Low end r9 290 or a high end GTX 770?

[Nortabun]

So here i am making all those enthusiast rash decisions before buying my first GPU.

Ok now, basically this has been going around my head for quite a while, seeing how much the significance there is, but to me the difference between the two cards is a performance vs. stability issue.

It is astonishing how close the reference and the Gigabyte model R9 290 prices come really close to those of the higher brand GTX 770s.

I'm pretty confused right now, regardless of the Gigabyte R9 290 overheating issues, newegg complaints, and the 4.0 rating, this upgrade would have been seemless. I also know that the r9 290 is ''build'' to handle temperatures up to 95c without issues, but is it normal when someone reaches .. say 80c ingame?

BUT

i cannot afford to either return or RMA my card given that i'll be traveling with my PC.

Please help me with your opinions or experiences with either such GPU, and please don't recommend me something more expensive than $379 , i cannot afford more, thank you.

 

[13thmonkey]

80 is a nice stable temp I wouldn't sweat about that at all. I'd also suggest you wait until sept and the 800's and then get a cheaper 770 or an 870 depending on pricing.

 

[l1ghtm4st3r]

The R9 290 is most definitely the more powerful card of the 2.
Yes, it is true that they can reach very warm temperatures especially when you get reference models but seen as they're rated for 95C they are fine running at 80C. The question is, if you're travelling, is it a temperature that you can handle from your PC outputting all that heat?

On the other hand, if you're planning on gaming at 1080, is it even worth getting a 290 as it is sort of overkill in todays day and the 770 should definitely be able to handle whatever you throw at it.

The choice is ultimately up to you
High Temperature+noise+great performance+moderate reliability = R9 290
Normal Temperature+low noise+moderate performance+good reliability=770

Just keep in mind, the R9 290 is also build to last in terms of being able to play games for a good long period to come before needing to be replaced.