Non-Reference or Reference model?

[Derppppp]

I'm pretty set on getting the reference R9 290, is this a bad idea? I've been waiting to build my new PC since early September and I'm becoming really impatient.

--Edit---
My case is the Corsair 300r and it is a "budget" case. I'll also be getting the 4770k cooled by the Hyper 212 Evo. I'll be using the front and rear fans that come with the case.

 

[IAMEXTREME]

The R9 290 is armed with 2560 SPUs and 160 TAUs -- 9% fewer than the 290X -- as well as 64 ROPs. Compared to the HD 7970 GHz Edition, the R9 290 has 25% more SPUs and TAUs along with 100% more ROPs.

Link: http://www.techspot.com/review/736-amd-radeon-r9-290/

Non-reference with some better clock rate and cooling, Totally worth buying

 

[Derppppp]

The R9 290 is armed with 2560 SPUs and 160 TAUs -- 9% fewer than the 290X -- as well as 64 ROPs. Compared to the HD 7970 GHz Edition, the R9 290 has 25% more SPUs and TAUs along with 100% more ROPs.

Link: http://www.techspot.com/review/736-amd-radeon-r9-290/

Non-reference with some better clock rate and cooling, Totally worth buying

Another month wait? And if they did put a better cooler on there wouldn't it be more expensive? And didn't AMD design the R9 290 series of cards to run at 95°? AMD said that we shouldn't worry and that it is okay, and it won't explode. I won't be overclocking my GPU or anything, still worth buying and waiting for non reference coolers?

 

[IAMEXTREME]

The R9 290 is armed with 2560 SPUs and 160 TAUs -- 9% fewer than the 290X -- as well as 64 ROPs. Compared to the HD 7970 GHz Edition, the R9 290 has 25% more SPUs and TAUs along with 100% more ROPs.

Link: http://www.techspot.com/review/736-amd-radeon-r9-290/

Non-reference with some better clock rate and cooling, Totally worth buying

Another month wait? And if they did put a better cooler on there wouldn't it be more expensive? And didn't AMD design the R9 290 series of cards to run at 95°? AMD said that we shouldn't worry and that it is okay, and it won't explode. I won't be overclocking my GPU or anything, still worth buying and waiting for non reference coolers?

95 degrees on stock clocks is pretty high mate!
I'm running non reference stable GTX 660 Ti in SLI highly overclocked maximum at 80-85 degrees under load and 35~40 degrees idle.
and yes, the non-reference model will be expensive, no doubt, but worth the cooling.

 

[Derppppp]

The R9 290 is armed with 2560 SPUs and 160 TAUs -- 9% fewer than the 290X -- as well as 64 ROPs. Compared to the HD 7970 GHz Edition, the R9 290 has 25% more SPUs and TAUs along with 100% more ROPs.

Link: http://www.techspot.com/review/736-amd-radeon-r9-290/

Non-reference with some better clock rate and cooling, Totally worth buying

Another month wait? And if they did put a better cooler on there wouldn't it be more expensive? And didn't AMD design the R9 290 series of cards to run at 95°? AMD said that we shouldn't worry and that it is okay, and it won't explode. I won't be overclocking my GPU or anything, still worth buying and waiting for non reference coolers?

95 degrees on stock clocks is pretty high mate!
I'm running non reference stable GTX 660 Ti in SLI highly overclocked maximum at 80-85 degrees under load and 35~40 degrees idle.
and yes, the non-reference model will be expensive, no doubt, but worth the cooling.

Okay, what if I install good quality fans onto the side panels of my case. Make any things better? And you can make it cooler by setting the temperature to whatever you want it to be at the cost of performance..

Edit: And also I don't mind noise, my current PC sounds like a Bulldozer, so I'm used to it 😛
I manage to get over it and I'm wearing headphones most of the time anyway.

 

[IAMEXTREME]

The R9 290 is armed with 2560 SPUs and 160 TAUs -- 9% fewer than the 290X -- as well as 64 ROPs. Compared to the HD 7970 GHz Edition, the R9 290 has 25% more SPUs and TAUs along with 100% more ROPs.

Link: http://www.techspot.com/review/736-amd-radeon-r9-290/

Non-reference with some better clock rate and cooling, Totally worth buying

Another month wait? And if they did put a better cooler on there wouldn't it be more expensive? And didn't AMD design the R9 290 series of cards to run at 95°? AMD said that we shouldn't worry and that it is okay, and it won't explode. I won't be overclocking my GPU or anything, still worth buying and waiting for non reference coolers?

