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SAPPHIRE Announces the Radeon R9 290X/290 Tri-X Graphics Cards

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SAPPHIRE Technology has just announced two new models of its top of the range R9 290 and R9 290X graphics cards. Both models feature the SAPPHIRE exclusive Tri-X triple fan cooler, enhanced clocks and dual BIOS.

The SAPPHIRE R9 290X Tri-X features the latest GCN (graphics core next) architecture from AMD with 2816 stream processing units and an enhanced engine clock of up to 1040 MHz. It is equipped with 4 GB of the latest high performance GDDR5 memory on a 512-bit interface and now clocked at 1300 MHz (5.2 GHz effective) delivering higher bandwidth than the reference design. The SAPPHIRE R9 290 Tri-X has 2560 stream processing units and an engine clock of up to 1000 Mhz. It is also equipped with 4 GB of the latest high performance GDDR5 memory on a 512-bit interface and clocked at 1300 MHz (5.2 GHz effective).





Both models are based on reference design pcbs with custom cooling developed by SAPPHIRE. The SAPPHIRE Tri-X cooler, first introduced on the R9 280X TOXIC edition to great acclaim, uses three fans with dust repelling bearings and aerofoil section blades to deliver highly efficient airflow at low noise levels, and the fan cowling is designed to ensure the airflow is routed across the hottest areas of the card.

Cooling is especially important in the R9 290 series because performance is capped by the system as the GPU temperature reaches higher levels. Therefore, by providing better cooling, maximum performance levels can be raised. SAPPHIRE has also tailored the fan speed profiles on the Tri-X models to a transitional linear mode which the company believes achieves the best sustainable performance with lower GPU temperatures. Internal testing has shown the Tri-X cooler can achieve operating temperatures much lower than the reference design.

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. It uses the PCI-Express 3.0 interface and supports multiple cards in AMD CrossFire natively without the need for bridge cables.

The SAPPHIRE R9 290 series is also equipped with the new 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.

In addition to superior cooling and performance, SAPPHIRE has also implemented DUAL BIOS on the Tri-X models, ensuring that the cards boot and deliver maximum performance in systems with both UEFI and legacy BIOS implementations.

SAPPHIRE Tri-X models are in production now and will be available from SAPPHIRE's usual etail and retail partners. Retail products will also include specially packaged models with a promotion for a free copy of the highly successful game, Battlefield 4.

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MxPhenom 216

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Orange on Sapphire cards. That's uhhhh.........different.
 
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Pretty sure it's more towards Yellow.

Maybe you need to calibrate your monitor :p
 
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Pretty sure it's more towards Yellow.

Maybe you need to calibrate your monitor :p

i think they are more orange than yellow dude, these aint the best pictures of them i have seen.
 
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Easily and by the best high end GPU when price is considered. And that's the proof about the faulty reference cooler. Some have said that the core cannot be frozen. Eat your words with 68C in 30mins gaming load with Crysis 3...
 

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Yellow?

They're trying to look like Zotac.
 
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Yellow?

They're trying to look like Zotac.

They're both subbrands of PCpartner so I guess Zotac ordered too much yellow plastic and Sapphire borrowed it :p
 
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Just read the 290 tri-x oc review. Performance shines even brighter with a good cooler slapped on it. I wish they'd ditch the color scheme though. I like the old Sapphire theme much better.
 

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They're both subbrands of PCpartner so I guess Zotac ordered too much yellow plastic and Sapphire borrowed it :p
Sapphire is PC Partner? One learns something new every day, lol.
 

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Oh hells yeah! Finally. Been waiting for the Sapphires. Been using them since my 5770 Vapor x. Now how long do I have to wait to get one.
 
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This not gonna work. Just got their R9 280X with the same monstrous cooler sitting at open and mining, it heats like oven with fans hitting maximum speed. They want to add extra 50 watts? No way. It will melt.
 
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Both models are based on reference design pcbs.
I think I'd go with someone's that has something more to the components and PCB, if having to ante-up up $30 for just a cooler.

This not gonna work. Just got their R9 280X with the same monstrous cooler sitting at open and mining, it heats like oven with fans hitting maximum speed. They want to add extra 50 watts? No way. It will melt.
I'd say the 280X isn't the identical same as these they afix to the 290's.
 
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You saying I am blind? Got the card right here. Orange rims, three fans, long like hell. Has sligthly different bracket because of different connectors, maybe some tiny difference here and there but overall pretty much the same. Stock cards have about 50 watts difference so it will be +- the same here. That means way over 300 watts, jeez. And people wonder why such cards barely survive warranty period…
 
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You saying I am blind? Got the card right here. Orange rims, three fans, long like hell. Has sligthly different bracket because of different connectors, maybe some tiny difference here and there but overall pretty much the same. Stock cards have about 50 watts difference so it will be +- the same here. That means way over 300 watts, jeez. And people wonder why such cards barely survive warranty period…

Looks to work pretty well

 
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So is Tri-X replacing the Vapor-X marketing lineup of Sapphire cards?
 
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You saying I am blind? …
Wow don't take it so personal... Using just the pictures above there's no way to see the subtle differences; like differences in H-P layout (5 vs 3), or if these use a vapor chamber. Just look at the KitGuru pic’s he's reviewed the Sapphire 280X you'll see huge differences like the VRM cooling.

While look at even his pictures of the two shrouds, completely different but the colors are the same. Even the end of the 290's seems bulge more. Sometimes even though fans size and appearance are similar they could be different spec fans, although not always the case but could be.

Before chastising this cooler as your 280X, or even me for that fact you should open your mind a little and get some facts.

http://www.kitguru.net/components/g...e-r9-290-tri-x-oc-review-1600p-ultra-hd-4k/2/
http://www.kitguru.net/components/g...pphire-r9-280x-toxic-edition-oc-3gb-review/2/
 
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So is Tri-X replacing the Vapor-X marketing lineup of Sapphire cards?

No it's just model dependent.... well heat dependent really..... Tri X, Dual X and VaporX lol, not confusing really, Tri's for the toasty 290's, dual's and Vapors for the 280's downwards it seems.
 
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The Vapor-X models are constantly sold out. I except that these Tri-X models will follow the same trend.

EDIT:

Oh I also wanted to mention something about the coil whine the Vapor-Xs have been experiencing... I hope they work that out.
 
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Wow don't take it so personal... Using just the pictures above there's no way to see the subtle differences; like differences in H-P layout (5 vs 3), or if these use a vapor chamber. Just look at the KitGuru pic’s he's reviewed the Sapphire 280X you'll see huge differences like the VRM cooling.

That vapor-something is just BS, no improvement over HP. Besides, there is HOT air coming from the fins, you think there is some problem with heat transfer from the core to air? NO. It just cannot handle. We are talking about bloody 300 watts…
 
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Both models are based on reference design pcbs with custom cooling developed by SAPPHIRE.

Why are they still using reference pcb designs for these? I'll be sure to look past these and probably get myself a different brand of R290 that has improved power circuitry.
 
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That vapor-sopmething is just BS, no improvement over HP. Besides, there is HOT air coming from the fins, you think there is some problem with heat transfer from the core to air? NO. It just cannot handle. We are talking about bloody 300 watts…

Well considering you said you own a 280 Toxic and most reviews have it around 75C in FurMark & 65C while gaming.

Besides if you bother looking at the card you can tell its not the same cooler.

I'm going to have to call BS on you and your setup.
 
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