7990, 7970 x2 or r9 290x?

[samm_]

Hi, I need some help here, I'm planning to upgrade my PC graphics from my 7970, I'm wandering what the best option would be considering performance for value etc. Also I know that the 7990 and 7970's are getting hard to get hold of now and also there is the r9 295x2 being released this month but seems to have a steep price.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CalVic]

Heya,

Welcome to the forum

It comes down to how much you want to spend, As well as other factors such as what resolution your playing games at etc. However, if you can afford it the 290x is a good card

 

[NeverBackDown]

290x over the other two options. You would be able to get the best 290x on the market for cheaper than a 7990...

 

[lAnimal]

Since you already have a 7970, scan have got a few 'new' (old) 7970's for fairly cheap, that's what I'd go with
http://www.scan.co.uk/shop/computer-hardware/all/gpu-amd/radeon-hd7970-pci-e
Or sell your one and go for a 290x

 

[NeverBackDown]

While Xfiring the 7970's would be the fastest out of the 3 it would still consume more power and heat and noise. A single 290x would be better and it has better Xfire support if OP ever decides to do that.

 

[samm_]

I noticed the 7990 is expensive for what it is, which puts it at the bottom of the list out of the choices. In my PC case I have 7 fans so cooling isnt a problem, as for power I have a seasonic gold 1kw, the noise probably wont be an issue as my pc makes quite a bit of noise on full load anyway; I have loud speakers so I don't really hear to much of it.

If I can get a 7970 cheap then I may go for that option since its the easiest. I've been told a r9 280x will CF with a 7970 and also that 2 different 3rd party branded 7970s will CF if the clocks are the same.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[iBeInspire]

From a pure performance standpoint, the xfire 7970's are probably the way to go, but if you want to stay sane, go for the 290x... crossfire issues are endless.

 

[Kaapstad]

A 290P is quite a bit cheaper than a 290X and will give you a nice boost over a HD 7970. If after a while a single 290P is not enough you can add a second later.

 

[KING_OF_SAND]

Always go with a single GPU when you can. Less driver problems and more compatibility, less heat, and if you really give a rats ass less power.

 

[SeekaX]

Here's an even better idea. Don't upgrade just yet, the 7970 will still do you fine till the next gen and then you can get a new single GPU.

 

[Captain Shiny]

Here's an even better idea. Don't upgrade just yet, the 7970 will still do you fine till the next gen and then you can get a new single GPU.

+1 The 7970 is still a baller in terms of performance and it also supports almost all current features except for true audio but that is not worth the investment in a new card.

 

[samm_]

Thanks for the replies guys, appreciate the advice. I can get another 7970 ghz quite cheap (around 200) but as some of you mentioned crossfiring can be unstable so I may sell my one 7970 and get a liquid cooled r9 290x and overclock it, then maybe crossfire it later on. Still a bit stuck between the two decisions; I hate being an indecisive person.

 

[blair]

I have 2x HD7970 and apart from some indie games i have never had a problem with crossfire, BF4, crysis and any other big game that rerquires the horse power of 2 7970s support it and work well. I am waiting to upgrade to 2x Nvidia maxwell cards.

Running at 5960x1080 my two HD7970's still pump out 90-110 FPs with everything at ultra in BF4.