PowerColor's Liquid Cooled R9 290X LCS Spotted
PowerColor has decided not to slap a big air cooler onto its R9 290X, but rather a shiny water block.
PowerColor has revealed a new graphics card: its Radeon R9 290X LCS. This graphics card features non-reference cooling, and unlike a big air cooler, which many manufacturers are applying, it features a preinstalled water block.
The water block on the graphics card is one that is built by EKWB. It is the EK-FC R9 290X, which has as options a nickel plated base and an acetal cover. This block retails for $144.31. The PCB used is a reference model.
PowerColor has clocked the card at 1060 MHz, which is a 60 MHz boost over reference speeds. The memory runs at an effective speed of 5.4 GHz, which is 400 MHz above the reference specification.
So far there is no indication as to when the card will be available or what it would cost, but you can count on a notable premium over reference models.
regarding gpu manufacturers, id say depends partly where you live. See this table
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18231329
Asus cooling on a 290x might be advisable or gigabytes windforce gets exceptional reviews, evga are magnificent, and so are gigabyte in my experience. Any of big boys should be fine, just read individual card reviews, and if ok, id base decision on customer service, and rta time in your country
My entire system is nickel plated because, at the time, copper radiators were nearly twice the cost. It means no corrosion or electrolysis in my lines because I'm not mixing metals.
"'nickel plated' = Pass. I have copper blocks and radiators" - Fixed.
My entire system is nickel plated because, at the time, copper radiators were nearly twice the cost. It means no corrosion or electrolysis in my lines because I'm not mixing metals.
"'nickel plated' = Pass. I have copper blocks and radiators" - Fixed.
Sorry, it’s just I’ve seen all those pics with nickel plated gunk in the system. Why take the risk? I thought they were all nickel over copper to look cool and or not have the mixed metals issue. I don’t want to risk the whole loop from bad plating from one component.
This would have been a better way to go instead of buying a reference card and a water block.. Oh well!! I sure hope to see more board partners go this route in the future. Don't have to worry about voiding a warranty to water cool your GPU!
This would have been a better way to go instead of buying a reference card and a water block.. Oh well!! I sure hope to see more board partners go this route in the future. Don't have to worry about voiding a warranty to water cool your GPU!
It will be better if they also offer a 290 non X ones...