Looking at the R9 290 and 290X.But would like to know what the X at the end stands for. The only difference I can see is the X is OCed. Also whats a good brand to get. I noticed that these cards need a 6 pin and a 8 pin connector. I don't this I have a 8 pin, but do have multiple 6 pin connectors. Thanks.
The cards will usually come with adapters for the 6 and 8 pin connections. They recommend a 750W PSU for the 290s. Most PSUs that hefty should have at least one 8 pin connector. The fact that yours lacks one may mean it's not beefy enough. I usually stick with Sapphire unless there is another brand significantly cheaper. Back before AMD bought ATI, Sapphire manufactured the official ATI cards and they were always solid. But I don't think there is any brand I would say is bad. Just read reviews and pick the cheapest one that has decent reviews. Edit - I was incorrect about it being clock speed only. There is a shader unit bump as well.
My bad. I know the difference between the 270 and 270X is just clock speed, I assumed it was across the board.
Thanks everyone . Was looking at the gigabyte card on there site, and saw where the recommended PSU is 600w . Do you think this was a typo or something? Also was considering the sapphire as I have a 5850 that's still kicking after years of use.
The 290X is the big one, the 290 is the little brother . Like Allways AMD and Nvidia use a sku and decline it then with less shader processors, less TU etcs.. ( like 770-780 for Nvidia ( as an example ). or the 7950-7970 for AMD on the previous serie ). Ofc the "little brother" cost less and have less performance. Complete spec :
So here is the million dollar question. Is it worth the extra $100 to $150 depending where I buy it from, to get the 290X instead of the 290? I say this as I could use that money saved to buy a 750w psu.
Only you can answer that. I always go for the best I can for longevity's sake. My 7970 isn't letting me down yet, so in my case I will upgrade in the next gen. Edit: my 7970 replaced a 5870.
I would say no, your money is better spent on a custom 290 pro like the vapor-x. It pretty much performs at the same level as a stock 290x but without the noise and heat.
That is a lot for a few extra shader units, I would stick with the 290. But I may be biased as I am a very frugal person (as you can see by my very dated CPU I am refusing to upgrade till spring and my midrange 270x).
I'd say go for the 290, you'll like it. Been very happy with mine and can personally recommend Sapphire. From Sapphire (if you choose so) get the Tri-X or Vapor-X version. The latter is a bit better and more expensive. Vapor-X is a custom cooler / PCB with some higher quality components whereas Tri-X is a reference PCB with a custom cooler, but very solid still. The perf difference between 290 and 290X is often marginal, couple of fps depending on the game and resolution, and not worth the price difference imo. Plus a custom cooled 290 probably overclocks to match or pass stock 290X easily if you want to go down that road. AMD kinda shot themselves in the leg with the 290 as it basically replaces the 290X.
Clock for clock about 5% difference. No brainer, get a custom cooled 290 and overclock the crap out of it.
