AMD Radeon R9 290X 4 GB

[buildzoid]

Better VRMs and cooling(silicon gets less efficient as temps go up) could shave 20 to 50 watts of the power consumption easily so really I could care less about this versions power consumption as long as custom boards come out soon.

 

[GSG-9]

However, it isn't 10x louder to the human ear.

This is why I think sones are a more genuine way to measure noise level, it is easier to explain to people.

Better VRMs and cooling(silicon gets less efficient as temps go up) could shave 20 to 50 watts of the power consumption easily so really I could care less about this versions power consumption as long as custom boards come out.

Dumb question, how often do aftermarket cards have custom VRMs? Is it basically any time its a custom PCB or are they sometimes the same even on a custom PCB?

 

[buildzoid]

Dumb question, how often do aftermarket cards have custom VRMs? Is it basically any time its a custom PCB or are they sometimes the same even on a custom PCB?

The point of custom pcbs is to do one of four things:
1 different output options
2 modified VRMs (either to improve them or make them cheaper)
3 doubled vram capacity
4 any combination of the above

So custom pcbs don't always have to have custom VRMs but most do because the other changes aren't really that useful except for vram doubling on Nvidia gpus.
Though it is key to understand that not all custom VRMs are a good thing for example the stuff that xfx engineers designe is usually designed to minimize production costs and is terrible in every way imaginable.

You can use the ekwb cooling configurator for checking 90% of gpus for what vrm design they use.

 

[HumanSmoke]

Dumb question, how often do aftermarket cards have custom VRMs? Is it basically any time its a custom PCB or are they sometimes the same even on a custom PCB?

Depends on the whim of the vendor in large part. Gigabyte for example has two versions of the Windforce3 GTX 780. Rev.1 uses the reference 6+2 layout, Rev.2 uses 8+2. Some vendors like Zotac, Inno3D, PoV, EVGA's SC use the reference layout and just raise clocks to build a product stack, while MSI, EVGA (Classified/FTW), Asus, Palit/Gainward revise the power delivery to varying extents.

 

[broken pixel]

Any word when and if there will be a design change on VRMs via other venders?

290x with an EK block sounds nice x2.

 

[theonedub]

At least AMD delivered, to some degree D), on the performance. It would've been sad to see them concede as they did to Intel in the high performance CPU segment.

Once the cooling gets sorted, I'm sure the card will really shine. Getting top tier card pricing back down to earth is a win for all of us- and this is a step in the right direction.

 

[johnnyfiive]

To the whiners...


How much is the GTX 780 and Titan again? And how much is the R290x again? AMD is giving the people what they want... a affordable MONSTER of a card. If you're worried the cooler isn't up to par, get an extended warranty. This card is win/win/win for price/performance/features. So what if its loud? So what if it gets hot? Who fricking cares about that, seriously? I have two 480's and it plays everything great. I've had em over 3 years and they're still working fine. Be quiet already whiners! The R290x is exactly what PC gamers needed, something to stop nvidia from releasing these stupid ridiculous $600+ cards that aren't worth the ridiculous asking price.

 

[radrok]

I honestly don't get what's all this fuss about power consumption and temperatures.

Who in earth buys a high end graphics card without having its cooling planned?

Reference and high end does not exist in the same context, imho.

Either watercooling or aftermarket, pick one

Yes I know that Nvidia gets reference right but they charge a well damn hefty premium for it.

 

[TheHunter]

Yeah just slap on a custom cooler and it flies


Prolimatech cooler gets 72C @ 1200mhz (1.4v) imo says it at.. Stock 55C.

 

[msamelis]

To the whiners...


How much is the GTX 780 and Titan again? And how much is the R290x again? AMD is giving the people what they want... a affordable MONSTER of a card. If you're worried the cooler isn't up to par, get an extended warranty. This card is win/win/win for price/performance/features. So what if its loud? So what if it gets hot? Who fricking cares about that, seriously? I have two 480's and it plays everything great. I've had em over 3 years and they're still working fine. Be quiet already whiners! The R290x is exactly what PC gamers needed, something to stop nvidia from releasing these stupid ridiculous $600+ cards that aren't worth the ridiculous asking price.

