I'm interested in the R9 390x. Does the brand make much of a difference? Or should I base it on specs? Currently interested in either the Gigabyte and the MSI version. Looks like MSI specs are a little higher. (and the MSI is cheaper than the Gigabyte (Currently))Is one card more over-clockable?
I never owned or had hands on experience with a Gigabyte R9 390x but I have owned two MSI R9 390s and they were both rock solid, cool, quiet and good overclockers.
Despite your recommendations, I think I'm going to go with the Gigabyte. I own a Gigabyte 7950 and so all I have to do is swap one for the other. And for other reasons too.
The thing is... Windforce doesn't do that good job when it comes to cooling really power hungry cards. For example, I had GTX 780 GHz Edition and the cooler did really bad job. On the other hand I had MSI R9 290 Gaming and it was clearly a better cooler and the version in 390 is even beefier.
Right, but buying a MSI card would require me to buy a new PSU (~$100). I own a Gigabyte 7950 and it cooled just fine with stock coolers. It overclocked well. Also all I have to do is swap the 7950 with the 390x (same wiring). And, it's smaller than the MSI, makes for an easier installation. Plus I already ordered the Gigabyte. Questions? Comments?
Well, both use just as much power. Let's put it this way: if the Gigabyte works then the MSI will work too. Although 8 years old PSU is pretty ancient and I would replace it with something modern and efficient in the near future. Also considering that particular PSU isn't exactly the highest quality unit I would buy new one sooner rather than later.
Does the Antec have a 8 pin and 6 pin connector? I think you are cutting it close at best for either card.
yes it has both for the card - a 6 and a 8 connector. Any recommendations on what PSU to get? mostly how much wattage? I was thinking 850w. I will say my Gigabyte 7950 works extremely well - highly overclockable, quiet, never had any issues with it. must be a whole different thing then the r9 390x then.
390X should be a dual 8pin. As for a new PSU, look for single rail designs, and modular. And compare pricing, because sometimes you can get a bigger PSU for a small amount of $$, and the higher rated it is, the better the efficiency since I doubt you'll be stressing it near capacity. I have the CM Silent Pro Gold 1200 that I got on sale, single rail, and the only problem I had with it was the fan needed to be replaced after a few years, which was simple to do, and I modded the mount holes for 140mm fans. (original is 135mm)
Yeah, something like a 850w will do the job. As for brand, I had a gigabyte card before, and while it's a great card, it hardly overclocked due to new revision board. The windforce cooling device looks nice but I never really found it excellent. Msi is the better choice, better cooling, better overclockability etc etc.
Hows this for a PSU? Rosewill BRONZE series RBR1000-MS I like the features, price, etc. Just want to make sure it will work with my current set up (If I were to buy the MSI card).
I understand the 390x has better performance over a AIB Rx480 8gb......but heck in some case the 480 actually post better or equal performance. Nothing wrong with getting the 390x but i would grab the newer card.