95 degrees on stock clocks is pretty high mate!
I'm running non reference stable GTX 660 Ti in SLI highly overclocked maximum at 80-85 degrees under load and 35~40 degrees idle.
and yes, the non-reference model will be expensive, no doubt, but worth the cooling.

Okay, what if I install good quality fans onto the side panels of my case. Make any things better? And you can make it cooler by setting the temperature to whatever you want it to be at the cost of performance..

Edit: And also I don't mind noise, my current PC sounds like a Bulldozer, so I'm used to it 😛
I manage to get over it and I'm wearing headphones most of the time anyway.

LOL +1 for the headphones 😀

well the only problem with the 290 and the 290X is they reach to 90+ degrees within minutes with reference cooler.

It's always better to keep your components cool and clean.

I suggest you should wait, and get the "bang for the buck non-reference" card

 

[Derppppp]

The R9 290 is armed with 2560 SPUs and 160 TAUs -- 9% fewer than the 290X -- as well as 64 ROPs. Compared to the HD 7970 GHz Edition, the R9 290 has 25% more SPUs and TAUs along with 100% more ROPs.

Link: http://www.techspot.com/review/736-amd-radeon-r9-290/

Non-reference with some better clock rate and cooling, Totally worth buying

Another month wait? And if they did put a better cooler on there wouldn't it be more expensive? And didn't AMD design the R9 290 series of cards to run at 95°? AMD said that we shouldn't worry and that it is okay, and it won't explode. I won't be overclocking my GPU or anything, still worth buying and waiting for non reference coolers?

95 degrees on stock clocks is pretty high mate!
I'm running non reference stable GTX 660 Ti in SLI highly overclocked maximum at 80-85 degrees under load and 35~40 degrees idle.
and yes, the non-reference model will be expensive, no doubt, but worth the cooling.

Okay, what if I install good quality fans onto the side panels of my case. Make any things better? And you can make it cooler by setting the temperature to whatever you want it to be at the cost of performance..

Edit: And also I don't mind noise, my current PC sounds like a Bulldozer, so I'm used to it 😛
I manage to get over it and I'm wearing headphones most of the time anyway.

LOL +1 for the headphones 😀

well the only problem with the 290 and the 290X is they reach to 90+ degrees within minutes with reference cooler.

It's always better to keep your components cool and clean.

I suggest you should wait, and get the "bang for the buck non-reference" card

Okay, I guess I was pretty "bumed" about having to wait another month for my PC..Do you have any idea when the non reference models his stores? I hope it's sooner than later. 😱

Edit: And also how much more expensive are the non reference models than the reference models?

 

[IAMEXTREME]

The R9 290 is armed with 2560 SPUs and 160 TAUs -- 9% fewer than the 290X -- as well as 64 ROPs. Compared to the HD 7970 GHz Edition, the R9 290 has 25% more SPUs and TAUs along with 100% more ROPs.

Link: http://www.techspot.com/review/736-amd-radeon-r9-290/

Non-reference with some better clock rate and cooling, Totally worth buying

Another month wait? And if they did put a better cooler on there wouldn't it be more expensive? And didn't AMD design the R9 290 series of cards to run at 95°? AMD said that we shouldn't worry and that it is okay, and it won't explode. I won't be overclocking my GPU or anything, still worth buying and waiting for non reference coolers?

95 degrees on stock clocks is pretty high mate!
I'm running non reference stable GTX 660 Ti in SLI highly overclocked maximum at 80-85 degrees under load and 35~40 degrees idle.
and yes, the non-reference model will be expensive, no doubt, but worth the cooling.

Okay, what if I install good quality fans onto the side panels of my case. Make any things better? And you can make it cooler by setting the temperature to whatever you want it to be at the cost of performance..

Edit: And also I don't mind noise, my current PC sounds like a Bulldozer, so I'm used to it 😛
I manage to get over it and I'm wearing headphones most of the time anyway.

LOL +1 for the headphones 😀

well the only problem with the 290 and the 290X is they reach to 90+ degrees within minutes with reference cooler.

It's always better to keep your components cool and clean.

I suggest you should wait, and get the "bang for the buck non-reference" card

Okay, I guess I was pretty "bumed" about having to wait another month for my PC..Do you have any idea when the non reference models his stores? I hope it's sooner than later. 😱

Edit: And also how much more expensive are the non reference models than the reference models?

