joined
8 Oct 2013
Posts
868
Hello All,

I'm looking for some thoughts on my upgrade options in the next 2-3 weeks.

First of all let me outline my current PC specifications :-

CPU : i7 4770K @ Stock & Air Cooled
Memory : 16GB
HDD : 2x 256 Sammy Evo SSD's + 1x 1TB HDD
GPU : R9 290 (ref cooler)
PSU : SuperFlower Leadex GOLD 750W

Now the problem I have with the current setup is that iv finally gotten fed up with the noise the GPU generates (don't get me wrong its an amazing card but still very loud) i would invest in an aftermarket cooler however the only solution I like the look of the AIO kraken bracket (but this also needs a set of VRM syncs that seem to be like gold dust around the web)

This is coupled with my main monitor starting to invert colors when it gets warm (LG 1080p), This monitor has done me very well (seeing me all the way through uni plus 2 years) so no complaints there. Ill be replacing it with a 1440p or 4k monitor in the next couple of weeks (probably 1440p).

On the back of the monitor replacement I fear that the R9 290 on its own may not be able to cut it with games arriving this fall / winter (Fallout 4 / Battlefront) so i'm also toying with the idea to upgrade my GPU power.

So the options I have thought of are :-

1) Upgrade the cooling on the R9 290 and hope it works well with the titles this winter (will need to find the VRM coolers)
2) Sell the R9 290 and get either a Fury X or a 980Ti
3) Upgrade the cooling on the R9 290 i have AND get a 2nd card for crossfire (this may end up being close to the price of the 980Ti)

Also I would keep the PC as is but my working style (I am a software engineer) is pushing me to use this PC more and more for work ... the GPU needs to be lot less loud than it is for my sanity ;)

Any thoughts / input would be appreciated

Cheers
 
Fury x with aio cooling, or a non reference 980ti may be the best choices. Both should run newer games better and be a lot quieter. The xfire 290 option would just create more heat therefore more fan noise.
 
Get the monitor first and see how the gpu copes. If it doesn't get a new gpu if it does then look at cooling, maybe even go water Cooling? You can get nice full cover blocks then
 
setter said:
Fury x with aio cooling, or a non reference 980ti may be the best choices. Both should run newer games better and be a lot quieter. The xfire 290 option would just create more heat therefore more fan noise.
Click to expand...

This is what i'm thinking, ill wait for Fury X benches and after the price hike (if they are better than the Ti) if the Ti is better all around id look at :-

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-055-IN&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1402

los said:
Get the monitor first and see how the gpu copes. If it doesn't get a new gpu if it does then look at cooling, maybe even go water Cooling? You can get nice full cover blocks then
Click to expand...

Full custom loop would be cool (and then I could probably OC the R9 290 & CPU) how much would a loop like this set me back ?
 
It depends on how much you want to spend and what components you want to buy really.
You can get cheap kits such as this https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-082-TL&groupid=962&catid=1532
I wanted a D5 pump personally, I got some parts second hand and some new, it also depends on what you can fit in your case really and how much your happy to spend.
I quite enjoyed making it all TBH, although I had to mod my case to fit it all, but I did find it quite enjoyable once I had all the bits and you can upgrade/add parts at a later date as well.
I think this is the GPU block I have https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-547-EK&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=2765
 
I think any sort of custom cooling for a 290 is pretty much a waste of money. I'd cut my losses and sell the 290 now while re-sale value is still good then buy a 980ti or a Fury X, depending on which you prefer. I predict there will be no real arguments in favor of one or the other.
 
Poneros said:
I think any sort of custom cooling for a 290 is pretty much a waste of money. I'd cut my losses and sell the 290 now while re-sale value is still good then buy a 980ti or a Fury X, depending on which you prefer. I predict there will be no real arguments in favor of one or the other.
Click to expand...


How much should I look to get if I sell it ?
 
So now i'm looking at

Monitor : https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-083-AS&groupid=17&catid=948

GPU : https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-090-ZT&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1402

The GPU could also be a Fury X depending on reviews


Still looking at how much I should sell the R9 290 for (i kind of want to get it gone quickly as to open up the funds for the upgrade), I have my old HD 7950 Vapor X that would tide me over a few weeks if need be :)

EDIT : ohh these look to be a good price ..... https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-350-SP&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1515
 
I reccommend you get a 980 ti. I used to have a 280x and dont get me wrong the card was great just that it couldnt handle 1440p ultrawide (didnt expect it to). Upgraded to a 980 ti and all my games are smooth and detailed that i get so immersed. The Zotac AMP is going for a fab price atm.
 
Sky01454 said:
I reccommend you get a 980 ti. I used to have a 280x and dont get me wrong the card was great just that it couldnt handle 1440p ultrawide (didnt expect it to). Upgraded to a 980 ti and all my games are smooth and detailed that i get so immersed. The Zotac AMP is going for a fab price atm.
Click to expand...


Yeah, tbh the R9 290 does seem like it would handle the 1440p games at the moment, but the ones at the end of this year will probably be another story.

The main thing for me at the moment is the noise :mad:
 
You've mentioned noise as a problem, so an aio cooled card would work for you. The fury x at 550 or the evga hybrid ti at 650. Both currently unavailable. The monitor you've highlighted is freesync and only an AMD card will take advantage of this feature.

Wait on a couple of days and see if the Fury X is what you want. You're unlikely to be able to pick one up for a little few weeks at msrp due to stock shortages.
 
Think you'd probably get around 150 for the 290, maybe 170. Reference ones aren't very in-demand and there was a sale on the Vapor-X ones a week or two ago for 180 each. So it depends, look around the used parts markets and see how they look like.
 
mulpsmebeauty said:
You've mentioned noise as a problem, so an aio cooled card would work for you. The fury x at 550 or the evga hybrid ti at 650. Both currently unavailable. The monitor you've highlighted is freesync and only an AMD card will take advantage of this feature.

Wait on a couple of days and see if the Fury X is what you want. You're unlikely to be able to pick one up for a little few weeks at msrp due to stock shortages.
Click to expand...

The Freesync is just a nice extra, the monitor itself has good reviews and is a good price, so I wouldn't mind not being able to use it. Im 100% going to wait and see the prices and reviews of the Fury X.

Poneros said:
Think you'd probably get around 150 for the 290, maybe 170. Reference ones aren't very in-demand and there was a sale on the Vapor-X ones a week or two ago for 180 each. So it depends, look around the used parts markets and see how they look like.
Click to expand...

If £150 is the going price id be happy to see the back of it for £125 :P
 
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