You can get the ASUS GTX780 OC for just 30 quid extra and have better cooling, less noise and better performance then the 290x

 

[theonedub]

To the whiners...


How much is the GTX 780 and Titan again? And how much is the R290x again? AMD is giving the people what they want... a affordable MONSTER of a card. If you're worried the cooler isn't up to par, get an extended warranty. This card is win/win/win for price/performance/features. So what if its loud? So what if it gets hot? Who fricking cares about that, seriously? I have two 480's and it plays everything great. I've had em over 3 years and they're still working fine. Be quiet already whiners! The R290x is exactly what PC gamers needed, something to stop nvidia from releasing these stupid ridiculous $600+ cards that aren't worth the ridiculous asking price.

I don't know about you, but $549 and $659 are both ridiculously expensive cards. Its not as if AMD just brought us back to the $399 flagship era, the card is still far from what I, and what I presume other people would consider, affordable.

Like I was saying, props to AMD for taking a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go for both companies to get to a point where the word affordable becomes appropriate.

 

[buildzoid]

You can get the ASUS GTX780 OC for just 30 quid extra and have better cooling, less noise and better performance then the 290x

Here where I live the price difference between the 290x and the cheapest 780 is slightly more than the cost of an aftermarket cooler which btw will stomp the dcii cooler. Also the 290x in the review was probably throttling so once it has the better cooler it could beat OCed 780 at stock settings.

 

[bananarepublic]

"AMD's Radeon R9 290X shows fantastic clock scaling with GPU voltage, better than any GPU I've previously reviewed. The clocks do not show any signs of diminishing returns, which leads me to believe that the GPU could clock even higher with more voltage and cooling"

Ohh mine, why did I not read your review of R9 290X first?

I may have forgotten how great this place is for stuff like this, such a well balanced and informed article I simply love it! You guys bring up these small details etc many other sites left out or perhaps did not even think about? Had account here some years ago as well but forgot my log in info and cannot find it, only the name.

I´m Swedish so read first at Sweclockers which is a really great place with many great guys and superb reporters, indeed it is but just can´t stand many the comments in the forums anymore, used to be great but nowadays so full of fanbois and crazies claiming outrageous things and claim info they have no back up for what so ever even before products hit the market or NDA released? I mean at least let the card be reviewed first before claiming to know all detail rights? Now it is and I for one think this looks quite promising I have to say, cannot wait for better optimized software + full cover block on this GPU (or at least non reference cooler) and see what it really can do? Competition is a beautiful thing so let the games begin..

Sorry about my English guys but I do try my best here.. Just let me know if I mess up to much and I´ll try correct.

 

[Frick]

"AMD's Radeon R9 290X shows fantastic clock scaling with GPU voltage, better than any GPU I've previously reviewed. The clocks do not show any signs of diminishing returns, which leads me to believe that the GPU could clock even higher with more voltage and cooling"

Ohh mine, why did I not read your review of R9 290X first?

I may have forgotten how great this place is for stuff like this, such a well balanced and informed article I simply love it! You guys bring up these small details etc many other sites left out or perhaps did not even think about? Had account here some years ago as well but forgot my log in info and cannot find it, only the name.

I´m Swedish so read first at Sweclockers which is a really great place with many great guys and superb reporters, indeed it is but just can´t stand many the comments in the forums anymore, used to be great but nowadays so full of fanbois and crazies claiming outrageous things and claim info they have no back up for what so ever even before products hit the market or NDA released? I mean at least let the card be reviewed first before claiming to know all detail rights? Now it is and I for one think this looks quite promising I have to say, cannot wait for better optimized software + full cover block on this GPU (or at least non reference cooler) and see what it really can do? Competition is a beautiful thing so let the games begin..

