What's the point in the 280x?

[Agnostic]

I'm looking at upgrading from my 6850 to either a 7970 or a 280x. At the moment, I've seen that the 280x performs identically to the 7970, costs slightly more, and apparently doesn't even include this new "true audio" technology.

So what's the point? A website I came across is selling a direct CUII 7970 for £220; the equivalent 280x is going for £260. I suppose it's a no-brainer, but I just want to be sure. Thanks!

 

[jak731]

Marketing + old nomenclature cards no longer produced (although everything is the same except packaging and heatsink shroud). The current situation is transient so make the most of it.

 

[Avenged7Fold]

OCuk are selling the direct CU for £210 today!

I think the newer cards support mantle and have slightly lower power consumption, but i may be wrong.

 

[Martini1991]

All gcn should support mantle.

 

[Cool Breeze]

OCUK have the 7970 Matrix Platinum for £235 notes thats where the sensible money is.

Unless you want a Direct CU II specifically.

 

[Agnostic]

OCuk are selling the direct CU for £210 today!

I think the newer cards support mantle and have slightly lower power consumption, but i may be wrong.

Damn, just noticed! For that money it's a steal. I cannot justify the extra ~£40 for something that will probably get me 5fps, so the 7970 it is!

Edit: @Cool Breeze: Would you say the matrix is worth the extra 25 quid? I don't think I'll be overclocking anytime soon (PSU limitations).

 

[almighty15]

The same could be said for the GTX770

 

[Jono8]

no golden ticket/free games with the r9 series either.

 

[Agnostic]

Okay I have a problem. Because my mobo is mATX, any graphics card longer than my 6850 will cover the sata ports. How high is the 7970 DCUII from the base of the motherboard? Because I may just be able to fit right angled sata cables in there and get it to work.

If there's no other option, I 'spose I'll have to buy a new motherboard. Any recommendations if this is the case? (It'll have to be compatible with my CPU obviously).

Thanks again.

 

[Nightglow]

I use sata cables which have the angled connector one end, it allows me to use some of the sata ports.

All sata connectors on motherboard should be angled or along edge of board,& not located to be obscured by a graphic card.

 

[Avenged7Fold]

The sata ports i use are underneath my GPU. I also use right angle sata connectors (ones with satisfying clicks!)