290(non-x) reference vs. nonrefence

NumbA260

Honorable
Mar 6, 2013
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10,510
So I've made the decision to go with an r9 290. My question is should i just buy it on release, or wait for the non reference versions to be released? Are the cooling solutions much better on the non reference, and do they overclock better? Would they be worth the extra cost?
 
Solution
Good choice, I was in the same position as you a few days ago. I posted a question regarding it a few days ago.
(http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1869885/reference-reference-model.html)

I strongly recommend you wait for the after market coolers. They are much better than reference coolers (reference models run at 95°!), and YES, they overclock MUCH better (assuming you have a case with good airflow, etc).

And lastly, YES, they are DEFINITELY worth the extra cost (which isn't that much, maybe $10 or a $20 premium). You're investing a lot of money into your graphics card. $400 is a lot, so unless you want your graphics card to explode (which it probably won't) then you want a non-reference cooler. Also, if you're prone to NOISE...
Good choice, I was in the same position as you a few days ago. I posted a question regarding it a few days ago.
(http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1869885/reference-reference-model.html)

I strongly recommend you wait for the after market coolers. They are much better than reference coolers (reference models run at 95°!), and YES, they overclock MUCH better (assuming you have a case with good airflow, etc).

And lastly, YES, they are DEFINITELY worth the extra cost (which isn't that much, maybe $10 or a $20 premium). You're investing a lot of money into your graphics card. $400 is a lot, so unless you want your graphics card to explode (which it probably won't) then you want a non-reference cooler. Also, if you're prone to NOISE and HEAT, then the reference model won't be ideal.

They will be arriving mid-late of this month, probably before the PS4's release date [which is Nov. 29th]

I think that covers about everything 😉
 
Solution


Hey, I have read your posts and I think I am in the same boat as you, What did you finally do? bough the stock R9 290 or waiting for aftermarket or something else?