Sorry about my English guys but I do try my best here.. Just let me know if I mess up to much and I´ll try correct.

The english is fine.

It seems the same thing happens in most places to be honest. Each and every time something new is released the entire internet turns to foobar'd fud. Speculation and excitement is one thing, namecalling and slinging made up BS around is just annoying.

EDIT: Don't get me wrong, I've had my share of rageboners, but to see it on a large scale is interesting.

 

[jamsbong]

I just scroll through the review pretty quickly and already I'm convinced this is the best of the best card I've seen.

I remember Titan was really fantastic but the problem with that card is the enormous price tag. Now, we have a faster card at half price!!

The ATI boys have done it again... This will be great with proper cooling... keep it at 60C with a highend water cooling kit will do the trick.

 

[N3M3515]

Wew i see a lo of butts hurt in this thread.
Power and acustics is not going to stop this cards from selling out.
Performance is excellent, and i suspect modified versions will be perfect and a 10% faster likely.

It will on Uber mode but that is the sound penalty you will pay for. In Guru's review he quotes AMD as saying 95 degrees is the units operating normal - it can run at that for it's lifetime. If users want a cooler experience they can make it cooler by lowering performance or having higher fan speeds.

+1

I can understand the complaints about noise and high temps, but 50w of electricity? Please. I'm all for higher efficiency, but this is like complaining that a 600 HP Ferrari gets poor fuel economy. Even if you gamed 40 hours a week, that 50w loss is 2 kw of power. Where I live that is 24 cents, or $1 a month, or $12 a year.

+1

Because the price of the two systems are the same, mate. Do the math, 290X water cool = 650-750$ = high end custom 780.
If you don't prefer the wc solution, just wait for a custom version. Around 600$ for a world beater.

+1

 

[bananarepublic]

The english is fine.

It seems the same thing happens in most places to be honest. Each and every time something new is released the entire internet turns to foobar'd fud. Speculation and excitement is one thing, namecalling and slinging made up BS around is just annoying.

EDIT: Don't get me wrong, I've had my share of rageboners, but to see it on a large scale is interesting.

Thanks my friend, I often misspells etc but with correction on here it´s just grammar to think about hehe.

Perhaps you are right, maybe it´s just getting worse for every year that goes by or my memory could be failing? I try to imagine I talk face to face when online and it does help in those situations when I´m irritated cause you just don´t talk however you want when face to face to a person in my opinion or I don´t anyway and suspect you guys dont either. Respect seam somewhat lost these days, also just don´t lie and make stuff up it´s not that hard right?

Either way sorry not my intention to start any OT talk here the first thing I do with my brand new techpowerup account!

I am so excited to see what these chips can produce when cooling gets better, if I buy one it will be a investment and have to save up the money first so I´m really scared to make the wrong decision cause would hurt me economically and set me back a lot so gotta at least wait a little while before making decision + see what Nvidia counter with I guess?

Going to be very interesting to see what what these reference cards can do with full cover blocks on them? Sure I know it´s all guessing at this stage but still very curios especially when taking into consideration that GK110 seam like a dream for many OC´ers

 

[Tonim89]

I don't know about you, but $549 and $659 are both ridiculously expensive cards. Its not as if AMD just brought us back to the $399 flagship era, the card is still far from what I, and what I presume other people would consider, affordable.

Like I was saying, props to AMD for taking a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go for both companies to get to a point where the word affordable becomes appropriate.

I agree with you, and I really miss 2009, when 5870 doubled the GTX 285 performance for $399

But given the actual price tag of the high end cards, this is definitely a step forward. I really think Nvidia will have to slash heavily the prices. I can't wait to see the impact of R9-290 (non x) out there, GTX 780 performance for $450 will be insane!

 

[newtekie1]

To the whiners...


