Help me please!

[Kaloyan Kalchev]

So I can't decide R9 280X with aftermarket cooler or R9 290 with stock cooler? Is it a huge performance gap between 280x and 290? I heard, that R9 290 just unusable with stock cooler, cuz it runs too hot and too loud. I don't mind a sound, but does the heat will damage the card? Or should I just go for R9 290 and underclock it?

 

[Gam3r01]

That is an interesting place. The 290 is ~15% faster than the 280X, and an aftermarket cooler and OC likely wont close that gap.
What case, specs, and fan setup are you using?
The ref card can get very loud, but if that dosent bother you then its no problem. As long as you have sufficient airflow in the case the 290 should be ok to run without hitting a thermal wall.

How much are you looking to pay for said cards?

 

[Kaloyan Kalchev]

I am looking to pay around 300 euros for them. I do have a sufficient airflow in the case and the avg. temp in my room is about 16 degrees celsius. I also looking for GTX 770 or GTX 960, but 2 gb versions and I don't think, that 2 GB will be enough.

 

[Gam3r01]

What is your country of purchase, and do you have a specific retailer in mind?

 

[Kaloyan Kalchev]

I don't, I am from Bulgaria (Europe).

 

[Gam3r01]

Im not 100% sure if this site will work for you, but if you can push the budget by 20 more euros you can get a non reference 290
http://www.altech.bg/en/product/55275

 

[Kaloyan Kalchev]

Thank you! I will probably go for it.