Gigabyte 290x vs XFX Double D 280x

[jcarrey4]

Hey all! Ok, so, I currently have an XFX Double D Radeon r9 280x. I have a buyer on CL as well as a seller selling a Gigabyte r9 290x: GV-R929XD5-4GD-B (I think)

My question is, i am looking at things like: General gaming performance; mining; overclockability

In that order.

Pros/cons of either card? What would you do if the difference between selling one and buying the other were $200? What about $100? What about if they were the same price? If they're the same price, do I obviously go to the 290x and not think twice? I've read reviews that the 290x had temperature problems and doesn't mine well, due to sub-par ram....but will it still be better than teh 280x? if I'm buying from CL...does it make sense, then to do aftermarket cooling?

I just need some advice, I guess. Thanks!

 

[woltej1]

I wouldn't even think about buying a card off craigslist unless it was still wrapped in its original box. if you're gaming at 1080p or less the upgrade isn't really worth it. The cards are $200 apart new so i wouldn't do it for that. Maybe for $100 I would do it. It has to be originally wrapped though, I wouldn't mess with second hand cards.

 

[jcarrey4]

My last 2 cards have been second-hand off CL; I'm ok with it. Why are you unsure? warranty issues? As for my gaming resolution, I have a Dell 3007wfp-hc, so I game at 2560x1600 as often as the graphics of the game allow. Does this change your answer at all?

 

[woltej1]

Well you would benefit from the power of a 290x for sure. I just don't trust what other people do to their hardware. Either using a shitty power supply or overclocking the voltages too much, etc. And then if they do stupid crap you don't have a warranty to replace the card once it blows up. I would only do it if after everything the 290x is like $400 or $450 since you can get new ones for not much more than that.

 

[leeb2013]

I thought the reason why the new price of the R9-290x had increased to much was because it mined very well. Miners underclock the memory to save power as it's used very little.

The R9-290x is worth $200 more than the 280x

 

[woltej1]

the price has increased because of miners. The 290x mines the best, but doesn't mine the best compared to its price. The 280x is the best mine/price ratio card and that's why they are the hardest to get right now. All the cards got a price bump though which is why I recommend going nvidia for any mid range card and above right now.

 

[jcarrey4]

Ok, so, to sum up: If there was a seller who has a card with no dust, still in the package, claiming it has never been used, unwrapping it to check it in his PC to make sure it is currently working and legit, selling it for exactly the same as someone is willing to pay for my 280x, I should jump on it and never look back?

 

[woltej1]

If you are trading up from a 280x to a 290x without any cost to you that sounds like a good deal. Hopefully the 290x isn't a reference cooler as you will either have heat issues or need to set the fan speeds so high that it sounds like a leaf blower. If it is in good condition and the seller demonstrates it works then you can go for it, but i would always be worried that I just got screwed over. Obviously you're more comfortable with buying hardware off CL than I am.