How much is the GTX 780 and Titan again? And how much is the R290x again? AMD is giving the people what they want... a affordable MONSTER of a card. If you're worried the cooler isn't up to par, get an extended warranty. This card is win/win/win for price/performance/features. So what if its loud? So what if it gets hot? Who fricking cares about that, seriously? I have two 480's and it plays everything great. I've had em over 3 years and they're still working fine. Be quiet already whiners! The R290x is exactly what PC gamers needed, something to stop nvidia from releasing these stupid ridiculous $600+ cards that aren't worth the ridiculous asking price.

Relying on price a your sole saving grace isn't a good idea. That only works if nVidia can't lower prices. We already know both the Titan and 780 were very high margin parts, so nVidia's only answer has to be a price reduction. Yeah, it is great that there is finally competition to drive down the insane prices, but this isn't a ground breaking card any way you look at it.

Yes I know that Nvidia gets reference right but they charge a well damn hefty premium for it.

No, they charge a premium for the performance. Titan and the 780 were expensive because there was nothing that could compete with them, now there there is we should see a price drop on the 780, as well as the 780Ti being priced pretty similar to the 290X.

 

[Hilux SSRG]

I don't know about you, but $549 and $659 are both ridiculously expensive cards. Its not as if AMD just brought us back to the $399 flagship era, the card is still far from what I, and what I presume other people would consider, affordable.

Like I was saying, props to AMD for taking a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go for both companies to get to a point where the word affordable becomes appropriate.

Agreed. But Amd is not moving in the "right" direction, they are going in circles.

Two years ago the 7970 arrived for $549, then the 7970 Ghz arrived a year later for $500.

Now the 290x arrives a year later for $549 again, what should we expect next year when the 20nm isn't ready 290x Ghz for $500?

It's a cool enough card that runs hot with that stock cooler but it's not worth the price they are asking for. Nvidia is pulling the same bullshit pricing.

Good review W1zzard.

 

[N3M3515]

Noise? What did you expect from a cheap $550 card? If you want silence it'll cost you $1000!

That was hilarious

One can also say, it costs $650

 

[Mathragh]

That was hilarious

One can also say, it costs $650

I still think the argument about silence is daft at best.

Only 2 decibel above titan, a card seen as fairly silent, is not all of a sudden loud by any means.

And don't start about that DECIBEL IS MOAR THAN +1 etc etc. The whole reason the decibel scale is the way it is, is because the energy, or "loudness" of sound also decreases exponentially with the distance. Furthermore, human hearing also is not an exact instrument, but regards the loudness of sound exactly the right way to correct for this exponential increase/decrease in sound level.

So, the 2dB increase is not ACTUALLY OVER 9000!! in every perceivable way (important for humans) it is 2/38ths louder than titan. This is still not loud.

 

[N3M3515]

I'm glad this card just took a huge shit on Nvidia's "boutique card" parade to be honest.

+1 Greedy nvidia.

 

[newtekie1]

I still think the argument about silence is daft at best.

Only 2 decibel above titan, a card seen as fairly silent, is not all of a sudden loud by any means.

And don't start about that DECIBEL IS MOAR THAN +1 etc etc. The whole reason the decibel scale is the way it is, is because the energy, or "loudness" of sound also decreases exponentially with the distance. Furthermore, human hearing also is not an exact instrument, but regards the loudness of sound exactly the right way to correct for this exponential increase/decrease in sound level.

So, the 2dB increase is not ACTUALLY OVER 9000!! in every perceivable way (important for humans) it is 2/38ths louder than titan. This is still not loud.

Yes, but at the 2dBa louder setting it also is about 5% slower than Titan, performance is actually at the 780 level at that point. For the 290X to top Titan it is 10dBa louder, which is very noticeable to the human ear.

 

[Xzibit]

I don't know guys

All this sound & heat talk has me convinced that most people run an open air test bench setup between their keyboard and monitor while gaming and the exhaust is pointed at there face.