Crossfire 280X or single 290/290X

[TheLostOne]

Hey guys, girls and everyone!

Do anyone have experience (cons, pros) with dual 280X fx. the Matrix edition from Asus vs. single 290 or 290X with NON reference coolers or is it too early to ask, maybe it is hehe... I'am just very curious!

Happy holidays !

 

[NeverBackDown]

What resolution you playing at? If it is 1080p then any of the mentioned cards will easily run any game. 280x Matrix edition seem to have a lot of problems from customer reviews i have read. Better off with the DCU2 cooler(very good cooler).

If you can afford a 290x aftermarket cooler then it would be worth it to get it over a 290 if money is not much of factor, otherwise a 290 would do you just fine. Only one thing to keep in mind is that for any of these cards you need at least 650watt PSU and for the 280x Xfire you will need 750watts.

 

[Kaapstad]

Don't go near the Asus Matrix 280Xs unless you have very good case air flow and a big PSU if you are going to overclock them. I use two Asus Matrix Platinum 7970s which are near enough the same card. They produce massive amounts of heat, need a gap between them and when overclocked along with a 3970X CPU can pull over 910 watts at the wall.

I think a non ref 290 is the way to go but you really need to post more info about your system specs so we can help you better.

 

[TheLostOne]

Thanks for the replies, well I was just curious about what solution were better over the others, I'am currently playing at 1080p but will be upgrading when 1440p pricing becomes better and then I thougt about the above mentioned graphics card.

Sorry, totally forgot to inform about specs!

- Asus Rampage IV Formula
- Intel i7-4930K CPU
- Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 2 CPU Cooler
- 16GB RAM (G.skill Ripjaws Z PC3-14900, 4x4GB.)
- Corsair Force GS 240GB SSD
- Corsair 600T + 6 fans
- Corsair AX860W PSU

Calculated that dual Matrix + 4930K (overclocked, 4400MHz, 1,4V) will hit around 860W, that is what this website tells be www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

(Nice setup Kaapstad !!)

 

[NeverBackDown]

If you plan on upgrading to 1440p then a single 290x/290 won't perform as well as 280x in crossfire, it will however most likely still perform better at minimum frame rates. I suggest getting a 290 for now and when funds are available go for another. In the meantime a single 290 is very capable of 1080p.

PSU should be fine with a 290 xfire setup. Don't think you should worry.

 

[TheLostOne]

If you plan on upgrading to 1440p then a single 290x/290 won't perform as well as 280x in crossfire, it will however most likely still perform better at minimum frame rates. I suggest getting a 290 for now and when funds are available go for another. In the meantime a single 290 is very capable of 1080p.

PSU should be fine with a 290 xfire setup. Don't think you should worry.

Thank you very much! I will take it into consideration when more NON reference 290's hit the market !

But wouldn't a 290 xfire setup push the PSU to it limits when paired with a 4930K?

 

[Kaapstad]

Thank you very much! I will take it into consideration when more NON reference 290's hit the market !

But wouldn't a 290 xfire setup push the PSU to it limits when paired with a 4930K?

If you are overclocking it will be getting close.

I tried running 3 290Xs and a 3970X all overclocked on a Corsair 1200i, unfortunately the PSU was not up to it. It turns out the Corsair 1200i is not the best of PSUs when overclocking though.

 

[Edge]

I say go 290. AMD are always a bit lacking with drivers and at least that way you don't have to worry about Xfire for new games.

I really can't see a single 290/x struggling at 1440p, although obviously adding a second later would open up the potential.

 

[TheLostOne]

If you are overclocking it will be getting close.

I tried running 3 290Xs and a 3970X all overclocked on a Corsair 1200i, unfortunately the PSU was not up to it. It turns out the Corsair 1200i is not the best of PSUs when overclocking though.

Wow, that's kinda unbelievable, I thought the AX1200i were the best of the best. But if considering xfire the 290, stock speeds should be more than enough?

Edge: I agree !

 

[NeverBackDown]

A Corsair Rm 1000watt will be able to run just fine with 290 in crossfire and a 4930k. Overclocking should not be a problem also.

 

[Kaapstad]

Wow, that's kinda unbelievable, I thought the AX1200i were the best of the best. But if considering xfire the 290, stock speeds should be more than enough?

Edge: I agree !

The older Corsair 1200 PSU is better than the newer 1200i but why I don't know.

 

[TheLostOne]

The older Corsair 1200 PSU is better than the newer 1200i but why I don't know.

Strange... Nevermind, sticking with the AX860W as I already have it

NeverBackDown: Noted


PS. Thank you all for helping! Such nice forum to look for help and get fast anwers !