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Started by CmdrJeffSinclair | | 5 answers
New RIG: R9 290X vs 295x2
Hi there,

My Goals:
1) 1080p, Ultra/Max graphics for games. This doesn't usually include AA but always includes 16xAF, tessellation and post-processing effects and MODS of course.
2) 60+ FPS is preferred but 60 is fine. I doubt I'd mind 45FPS either, but the goal is 60
3) Single monitor gaming with no interest for dual monitors or resolutions beyond 1080p

****4) GPU to maintain these graphics settings for 2-3 years solid

Items in question:
1) 4GB Sapphire Radeon R9 290X Vapor X
2) 8GB XFX (Core Edition) Radeon R9 295x2

I want to know if the R9 290X Vapor X is a GPU that will get me 1080p 60 FPS on ultra graphics for the next 2-3 years, If not, would two of them get me 1080p 60 FPS for 3, 4 or 5 years? And if not still, would a single 295x2 8GB do the trick? If I were to buy a 295x2 the expectation would be 4-5 years solid (vs ~3 years) of max gaming since the price is so much higher.

My main issue is that I greatly prefer a single GPU that is very powerful. Crossfire X has always had its problems and it doesn't seem like a good solution for a single monitor user. Since the 295x2 is still a Crossfire solution, I am wary if it as I've had so many issues with Crossfire in the past. I also don't like how Crossfire does not actually combine the two GPU's VRAM, so it seems wasteful or incorrect to say the 295x2 is 8GB since it's really just 4GB x2 and the VRAM does not stack.

SPECS:
CPU: Intel Core i7-5960X 8 cores, 16 threads @3GHz (will OC to 4GHz if needed)
COOLER: Cooler Master Nepton 280L (54~122.5 CFM)
MOBO: Asus Deluxe X99
RAM: 16GB DDR4 G-Skill Ripjaws @3200MHz CL16 (debating on 32GB since my PC here is a server)
******GPU: 4GB Sapphire Radeon R9 290X Vapor X Tri X or a 8GB 295x2**********
SSD: 1TB Samsung EVO 850 PRO as main drive
HDD: 1TB Western Digital VelociRaptor @10,000RPM w/ 64MB Cache as a backup drive
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 1300W
MONITOR: 24" Asus V248QE 144Hz 1080p LED-Lit
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September 13, 2014 12:53:07 PM

babernet_1 said:
I like your build. The Vapor X 290X is an awesome board and plenty for 1080P displays. If you haven't purchased anything, I'd step down to the 5930K. Actually faster core speed will be better for gaming. You don't need those 8 cores except for rendering/professional usage. Also, I'd consider the Cooler Master V1200 power supply. I just re-read your post. Yes, go with 32G because it's a server. Depending on your applications, you may want that 8 core after all.


Nice, so far everyone seems to have a good consensus for the 290X and upgrading down the road. I was hoping for that. 32GB of RAM is definitely within my budget. 64GB I think would be a monstrous overkill since the serving I do is limited most of the year.

As for the 8 core, I did read about that for the 6 core variant Haswell. I am leaning toward overclocking the 5960X to 3.8-4GHz if need be down the road. Based on reviews, it seems that good cooling makes it easy to OC this CPU even above 4GHz but I never would. More than enough to cover my gaming needs and server needs.

Correct me if I'm mistaken of course!
September 13, 2014 12:44:13 PM

I like your build. The Vapor X 290X is an awesome board and plenty for 1080P displays. If you haven't purchased anything, I'd step down to the 5930K. Actually faster core speed will be better for gaming. You don't need those 8 cores except for rendering/professional usage. Also, I'd consider the Cooler Master V1200 power supply. I just re-read your post. Yes, go with 32G because it's a server. Depending on your applications, you may want that 8 core after all.
September 13, 2014 12:44:06 PM

290x on 1080p for sure it will work for atleast 3 years and if not the prices will go down and the 290x will be quite cheaper.
September 13, 2014 12:43:02 PM

Suztera said:
The XDMA crossfire is an improvement over the use of Crossfire bridges but if you staying with 1080p monitor, R9 295 to be a waste. A R9 290X or even a R9 290 should be fine for 1080p.
If you happen to upgrade your monitor later on, you could just add another R9 290/290X if you feel the power isn't enough.


Your answer is well in line with my logic too. There's bound to be another great $400-500 range single GPU solution in 2-3 years assuming the 290X needs upgrading, and as you also said, a second can be added if necessary down the road (no doubt at a much lower premium).

It'd be my hope that another great single graphics solution will come out to beast games and therefore I can still stay away from Crossfire X.

Does anyone else agree with these statements? Thanks!

Best solution chosen by CmdrJeffSinclair

September 13, 2014 12:34:58 PM

The XDMA crossfire is an improvement over the use of Crossfire bridges but if you staying with 1080p monitor, R9 295 seems to be a waste. A R9 290X or even a R9 290 should be fine for 1080p.
If you happen to upgrade your monitor later on, you could just add another R9 290/290X if you feel the power isn't enough.

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