Probably mid-late december.

 

[crapbandit]

Haha, I'm in the exact same boat mate. Devastated that the cooler is reported to be so loud and hot. I hope the non-refs arrive soon...

 

[Derppppp]

The R9 290 is armed with 2560 SPUs and 160 TAUs -- 9% fewer than the 290X -- as well as 64 ROPs. Compared to the HD 7970 GHz Edition, the R9 290 has 25% more SPUs and TAUs along with 100% more ROPs.

Link: http://www.techspot.com/review/736-amd-radeon-r9-290/

Non-reference with some better clock rate and cooling, Totally worth buying

Another month wait? And if they did put a better cooler on there wouldn't it be more expensive? And didn't AMD design the R9 290 series of cards to run at 95°? AMD said that we shouldn't worry and that it is okay, and it won't explode. I won't be overclocking my GPU or anything, still worth buying and waiting for non reference coolers?

95 degrees on stock clocks is pretty high mate!
I'm running non reference stable GTX 660 Ti in SLI highly overclocked maximum at 80-85 degrees under load and 35~40 degrees idle.
and yes, the non-reference model will be expensive, no doubt, but worth the cooling.

Okay, what if I install good quality fans onto the side panels of my case. Make any things better? And you can make it cooler by setting the temperature to whatever you want it to be at the cost of performance..

Edit: And also I don't mind noise, my current PC sounds like a Bulldozer, so I'm used to it 😛
I manage to get over it and I'm wearing headphones most of the time anyway.

LOL +1 for the headphones 😀

well the only problem with the 290 and the 290X is they reach to 90+ degrees within minutes with reference cooler.

It's always better to keep your components cool and clean.

I suggest you should wait, and get the "bang for the buck non-reference" card

Okay, I guess I was pretty "bumed" about having to wait another month for my PC..Do you have any idea when the non reference models his stores? I hope it's sooner than later. 😱

Edit: And also how much more expensive are the non reference models than the reference models?

Probably mid-late december.

I hope you're wrong. That's a long wait.
These articles say mid-late november.

http://www.eteknix.com/non-reference-r9-290x-graphics-card-coming-late-november/

http://videocardz.com/47269/custom-radeon-r9-290x-available-late-november

 

[BlankInsanity]

Non-Reference is always better. Aftermarket companies install all sorts of goodies that the reference companies don't use such as high-quality capacitors, Dual Bios, Pre-Overclock(stable), Way better cooling, quieter, black-plating, reinforced PCB, revammped voltage limiter, better OCers. There's just so much you can miss out on so yes I would wait but it would totally be worth the wait

 

[Derppppp]

Non-Reference is always better. Aftermarket companies install all sorts of goodies that the reference companies don't use such as high-quality capacitors, Dual Bios, Pre-Overclock(stable), Way better cooling, quieter, black-plating, reinforced PCB, revammped voltage limiter, better OCers. There's just so much you can miss out on so yes I would wait but it would totally be worth the wait

Okay, which one should I get? There are just SO MANY to get! MSI, GIGABYTE, SAPPHIRE, ETC
Which of these companies have the best cooling solutions/ what one would you recommend?

 

[IAMEXTREME]

Non-Reference is always better. Aftermarket companies install all sorts of goodies that the reference companies don't use such as high-quality capacitors, Dual Bios, Pre-Overclock(stable), Way better cooling, quieter, black-plating, reinforced PCB, revammped voltage limiter, better OCers. There's just so much you can miss out on so yes I would wait but it would totally be worth the wait

Okay, which one should I get? There are just SO MANY to get! MSI, GIGABYTE, SAPPHIRE, ETC
Which of these companies have the best cooling solutions/ what one would you recommend?

Let's see which company introduces a better thing

I bet it will be sapphire or asus.

 

[Derppppp]

Haha, I'm in the exact same boat mate. Devastated that the cooler is reported to be so loud and hot. I hope the non-refs arrive soon...

I feel your pain bro 😱
Hopefully they come out soon.

 

[ManicMonkOnMac]

Why are the non-reference 29 290 still not here, it's almost black friday, and I need to buy a GPU NOW!

 

[BlankInsanity]

Why are the non-reference 29 290 still not here, it's almost black friday, and I need to buy a GPU NOW!

