Sapphire Tri-X OC R9 290 vs 970 (best variant)

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Really need help finishing my first PC build.

Looking for a GPU to buy? This is the final piece of my build that i'm not completely decided on.
Which is better for 1080 (possibly 1440p) @ 60fps gaming and which will be better in the long run?

290 Tri OC Sapphire vs 970 (any other variant)


  • 290 is cheaper
    Performs more or less identical
    Full 4GB VRAM

It seems like a no brainer but i'd like some more opinions.
Also a few side questions:


1. Is the 4460 worth upgrading to the 4590? Does the performance increase merit the price increase?
2. How's a EVGA PSU Bronze 600W? Is it enough for either card?
3. How's my build looking overall in terms of price (is it overpriced)? (https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/Thebull94/saved/#view=xxC9TW)

Cheers in advance, this whole 970 / 290 situation is getting me anxious as fuck haha.
 
Solution
I would go sapphire 290x all the way. Most the benchmarks show 970 oc version vs stock 290x, oc the 290x and call it a day.

The heat argument is moot with a sapphire cooler.

The TDP is not 2x that of the 970, but rather under 100watts difference. A rough calculation with hydro costing $.20 kWh it works out to an extra $.02 an hour, so 1000 hours of gaming the 290x will cost an extra $20, not really a huge difference.

If you plan on going with a higher res in the future the full 4gb of ram and wider bus will come in handy.

CrimsonLuke

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Mar 31, 2015
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290 because the 970 is more than you need if you're gaming at 1080p. I'd go for the 970 if you are planning to play at 1440p in the future

1. No, not for gaming.

2. Yes, with some headroom.

3. It looks like a very decent build and not overpriced.
 
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Thanks for the response.

I've recently found a 290x Sapphire OC for the SAME PRICE as the 290.

Doesn't the 290x (and even the 290) outperform the 970?
 
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1. No it doesn't

http://i.imgur.com/uDDimJd.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/bHM3yaT.png
http://i.imgur.com/y0P41z8.png
http://i.imgur.com/vfp8nHI.png
http://i.imgur.com/EYr2lO6.png

It only performs slightly better when it's the stock 290s and even then the 3.5GB / cheaper price can be argued. Throw in a good aftermarket cooler like Sapphire variants and it looks like no contest.

2. No it's not

http://i.imgur.com/pUXo9UY.png


 
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It's the stock 290x. The cooler on it is terrible.

Even then you can make an argument for the 290x.

1. Similar performance
2. Similar price
3. Full 4GB VRAM
4. Not endorsing BS corporate practices

The minute you get an aftermarket 290x involved (Sapphire for example) it's no longer a question, even in temps the 290x has it beat.
 
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Get me one benchmark that shows the 970 beating a Sapphire 290x.

I've provided multiple benchmarks showing the 290 beating the 970, all you've provided is an aftermarket 970 beating the reference 290.
 

disturbed force

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Apr 7, 2015
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I would go sapphire 290x all the way. Most the benchmarks show 970 oc version vs stock 290x, oc the 290x and call it a day.

The heat argument is moot with a sapphire cooler.

The TDP is not 2x that of the 970, but rather under 100watts difference. A rough calculation with hydro costing $.20 kWh it works out to an extra $.02 an hour, so 1000 hours of gaming the 290x will cost an extra $20, not really a huge difference.

If you plan on going with a higher res in the future the full 4gb of ram and wider bus will come in handy.
 
Solution