Difference between reference and non-ref. graphics cards (290X)

[ballzley]

Hello,

I'm working on a build for myself, and I'm trying to save a little money while hopefully retaining overclocking performance options. I've got my eye on reference-looking R9 290X's (Sapphire http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/product_index.aspx?pid=2060&lid=1), as well as AIO GPU coolers and VRM heat solutions to go with those reference-like 290X's. I'm assuming this is reference, so please correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm looking at the non-reference 290X's, and they're about $600. Compared to the reference cards, some still don't cool the VRMs quite enough to my liking. But some come overclocked, and can still be further overclocked. If I were to go with the reference card and those cooling solutions mise en place, will I also have the same overclocking capability as those non-reference cards?

Thanks for reading,
-b

 

[fkabs]

First of all, the main difference between reference and non-reference cards is the design and the cooling solution.

Yes, you can buy the reference model and mount your own cooler on it, but I would not suggest that, because you loose your warranty if you do so.
290(x) price levels are also really dump right now because of the asshole (sorry but that's the truth) bitcoin/litecoin miners.

In your case, I would go for the gtx 780 or even the 780 ti, which outperforms the r9 290x, runs cooler and doesn't need as much power. Also in terms of "bang for the buck", the 780 is the greatest choice at the moment.
Check this out: http://gpuboss.com/gpus/Radeon-R9-290X-vs-GeForce-GTX-780

If you really want the amd card:
I would go for the R9 290 (non "x") and overclock it to the x-level, which will save you a few bucks.
The Tri-X R9 290 of sapphire is great choice. The Tri-X cooling solution has already proofed itself to cool the gpu at a decent level, without any really high noise levels. It's a great card.

 

[ballzley]

Thanks for your input fkabs. I am aware that the 780s especially 780ti are on a similar retail price as the 290x, but I will be aspiring to purchase a Sapphire reference 290X for ~$450, and 290 for ~$375.

I see there is the new fans for non-reference, with some having different PCB and memory. Assuming this is all the modification that non-reference does, I will assume that the reference paired with aforementioned cooling solutions will perform as good if not better than the non-reference. Please correct me if my general understanding is wrong.

I also see the Tri-X versions are top-dog, but even for used I cannot get one for at least $550... every miner and their mothers know that the Tri-X are the best for their purposes too.

 

[fkabs]

ok, if thats your point of view than we should stick on that

in that case, i would go for the 290 (non x) and overclock it to x-levels using e.g. the "Arctics Accelero Xtreme III"
That would be my first choice to cool with on the reference r9 290

There are a lot of tutorials on the net which describe how to attach this cooler to the card.
There was also a tom's hardware article (sorry couldn't find it now) which declared the accelero xtreme III as a smart buy, it works great with the reference cards.