MSI Radeon R9-280X Gaming and R9-270X Hawk Pictured

A post on the VideoCardz.com website has shed some light on two new incoming graphics cards -- the MSI Radeon R9-280X Gaming, and possibly the R9-270X Hawk.

Image Source: VideoCardz.com

The report indicates that what is known about the card is that it only has one CrossFire connector and has 2 GB of graphics memory. It is said that the card will have a Curacao XT GPU, and that it might sell for about $199. Beyond that information, little else is known about it, and even these specifications might not be correct. The yellow graphics card in the picture is thought to be the MSI R9-270X Hawk.

The other card that is pictured is likely the MSI Radeon R9-280X Gaming. Supposedly, this card is nearly identical to the 7970 GHz Edition, with the exception of the memory clock speeds, which are reportedly 500 MHz lower. The MSI card is said to feature the TwinFrozr IV cooler, which carries two 100 mm fans and Military Class 4 hardware.

None of the information above is certain though, so be sure to take it all with a grain of salt.

Niels Broekhuijsen

Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom's Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.

  • rolli59
    LOL, we are not lacking teasers!
    Reply
  • hapkido
    Supposedly, this card is nearly identical to the 7970 GHz Edition, with the exception of the clock speeds, which are reportedly 500 MHz lower.

    I really doubt that.
    Reply
  • invisibilian
    R280 is identical to 7970 Ghz edition, but is 500Mz slower on core clock.That does not make any sense.
    Reply
  • JJ1217
    600 Mhz 7970 GHZ. Yeah man, I can imagine that destroying every game.
    Reply
  • beanboom6
    Guys memory clocks, think about it, 6000mhz - 500 =5500mhz memory=7970 vanilla clock speed
    Reply
  • weatherdude
    A 500 MHz Radeon HD 7970 is pretty unlikely. I would think that to be a spelling mistake and that it means 50 MHz less resulting in a 950 MHz card which would be far more sensible. That or it is referring to the effective clock rate of GDDR5 like beanboom6 said.
    Reply
  • ginjaninja7
    I agree with 500 Mhz slower, but it's identical lol no makes sense to me 2
    Reply
  • The_Trutherizer
    Well I'll be going with what independent benchmarks say. It is time for me to upgrade now. In fact I've been waiting for next generation hardware to launch seemingly for years now.

    The clock is ticking... very slowly... haha
    Reply
  • net_nakul
    Change the name on the box, done. The existing product becomes new. Don't even have to change the card itself.
    Reply
  • RooD
    I love how everyone that is a fan of AMD was laughing at Nvidia for the 7series being a re-badge/ refresh. Now what AMD is doing with their R9 series is the same thing, the top tier is new and everything is a slightly tweaked version of the last series of cards.

    I like both AMD and Nvidia, I buy what has the best price/performance / expected life time that i will use it.
    Reply