Is it worth getting the R9 290X by now?

Polieno

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Feb 28, 2014
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Is it worth getting the R9 290X now that the next gen graphics cards are on the way?
I was really thinking of getting one since they are quite cheap compared to release prices.
I'm not thinking of getting the next gen gpus since I probably won't need it for my 1080p monitor, but I'm still considering waiting on the gpus so that if they hit a price slash I could get a decent capture card too.

Give me your opinions on how the prices will get affected? Or will this be the final minimum price for the few years to come?

Thank you in advance!
 
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looka273

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Well it's a close call to GTX Titan, which costs double the money: http://www.hwcompare.com/16201/geforce-gtx-titan-vs-radeon-r9-290/
I'd go with it. New ones are just going to be overpriced at relase, and you probably won't need to replace R9 290X any time sooner.
 

Gaidax

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I'd wait and see what Nvidia's 880 is like. It is coming out next month, also AMD prepares a new mid-range GPU popping out next month too - 285 and 285X

I think better hold it because even if there is nothing for you specifically there, I believe prices will be affected.
 
This card is an absolute boss of gaming and fights with the GTX 780 Ti. Ultra settings is ice cream for this one for any latest title in FHD with a powerful enough CPU. If you don't plan to upgrade your Monitor, this card will most likely allow FHD in any title for the next 2-4 years on Ultra settings, maybe for even more time.

The GTX 800 series will most likely arrive this September-October and prices will be a little less when compared to the release price of 700 series (including inflation), says the rumors. But I'm certain you won't get a GPU this powerful for a price of $550 or less, atleast till the time the prices are slashed.

What I suggest is you wait till they're launched this October and then decide for yourself.
 

Polieno

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I dont really want a next gen since for 1080p a 290x will be enough! Do you think the prices will drop by 50% by september or something like 10%, because 10% I can live with.
 


They won't probably drop down that much.
Get the R9 290X now and you will have a great GPU that will serve you for the next 4 years,or even more. :)
 
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R9 290X can run latest titles on Ultra in 2k too! And can do this for atleast 2 more years, 4 years for FHD minimum.

You can expect a slight cut-off like $15-30 in Oct but don't expect a huge one like $50-60 or 10% as this's a very high end gaming card and the prices will go down to 10% less than now, only when a new GPU is added to Radeon. Or about 1 year later.

One can safely say this period is a very good time to buy this one!
 

Polieno

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Ye prolly will next week!
 

rbarnhart

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Clearly, after every review the answer is, it depends.

If you want raw basic performance the 780 Ti is best.

If you want the best performance/dollar there is no competitor to the r9 290

If you want to play at 4k or muti-screen, sli or crossfire, there are no cards like the 290x cards, though the 290 cards are close and very competitive/better than two 780 Ti cards in SLI for almost everything current. Making them great cards moving forward.

Something to note: the recent die shrinks on processors are not necessarily going to show performance improvements worth upgrading from the above cards. They will be more energy efficient, which on the AMD side is a plus. But if raw performance and future proofing is your concern, there will be no earth moving for at least another year or more. Nothing worth paying a new card premium over these 28nm process cards.