Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question

Should I get 2 R9 290s? And which PSU?

Tags:
  • XFX
  • Power Supplies
  • Components
Last response: in Components
Share
March 29, 2014 12:19:10 PM

I'm thinking of getting an R9 290 and then in a few years getting another one but there aren't any good 850W PSUs for under £90. The XFX 850 is out of stock everywhere and that's the only one I can really choose. I could get just one R9 290, get a cheaper motherboard and PSU like an XFX 750 or RM750 and save about £20. And then later replace that R9 290 with some other card.

So what do you think I should do? Get 2 R9 290s and use some 750W PSU or get just one and replace it? If you think I should just get one then which PSU should I buy?

More about : 290s psu

March 29, 2014 12:27:21 PM

If you are planning to put 2 graphic cards in your system focus on those PSUs recommended for SLI and CrossFire. I recommend the AX or HX series from Corsair. The PSU is essential if you want a powerfull PC without the risk of setting it on fire by powering it with a low quality PSU or getting the PSU over the limits.
m
0
l
March 29, 2014 4:30:19 PM

You shouldn't try to save money up on the psu, in fact, it's better to save money on other components to get a better quality psu. What's your budget, what are you planning to do, gaming in 1080p, mhm?

I don't see much point in getting a 290 just to get it replaced by something. I'd rather pick a GTX 780, with let's say Corsair RM850 and a good motherboard, something from Gigabyte or MSI and then someday smack an SLI. 780 are faster than 290 (well I think so, I could be wrong). And also run cooler and quieter. It all depends on your budget.
m
0
l
April 3, 2014 12:20:17 PM

As I live in the United States its a little hard for me to judge if under £90 is a legitimate possibility, because prices can very DRASTICALLY between countries (ask any Australian.) However what the others have stated here is correct, the last thing you want to do is skimp on the PSU. I have seen too many people wreak motherboards this way (and a few video cards.) Personally I found it to be better to just stick with a single card that can max out settings, and replace it when it no longer can. At the moment this seems to be the cheapest option. I can also verify that a R9 270x can run new games at "ultra" settings at 1080p, so the R9 290 should last you well into the next generation of cards, in which case I doubt you will want another one.
TLDR: Don't skimp on the PSU. Crossfire is largely overrated.
m
0
l
!