Which 290x!

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 08:48

I've been thinking about upgrading my 7970 to a 290/290x. The prices of used 290x are very appealing over buying a 290, but I'm not sure whether I should be looking at a custom cooled or reference design - Not looking to buy new!!

I'm running a Parvum S2 (mATX) and my 7970 is touching 84/85deg in the warmer weather with the fan touching 91%. I've been reading up on the reference designs and while they appear to run warm and loud, the fact it exhausts the air is selling point for me.

The alternative is to buy a used non-ref version like the MSI gaming edition, or any other version with low failure rate.

What do you suggest? I will also be looking to upgrade my monitor to either a 27" 144hz or 29" super-widescreen, still undecided.

8 Pack · 21 May 2014 at 09:47

Go MSI Gaming or Sapphire Tri X. Depending on budget MSI lightning.

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 09:49

You not think the ref is worth a shot?

Kaapstad · 21 May 2014 at 09:51

snips86x said:
You not think the ref is worth a shot?

They are fine if you are going to use water.

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 09:52

Not sure I will be to be honest. I would like too, but my preference would be to change monitor/gpu next. Water may be last on my list.

Kaapstad · 21 May 2014 at 09:53

snips86x said:
Not sure I will be to be honest. I would like too, but my preference would be to change monitor/gpu next. Water may be last on my list.

8 Pack said:
Go MSI Gaming or Sapphire Tri X. Depending on budget MSI lightning.

^^^ this is the way to go then.

Don't forget to make sure you have good airflow in your case.

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 10:01

I have a Parvum S2. It's not too bad with 2x 120mm fans on the front shifting 95CFM but my current GPU still manages 84 in this weather.

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 11:09

Are there any vendors which will not penalise you for removing/respraying the custom cooler?

Wilko_Dog · 21 May 2014 at 11:24

If your still happy with the 7970 peformance wise, why not buy a custom cooler for it? Or is that not an option

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 11:27

I'm considering re-spraying the 290 Tri-X! My HD 7970 is fine!

Marine-RX179 · 21 May 2014 at 11:28

snips86x said:
Are there any vendors which will not penalise you for removing/respraying the custom cooler?

If you are getting 2nd hand, I think you won't have warranty anyway? Even if the seller agree to help with rma, I doubt they would if you removed/resprayed the cooler.

Boomstick777 · 21 May 2014 at 11:49

Sapphire Tri X.

Some great prices on them atm.

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 11:51

Yes, but I hate the yellow!!

Marine-RX179 · 21 May 2014 at 11:55

Any info or picture of how's your Parvum S2 currently cooling setup? (Airflow, intakes, exhaust etc).

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 12:01

Check my project log in my signature.

Gibbo · 21 May 2014 at 12:10

snips86x said:
You not think the ref is worth a shot?

They are great, but they are not quiet.

If it was my money I'd be buying Sapphire Tri-X/Vapor-X as they give the best mix of quiet cooling and overclockability.

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 12:21

Quiet is important as my case is on my desk. Not sure on the colour though. They need to make a red one.

Boomstick777 · 21 May 2014 at 12:24

Tri X is nice looking imho.

LtMatt · 21 May 2014 at 12:25

snips86x said:
Quiet is important as my case is on my desk. Not sure on the colour though. They need to make a red one.

If you want red and quiet, MSI gaming 290. Otherwise id go with 8Pack and Gibbo and get a Tri X or if you can afford the extra a Vapor X.

snips86x · 21 May 2014 at 12:30

Will the MSI Gaming flash to a X?