Following the successful introduction of the industry's first 8GB R9 290X graphics card with its Vapor-X model, SAPPHIRE Technology has just announced another 8GB card sporting the highly acclaimed SAPPHIRE exclusive Tri-X triple fan cooler, enhanced clocks and dual BIOS, making the large frame buffer option available at a slightly lower cost.

The SAPPHIRE R9 290X Tri-X 8GB features the latest GCN (graphics core next) architecture from AMD with 2816 stream processing units and an enhanced engine clock of up to 1020 MHz. It is equipped with 8 GB of the latest high performance GDDR5 memory on a 512-bit interface and now clocked at 1375 MHz (5.5GHz effective) delivering higher bandwidth than earlier models. Built on a SAPPHIRE original pcb, the layout incorporates a 6-phase power design delivering up to 240 watts (40 watts per phase) for maximum performance. Two 8-pin power connectors ensure adequate system power is available (up to 375 Watts total including PCI-Express power).The SAPPHIRE Tri-X cooler used on the R9 290 series was the industry's first cooler to use a central 10 mm heatpipe in addition to four subsidiary heatpipes ensuring even heat distribution throughout the heatsink assembly., The three fans have dust repelling bearings now each with dual ball races. They are equipped with aerofoil section blades to deliver highly efficient airflow at low noise levels, and the fan cowling is designed to control the routing of the airflow for maximum cooling efficiency.

With support for Ultra HD (4K displays) and AMD Eyefinity multi-screen technology, the SAPPHIRE R9 290 series maximises the visual experience for work or play with superior image quality and high resolution displays. Testing has shown the increased frame buffer of the R9 290X 8GB model brings performance benefits in high resolution photo and video editing, as well as providing for the large texture maps beginning to be used in some video games, especially where extreme mods are used.

The R9 290X uses the PCI-Express 3.0 interface and supports multiple cards in AMD CrossFire natively without the need for bridge cables. In addition to superior cooling and performance, SAPPHIRE has also implemented DUAL BIOS on the Tri-X models, with an LED illuminated button switch, ensuring that the cards boot and deliver maximum performance in systems with both UEFI and legacy BIOS implementations.

The SAPPHIRE R9 290 series is equipped with AMD TrueAudio technology which brings a heightened level of audio immersion, surrounding gamers with realistic audio environments whether it is through stereo headsets or speakers. A dedicated audio processor in the GPU enables the SAPPHIRE R9 290 series to deliver a richer and deeply immersive soundscape, including true to life echoes, convolution reverbs and incredibly realistic surround sound environments.

SAPPHIRE 8GB R9 290X Vapor-X and Tri-X models are in production now and will be available from SAPPHIRE's usual etail and retail partners.