Why don't you try recreating a whole PCB for a completly new GPU? Why don't you try creating a stable clock for it? Why don't you try re-creating or redesigning a fan cooler for a new GPU? Things takes time and these companies are busy working on other products just to make their business stay alive. Not to mention companies try to make quality products so if you want a nice quality aftermarket R9 290/x then it's gonna have to be a while. I mean you could always just get those OCed R9 290X with the reference cooler on

If you're so impatient you can get the 780 it's nearly as good just alot pricier lol. Patience my friend. Those who wait will be rewarded largely

 

[ManicMonkOnMac]

Why are the non-reference 29 290 still not here, it's almost black friday, and I need to buy a GPU NOW!

Why don't you try recreating a whole PCB for a completly new GPU? Why don't you try creating a stable clock for it? Why don't you try re-creating or redesigning a fan cooler for a new GPU? Things takes time and these companies are busy working on other products just to make their business stay alive. Not to mention companies try to make quality products so if you want a nice quality aftermarket R9 290/x then it's gonna have to be a while. I mean you could always just get those OCed R9 290X with the reference cooler on

If you're so impatient you can get the 780 it's nearly as good just alot pricier lol. Patience my friend. Those who wait will be rewarded largely

So i should let black friday slip away?

 

[BlankInsanity]

Why are the non-reference 29 290 still not here, it's almost black friday, and I need to buy a GPU NOW!

Why don't you try recreating a whole PCB for a completly new GPU? Why don't you try creating a stable clock for it? Why don't you try re-creating or redesigning a fan cooler for a new GPU? Things takes time and these companies are busy working on other products just to make their business stay alive. Not to mention companies try to make quality products so if you want a nice quality aftermarket R9 290/x then it's gonna have to be a while. I mean you could always just get those OCed R9 290X with the reference cooler on

If you're so impatient you can get the 780 it's nearly as good just alot pricier lol. Patience my friend. Those who wait will be rewarded largely

So i should let black friday slip away?

In terms of the R9 290x yes or face having your card running 90+ C under load

 

[ManicMonkOnMac]

Why are the non-reference 29 290 still not here, it's almost black friday, and I need to buy a GPU NOW!

Why don't you try recreating a whole PCB for a completly new GPU? Why don't you try creating a stable clock for it? Why don't you try re-creating or redesigning a fan cooler for a new GPU? Things takes time and these companies are busy working on other products just to make their business stay alive. Not to mention companies try to make quality products so if you want a nice quality aftermarket R9 290/x then it's gonna have to be a while. I mean you could always just get those OCed R9 290X with the reference cooler on

If you're so impatient you can get the 780 it's nearly as good just alot pricier lol. Patience my friend. Those who wait will be rewarded largely

So i should let black friday slip away?

In terms of the R9 290x yes or face having your card running 90+ C under load

I am actually looking at R9 290(non x), I don't get "face having your card running 90+ C under load", It's not like I have to sit on it(though it might be nice cuz it;s getting really cold in dallas), My only worry is the lifetime, let me ask you, can the card stop working due to heat? and will AMD replace it in that case(given they claim that it's designed to work at 95 degree C), Also how will they figure out the cause of failure?

I don't mind the noise or the heat, just its impact on lifetime of product.

 

[BlankInsanity]

Why are the non-reference 29 290 still not here, it's almost black friday, and I need to buy a GPU NOW!

Why don't you try recreating a whole PCB for a completly new GPU? Why don't you try creating a stable clock for it? Why don't you try re-creating or redesigning a fan cooler for a new GPU? Things takes time and these companies are busy working on other products just to make their business stay alive. Not to mention companies try to make quality products so if you want a nice quality aftermarket R9 290/x then it's gonna have to be a while. I mean you could always just get those OCed R9 290X with the reference cooler on

If you're so impatient you can get the 780 it's nearly as good just alot pricier lol. Patience my friend. Those who wait will be rewarded largely

So i should let black friday slip away?

In terms of the R9 290x yes or face having your card running 90+ C under load

I am actually looking at R9 290(non x), I don't get "face having your card running 90+ C under load", It's not like I have to sit on it(though it might be nice cuz it;s getting really cold in dallas), My only worry is the lifetime, let me ask you, can the card stop working due to heat? and will AMD replace it in that case(given they claim that it's designed to work at 95 degree C), Also how will they figure out the cause of failure?

I don't mind the noise or the heat, just its impact on lifetime of product.

Heat is always a factor on the lifetime of a product. The higher the heat the short the lifetime but you living in Dallas this could prove differently. Honestly up to you to take the hunch