Which GPU question?

[Space Monkey]

Hi guys,

Recently sold my 280X (wish I hadn't now, but that's another story) and I'm in need of a new GPU but have a specific question?

I have a choice of either the Asus 290 DCUII or the MSI 290 Gamer, the MSI is only £5 more but comes with the Never Settle Space free game codes, so are these the best I can get for my budget of approx £215 mark or should I be getting something different?

Specs:

i5 4670k
Gigabyte Z87X OC-Force Mobo
16GB RAM
SSD
1200p display
Win 8.1


Thanks

 

[snips86x]

The MSI is a great buy and if you decide to sell the voucher or keep it, you're either quids in or have free games.

You thought about looking on the MM for a MSI 290? Pretty sure I've seen one going for £175 mark!

GB one here

 

[LtMatt]

Hi guys,

Recently sold my 280X (wish I hadn't now, but that's another story) and I'm in need of a new GPU but have a specific question?

I have a choice of either the Asus 290 DCUII or the MSI 290 Gamer, the MSI is only £5 more but comes with the Never Settle Space free game codes, so are these the best I can get for my budget of approx £215 mark or should I be getting something different?

Specs:

i5 4670k
Gigabyte Z87X OC-Force Mobo
16GB RAM
SSD
1200p display
Win 8.1


Thanks

Hi Space Monkey,

I would go for the MSI Gaming card. I believe (please double check with the retailer to confirm) that it comes with Hynix memory and the Asus card comes with Elpida. That alone is a good enough reason to pick it. It also has the gold ticket as you say and AMD have some excellent games to choose from at the moment. The cooler on the Asus might be slightly better, but there is not much in it truth be told.

 

[Space Monkey]

The MSI is a great buy and if you decide to sell the voucher or keep it, you're either quids in or have free games.

You thought about looking on the MM for a MSI 290? Pretty sure I've seen one going for £175 mark!

GB one here

Thanks snips, I've posted in his thread last night, still waiting for a response

Hi Space Monkey,

I would go for the MSI Gaming card. I believe (please double check with the retailer to confirm) that it comes with Hynix memory and the Asus card comes with Elpida. That alone is a good enough reason to pick it. It also has the gold ticket as you say and AMD have some excellent games to choose from at the moment. The cooler on the Asus might be slightly better, but there is not much in it truth be told.

Thanks Matt

The retailer concerned probably couldn't tell me what memory it has as they aren't as tech minded as OCUK, more box shifters.

I have heard the MSI is better at cooling? I'll have to see if I can dig up some reviews?


So do you both think that's the best card I can get for that budget? I'm still seeing 280Xs that cost more, so I'm assuming it is?

 

[LtMatt]

Yes the coolers are very similar, not a lot in them. The MSI should be fairly quiet too. MSI would be my choice for reasons stated.

 

[Rusty0611]

I'll be listing my Tri-X OC over the weekend Space Monkey. Great 290 the Sapphire one - very popular model.

 

[Uncle Petey]

You're not still water cooling are you, Monkey?
If so, perhaps...

 

[thefogo]

Powercolor PCS is pretty good.
Naff stock fan profile though.

 

[Space Monkey]

I'll be listing my Tri-X OC over the weekend Space Monkey. Great 290 the Sapphire one - very popular model.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out in the MM

Yes the coolers are very similar, not a lot in them. The MSI should be fairly quiet too. MSI would be my choice for reasons stated.

Thanks Matt

You're not still water cooling are you, Monkey?
If so, perhaps...

No mate, gave up that habit ages ago