R9 280X or R9 285

[LegitKillz099]

I'm deciding whether I should get a R9 280X or R9 285. And post the differences please , also is 500 watt power supply enough, I currently have a Antec earthwatts


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($178.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PERFORMANCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 280X 3GB TurboDuo Video Card ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $483.46
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-12 20:22 EDT-0400

 

[InvalidError]

They are roughly in the same performance ballpark except the 285 is based on a newer architecture that uses less power and has a 256bits memory controller while the 280X has a 384bits one which provides it more raw memory bandwidth.

500W could be a tight fit for the 280X but will probably be fine for the more efficient 285.

 

[rhysiam]

Are you sure @InvalidError? My understanding was that the 285 was more or less equivalent to the 280, with the 280X a decent step (though not massively) faster?

Yes 285 is newer architecture, but it's also 2GB VRAM vs 3GB, which is not irrelevant.

280X is for sure more power hungry. OP, there are a few different 500W "earthwatts" models out there. Can you post your exact model number? Despite the 500W labels, they have different specs on the 12V Rails - which is the one that matters.

Running Furmark + Prime95 at the same time would perhaps get you close to 400W. Though normal gaming loads should be much lower.

If PSU was not an issue, I'd say 280X hands down. The power issue makes it a tougher call.

 

[InvalidError]

The 285 falls somewhere between the 280 and 280X depending on how much the benchmark stresses bandwidth vs the 285's improvements.

If having 2GB bothers you that much, get a 4GB R9-380 which is a rebadged R9-285 with 4GB.

 

[LegitKillz099]

Are you sure @InvalidError? My understanding was that the 285 was more or less equivalent to the 280, with the 280X a decent step (though not massively) faster?

Yes 285 is newer architecture, but it's also 2GB VRAM vs 3GB, which is not irrelevant.

280X is for sure more power hungry. OP, there are a few different 500W "earthwatts" models out there. Can you post your exact model number? Despite the 500W labels, they have different specs on the 12V Rails - which is the one that matters.

Running Furmark + Prime95 at the same time would perhaps get you close to 400W. Though normal gaming loads should be much lower.

If PSU was not an issue, I'd say 280X hands down. The power issue makes it a tougher call.

I Think I have this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

 

[4745454b]

280 ~ 285 < 280X. The 285 might get close to the 280X here and there, but the 280X should always win.

I had both the Seasonic and Delta versions of the EA-500W. They both have only 2 x 6pin PCIe plugs. This rules out the 280 and 280X as they both require an 8pin plug. I'm not sure if the 285 does, I don't think so. Unless you are willing to get a new PSU as well, I'd just get the 285. It's not like it's a lot slower then the 280X.

 

[LegitKillz099]

280 ~ 285 < 280X. The 285 might get close to the 280X here and there, but the 280X should always win.

I had both the Seasonic and Delta versions of the EA-500W. They both have only 2 x 6pin PCIe plugs. This rules out the 280 and 280X as they both require an 8pin plug. I'm not sure if the 285 does, I don't think so. Unless you are willing to get a new PSU as well, I'd just get the 285. It's not like it's a lot slower then the 280X.

Ill probally just get the cheapest option, since theres not a big difference between them,

 

[4745454b]

That's one option. But again, I wouldn't get the 280/280x due to the power issue.

 

[LegitKillz099]

That's one option. But again, I wouldn't get the 280/280x due to the power issue.

What about this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371087 , Also should I go with a i5 2500k due to it being unlocked or stick with 4440

 

[rhysiam]

That's one option. But again, I wouldn't get the 280/280x due to the power issue.

Good catch on the PCIe power.

OP, that PSU you linked has 2x6 pin, but the 280X you were looking at needs an 8 pin. There are adapters you can get, but it's generally not a good idea, particularly with an 8 pin cable. Unless you're prepared to upgrade the PSU too, you should stick with a 280.

Why not do that, then down the track when the 280 isn't cutting it, save for a PSU + GPU upgrade. That i5 4440 should be good for a number of years yet.

 

[LegitKillz099]

That's one option. But again, I wouldn't get the 280/280x due to the power issue.

Good catch on the PCIe power.

OP, that PSU you linked has 2x6 pin, but the 280X you were looking at needs an 8 pin. There are adapters you can get, but it's generally not a good idea, particularly with an 8 pin cable. Unless you're prepared to upgrade the PSU too, you should stick with a 280.

Why not do that, then down the track when the 280 isn't cutting it, save for a PSU + GPU upgrade. That i5 4440 should be good for a number of years yet.

Can you link me a good power supply with 8pin under $80?

 

[rhysiam]

WITH MIR:
This Antec 620W for $40: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/antec-power-supply-neoeco620c
Semi-Modular: This EVGA B2 for $50: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr

If you can't use MIR:
This 550W XFX for $56: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9
Or if you want modular, the EVGA B2 is still the best deal even if you can't use the rebate.

*edit: I realise the 750W EVGA is complete overkill power wise for a locked CPU on a H97 (=single graphics card) rig. But it's so competitively priced it's cheaper than similar quality 500-650W units... so it's still the best deal.

