Asus Radeon R9-290X DirectCU II Detailed, Priced
It seems that Asus' Radeon R9 290X is coming to retailers soon!
While this is not the first time that we've seen the Asus Radeon R9 290X DirectCU II, it is the first time that we've spotted more details for you to see.
The graphics card will be based on the R9 290X, however, it will feature a non-reference PCB along with a non-reference cooler, as well as non-reference clock speeds.
The card's PCB will feature an 8-phase VRM circuit, which is built not only to allow the card to run more stable and last longer, but also designed to make the card run quieter, as the parts used should produce less audible electrical noise.
Image Source: SweClockers
Image Source: SweClockers
The cooler on the card is the same as the one that is featured on the recently announced GTX 780 Ti, so it also features the stickers to match either your red or gold Asus motherboard. Of course, you can also just omit the stickers entirely, giving it a stealthy black appearance.
But what does all this mean without knowing the clock speeds? Well, the GPU is clocked at a speed of 1050 MHz, with the memory clocked at an effective speed of 5.4 GHz. It still features 4 GB of GDDR5 memory running over a 512-bit memory interface.
The card is already showing up at select retailers, with a UK price of £499.99. This does include a BF4 voucher.

Performance difference is pretty much a wash. You'll play on the same settings (minus PhysX) on the same resolution. Might as well save money unless you really want NVidia features.
EDIT: Bad name Clipboard got ahead of my passion for fanbois :3
The're just too cute.
Who?
Who?
Fixed
That's what I get for looking at Tom's while at work.
Aren't price in Europe usually higher than in US?
Anyways, Are tom's going to do they own bench mark?
That's the big thing. Now that it's no longer throttled to hell and roraing like a jet engine, it's a pretty awesome card!