Which 280x (or 290) for mining

[DeanT77]

Hi guys

Currently have the build in my sig and fancy having a go at this mining lark!

From doing some reading I think I'm looking for a voltage unlocked 280x, due to them being the best bang for buck - and voltage unlocked so i can undervolt.

There is a 290 which is voltage unlocked too and not much more expensive than the 280x's;

YOUR BASKET
1 x Asus Radeon R9 290 "Voltage Unlocked" 4096MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card £329.99
1 x Sapphire Radeon R9 280X Vapor-X OC 3072MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Card £299.99
1 x MSI Radeon R9 280X Gaming Edition OC 3072MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card with Battlefield 4 PC Game £299.99
1 x Asus Radeon R9 280X DirectCUII TOP 3072MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card £299.99
Total : £1,239.55 (includes shipping : £8.00).



Which would be the best route...?

Thanks!

 

[mickyflinn]

Wouldn't go for the Asus 290 as its got stock cooling, MSI with the free game is my pick.

 

[Something Else]

Personally go for a 290, it has stock cooling yes but your rates will be better and you can always slap on a aftermarket cooler if needed.

 

[Deehjay]

Since when was the MSI 280X £300? Damn, I must have gotten a bargain.

 

[mickyflinn]

This is a cheaper option.

YOUR BASKET
1 x Powercolor Radeon R9 280X TurboDUO "BF4 Edition" 3072MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card £259.99

 

[ShivP]

The cheapest non-reference cooler one?

 

[ChrisD.]

The MSI will need a BIOS flash to adjust voltage.

 

[edgedemon]

The cheapest non-reference cooler one?

This, if you are keeping it at home then go for the cheapest non-reference cooler as they are loud and if you are mining, then the fan will be at least 75%.
There aren't any non reference 290's at the moment, but there are 280's if you want them.

Example of fan noise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpD_r53qxJc

 

[DeanT77]

Wouldn't go for the Asus 290 as its got stock cooling, MSI with the free game is my pick.

This, if you are keeping it at home then go for the cheapest non-reference cooler as they are loud and if you are mining, then the fan will be at least 75%.
There aren't any non reference 290's at the moment, but there are 280's if you want them.

Example of fan noise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpD_r53qxJc

Good call guys, I had read that the fan noise was loud but didn't realise it was so bad

No reference 290 for me!

This is a cheaper option.

YOUR BASKET
1 x Powercolor Radeon R9 280X TurboDUO "BF4 Edition" 3072MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card £259.99

The poor powercolor support puts me off

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18231329

The MSI will need a BIOS flash to adjust voltage.

Would a BIOS flash invalidate warranty - I have a feeling I know the answer to that question.....

 

[ChrisD.]

Would a BIOS flash invalidate warranty - I have a feeling I know the answer to that question.....

OcUK told me no, so I flashed all three of mine. I don't see why it would anyway, we've been self flashing motherboards for years.

 

[DeanT77]

OcUK told me no, so I flashed all three of mine. I don't see why it would anyway, we've been self flashing motherboards for years.

Which BIOS did you use, is it a custom one or manufacturers own?

It's a good point with the mobo reference.

 

[Gibbo]

The poor powercolor support puts me off

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18231329

Support is with ocuk.

 

[DeanT77]

Support is with ocuk.

Ah well, just ordered an MSI, stuck with what I know, as well as a copy of BF4 - you should see that order flying in

If I decide to build a purpose built miner then the above is good to know, thanks