 

[LegitKillz099]

WITH MIR:
This Antec 620W for $40: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/antec-power-supply-neoeco620c
Semi-Modular: This EVGA B2 for $50: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr

If you can't use MIR:
This 550W XFX for $56: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9
Or if you want modular, the EVGA B2 is still the best deal even if you can't use the rebate.

*edit: I realise the 750W EVGA is complete overkill power wise for a locked CPU on a H97 (=single graphics card) rig. But it's so competitively priced it's cheaper than similar quality 500-650W units... so it's still the best deal.

I Do plan on doing a CF with the R9 280X in the future, would the EVGA be able to handle both of them

 

[rhysiam]

I Do plan on doing a CF with the R9 280X in the future, would the EVGA be able to handle both of them

Yes in theory, without OCing, BUT... You don't want to CF on that motherboard. The second slot is PCIe 2.0 at a measly x4 lanes. It will be an issue. If your end-goal is a high end gaming rig, you're better off saving for a higher end single GPU. We should see big jumps in performance next year with 14/16nm FF GPUs finally launching (we've been on 28nm GPUs for so very long now). Why not get yourself a stop-gap card now and start saving for something better. Upgrade when you're not satisfied and the budget allows. That rig will keep a 980ti or Fury X plenty busy, and single cards are always preferable anyway as you avoid the driver issues. I know lots of people claim DX12 will solve all the multi-card problems, but I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[LegitKillz099]

I Do plan on doing a CF with the R9 280X in the future, would the EVGA be able to handle both of them

Yes in theory, without OCing, BUT... You don't want to CF on that motherboard. The second slot is PCIe 2.0 at a measly x4 lanes. It will be an issue. If your end-goal is a high end gaming rig, you're better off saving for a higher end single GPU. We should see big jumps in performance next year with 14/16nm FF GPUs finally launching (we've been on 28nm GPUs for so very long now). Why not get yourself a stop-gap card now and start saving for something better. Upgrade when you're not satisfied and the budget allows. That rig will keep a 980ti or Fury X plenty busy, and single cards are always preferable anyway as you avoid the driver issues. I know lots of people claim DX12 will solve all the multi-card problems, but I'll believe it when I see it.

Ok, ill go with your idea to save up and invest for a better gpu, can you give me a few that is the best bang for the buck, and supports my PSU

 

[LegitKillz099]

I Do plan on doing a CF with the R9 280X in the future, would the EVGA be able to handle both of them

Yes in theory, without OCing, BUT... You don't want to CF on that motherboard. The second slot is PCIe 2.0 at a measly x4 lanes. It will be an issue. If your end-goal is a high end gaming rig, you're better off saving for a higher end single GPU. We should see big jumps in performance next year with 14/16nm FF GPUs finally launching (we've been on 28nm GPUs for so very long now). Why not get yourself a stop-gap card now and start saving for something better. Upgrade when you're not satisfied and the budget allows. That rig will keep a 980ti or Fury X plenty busy, and single cards are always preferable anyway as you avoid the driver issues. I know lots of people claim DX12 will solve all the multi-card problems, but I'll believe it when I see it.

After looking around I think ill go with the R9 280, Im also looking at CPUs , Will a fx 4300 be a bottleneck, i know i5s have stronger cores but the FX 4300 can be ocd up to 4.5ghz so my main question is how much would a 4300 bottleneck a r9 280. Im also saving a ton of money if i got with the fx. Or maybe even a FX 6300. I Could also go with a i3 4170

 

[4745454b]

What happened to getting the 2500K? It's a better gaming CPU then either the FX4xxx or Intel 4xxx.

 

[LegitKillz099]

What happened to getting the 2500K? It's a better gaming CPU then either the FX4xxx or Intel 4xxx.

Well I haven't completely made up my mind yet, I will be getting about half parts on my birthday which is December and other half around xmas, I'm leaning towards the G3258 due to its overclocking potential which beats some i3s .

 

[4745454b]

The thing is if you already have the 2500k (which if my memory serves you do.) then any of the chips you've mentioned are a step backwards. A 2500K is still a great gaming chip. More so if you OC to 4.5GHz+ Many of them can hit 5GHz, and will out perform the 4670 which tops out around 4.5GHz. If you have the 2500K, just stick with it.

 

[LegitKillz099]

The thing is if you already have the 2500k (which if my memory serves you do.) then any of the chips you've mentioned are a step backwards. A 2500K is still a great gaming chip. More so if you OC to 4.5GHz+ Many of them can hit 5GHz, and will out perform the 4670 which tops out around 4.5GHz. If you have the 2500K, just stick with it.

I Don't have a 2500k I'm currently on a intel core 2 duo e8300 lol, any those processors would be a huge stepup, Also the Power supply i have currently will work with the R9 280X , I just checked and I have 1 6pin and 1 8pin connector which is needed for the power cooler version. Ill still probally get a EVGA GS 550w tho because its fully modular which will improve cooling and my inside much neater