Pixeldamage :
I've also heard that my CPU chipset (Intel i7 920) has compatibility issues with the r290 (perhaps responsible for some of the black screens / lockups). Haven't had a black screen in a while though (on latest drivers as I'm playing AC Unity). Frame rate dies in Arno's home (base) around it's cafe etc but I am playing with everything up max and 1080p with FXAA
Hi again.
The i7 920 is based on "socket B" (LGA 1366), which works with the X58 chipset. X58 supports triple channel configurations, which is interesting. You didn't answer my question, though. What's your exact ram stick configuration? You are obviously using different sets of sticks, probably with different timings, voltage requirements and maybe even different working frequencies, that can be a problem, that's why I asked.
Since the X58 chipset supports single, dual and 3 channel configurations, you can experiment with different ram configurations AS LONG AS the sticks you are using have the same timings, voltage requirements and working frequency (compatible with both your mobo and the X58 chipset, of course). Check this out>
http://www.overclock.net/t/1200980/lightbox/post/16207501/id/700696
If I were you, I'd first test with three identical sticks of, say, 4GB with a voltage requirement no higher than 1.65v and with the same timings/working frequency.
If you read your mobo's manual (like you did), you'll know which 3 slots to use in order to "enable triple channel".
If that doesn't change your R9 290's performance in benchmarks or games, then you should try running in dual channel instead and see how it goes. (Check your mobo's manual in order to know the proper stick placement for each mode).
The important thing (again), is to make sure that ALL the sticks you are using in your particular ram configuration (be it dual or 3 channel) have the same exact specs (timings/voltage/working frequency -supported by both mobo and X58 chipset, of course-), otherwise you risk system instability and low performance.
I'm telling you this because I've read similar threads in which some R9 290 owners solved low gpu performance problems just by correcting wrong ram stick placement.
I know it sounds stupid, even absurd, but this really did the trick for some people...
Also, you didn't say what psu are you using. Is it powerful enough?
AMD recommends a minimum of 750W, with two 8pin pcie connector capability.
Also, you didn't specify what mobo are you using, this is also important.
EDIT: Ok, after reading your first post again I've noticed that you actually specified your mobo model towards the end. You have a P6T Deluxe V2, right? I'm guessing that your ram config is 3x4GB sticks for the "first channel" (slot group) and 3x2GB sticks for the "second channel" (the colored slot group). Is that correct? If this is the case and both of your triple stick sets have the same specs (and those specs are compatible with your mobo), then you should be fine. You could try using only the "first channel"/slot group (use only a set of identical 3x4GB sticks) and see if that affects gpu performance, just in case. In fact, you can also try using just the "second channel"/colored slot group (one group is black and the other is orange-ish, right? I mean, you have 3 black ram slots and 3 orange-ish ram slots in your mobo, right?), just perform tests using one group of slots at a time, this way you can rule out ram channel issues in your mobo. Just place 3 identical sticks in the proper slots (according to the mobo's manual) and then run CPU-Z. Under the "Memory" section you should see what kind of ram configuration is actually being applied...if the "#Channel" value is "single" or "dual" then there's a problem.
I also own a Sapphire R9 290 Tri-X OC 4GB and I get 3400 in Unigine Valley with the same settings and resolution you used. If I overclock it, then I can reach 3900-4000, which is GTX 970 performance level. Yes, I'm using a more powerful cpu (i7 2600k oc to 4.3GHz, Z68 chipset), but perhaps this isn't the only reason why my gpu is performing better in benchmarks and games.
I'm also running on PCI Express 2.0, but I'm using a dual channel ram config (2x4GB + 2x4GB. Timings, voltages and frequencies within each of those slot groups are the same, my system is stable, my oc is stable, my gpu works as it should in most scenarios).
Another thing that could be hindering performance is Windows 8.1... It has a reputation for lower performance in games and, on top of that, you said Asus hasn't released Windows 8.1 compatible drivers, that can be a problem. Are you sure you can't revert back to Windows 7? If a program works in Windows 8.1, it should work in Windows 7 too...for the most part, LOL.
Another thing that can lower performance is power-saving features.
DISABLE THEM ALL in BIOS, Windows and in Catalyst.
I was about to tell you to upgrade only your cpu, the i7 965 seemed like a better option than the i7 920...but then I saw the prices for the i7 965 and above, LOL. Something is clearly wrong here, prices reach +1000$, LOL. Something is driving i7 900 series prices up, and clearly it's not performance...perhaps it's just that they are rare/old...it could also be that the prices haven't been updated for the last 4 years. It could also be that Intel is playing dirty. They charge ridiculous prices for older i7 processors which only surpass newer i7s in number of cores (some of them) and cache capacity (that doesn't make them faster/better, as performance tests indicate), in the hope that those "big numbers" will lure uninformed customers. Also, people (like you) who decide to stick to their old LGA1366 sockets, might prefer to only upgrade the cpu rather than having to buy a new mobo too (due to socket incompatibility)...perhaps Intel is setting those ridiculous prices for older architectures in order to "force" those customers to change sockets. Why? Mobo manufacturers are in business with them, this is a way for both Intel and its partners to increase sales. Perhaps some people at Intel want to get rid of the LGA1366 socket but others don't want to just yet, who knows?
Anyway, you can get a used i7 965 for a realistic price of around 200$>
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Hyper-Threading-LGA1366-Extreme-Processor/dp/B001H5T7PQ
You can also get a used i7 980X for 384$>
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-980X-Extreme-Edition-Processor/dp/B003922WES
If I were you, I wouldn't buy any LGA1366 socket based processors for more than 400$, because, for that kind of price, you can get a new generation i7, which is better in most aspects...and with a little more money you can also get a mobo that will support the new socket.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram