$950 Gaming PC with Peripherals and Monitor - Help?

[79wjd]

Is that the only significant difference?

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($209.99 @ Amazon) 

Motherboard: MSI Z97 U3 Plus ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($79.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.99 @ Directron) 

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Tri-X Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($34.99 @ Micro Center) 

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($34.99 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 

Monitor: Acer G246HLAbd 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($119.99 @ Amazon) 

Keyboard: Logitech G105 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($39.99 @ Amazon) 

Mouse: Logitech G100s Wired Optical Mouse  ($26.49 @ Amazon) 

Total: $947.38

Phew, you can get a way better (and cheaper) case if you go without one, and it saves enough to fit all of this in for your budget, and I didn't even include rebates!

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ Micro Center)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($31.99 @ Directron)

Motherboard: MSI Z97 U3 Plus ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($89.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: Team Zeus Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($67.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.99 @ Directron)

Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 280 3GB TurboDuo Video Card  ($171.00 @ Newegg)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($64.99 @ Directron)

Power Supply: Rosewill 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($44.99 @ Amazon)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($99.98 @ OutletPC)

Monitor: Acer G227HQLbi 60Hz 21.5" Monitor  ($108.00 @ Newegg)

Keyboard: Rosewill RK-700M Wired Standard Keyboard  ($9.99 @ Amazon)

Other: Perixx MX-1800 ($20.00)

Total: $942.90

CPU: the same 

CPU Cooler: His is better (I didn't include one) 

Motherboard: Same

Memory: Pretty much the same (an aesthetic difference) 

Storage: the same 

GPU: Mine is a tier higher with a better cooler 

Case: His is better (an aesthetic difference) 

PSU: pretty much the same (no noticeable difference either way)

OS: the same 

Monitor: mine is bigger

keyboard: mine is technically better, but its a keyboard, so not a big difference anyway

mouse: I'd prefer Logitech as I've been using Logitech mice for 15 years and never been disappointed. 

[Happy Camper]

CPU: the same 

CPU Cooler: His is better (I didn't include one) 

Motherboard: Same

Memory: Pretty much the same

Storage: the same 

GPU: Mine is better 

Case: His his better (an aesthetic difference) 

PSU: the same (no noticeable difference either way)

OS: the same 

Monitor: mine is bigger

keyboard: mine is technically better, but its a keyboard, so not a big difference anyway

mouse: I'd prefer Logitech as I've been using Logitech mice for 15 years and never been disappointed. 

Is there any way to combine the good things of each build?  I would like Lotus's keyboard, mouse, and case, but is there a way to keep the cooler and have your (or a similar) gpu?

[79wjd]

Is there any way to combine the good things of each build?  I would like Lotus's keyboard, mouse, and case, but is there a way to keep the cooler and have your (or a similar) gpu?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($209.99 @ Amazon) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($19.99 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard: MSI Z97 U3 Plus ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: Team Zeus Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($67.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.99 @ Directron) 

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Tri-X Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($64.99 @ Directron) 

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($34.99 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 

Monitor: Acer G246HLAbd 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($119.99 @ Amazon) 

Keyboard: Rosewill RK-700M Wired Standard Keyboard  ($9.99 @ Amazon) 

Other: Perixx MX-1800 ($20.00)

Total: $961.88

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-20 18:21 EST-0500

[Happy Camper]

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($209.99 @ Amazon) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.98 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: MSI Z97 U3 Plus ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: Team Zeus Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($67.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.99 @ Directron) 

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Tri-X Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($64.99 @ Directron) 

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($34.99 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 

Monitor: Acer G246HLAbd 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($119.99 @ Amazon) 

Keyboard: Rosewill RK-700M Wired Standard Keyboard  ($9.99 @ Amazon) 

Other: Perixx MX-1800 ($20.00)

Total: $971.87

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-20 18:09 EST-0500

 

Can you make it $950 or less please?

[Lotus]

Depends. One of the big differences between the builds is that I didn't include rebates, yet he did so the prices aren't actually the same. You can't fit in the best of both builds because the better parts each of us chose cost more. You can't just put the case from my build into his because it's an additional $30, and his GPU is an additional $60 if you count rebates, $45 if you don't (I didn't). If you're prepared to count the "refund" from rebates (many just give you a prepaid card for that vendor, which is kinda worthless after you already bought everything IMO), then you can fit more things in, but without it, even if you take off the 212 Evo from my build you still can't fit in his GPU even though the other parts are the same and/or cheaper on my build (except the case).

[Happy Camper]

What do you think I should do?

[79wjd]

What do you think I should do?

better gpu, cheaper case 

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($209.99 @ Amazon) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($19.99 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard: MSI Z97 U3 Plus ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: Team Zeus Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($67.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.99 @ Directron) 

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Tri-X Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($34.99 @ Micro Center) 

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($34.99 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 

Monitor: Acer G246HLAbd 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($119.99 @ Amazon) 

Keyboard: Rosewill RK-700M Wired Standard Keyboard  ($9.99 @ Amazon) 

Other: Perixx MX-1800 ($20.00)

Total: $931.88

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-20 18:20 EST-0500

[Lotus]

If you're willing to forego the better case and the overclockable CPU for the sake of an awesome GPU, you can get this: (rebates not included)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($159.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Zeus Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.99 @ Directron)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Double Dissipation Video Card  ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Rosewill 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer G246HLAbd 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-700M Wired Standard Keyboard  ($9.99 @ Amazon)
Other: Perixx MX-1800 ($20.00)
Total: $949.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-20 18:17 EST-0500

 

 

 

Without rebates, there's no way to fit in the overclockable CPU/MoBo/Cooler setup with the S340 case as well as an R9 280x for $950. Can't be done without rebates. Keep in mind I normally recommend against including rebates, so go by this at your own peril, but if you do include rebates you can do this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 U3 Plus ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Zeus Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.99 @ Directron)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Tri-X Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($64.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: Rosewill 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer G246HLAbd 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-700M Wired Standard Keyboard  ($9.99 @ Amazon)
Other: Perixx MX-1800 ($20.00)
Total: $936.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-20 18:22 EST-0500

[Lotus]

If you aren't going to overclock, I recommend the first option in my last post, the one right above this one. If you're not going to overclock, it's by far the best for the price with no compromises.

 

If you ARE going to overclock, then trying to stretch your budget to get the second one is best. You don't need the S340 case as it doesn't have any performance features, so you can swap it to a Source 210 to save money.

 

edit: oh, and keep in mind both of those builds rely on CPU deals from Micro Center and picking it up in person. I'll have to re-work them if that's not the case, and the overclockable setup becomes way more expensive in that case (like $50+ easily)

Edited November 20, 2014 by Lotus

[Happy Camper]

Thank you very much for the help!  It turns out that my friend pulled out just now.  I'll contact you if he decides to change his mind.  But thank you both so much for your time and effort!

[Happy Camper]

 

better gpu, cheaper case 

 

If you're willing to forego the better case and the overclockable CPU for the sake of an awesome GPU, you can get this: (rebates not included)

 

 

Looks like my friend is back in!  This time with a budget of $1200 (without rebates).  Can you help me again?

[Lotus]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($31.92 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($269.69 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($64.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer K272HULbmiidp 60Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($359.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $1173.04
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 17:19 EST-0500

 

Add in the mouse/keyboard from the first builds and you're right at $1200. It hits all the high points of the other builds (R9 290, K series CPU + Z chipset MoBo w/ xfire support, CPU cooler, good case). I held back on getting a GTX 970 and instead opted for a 1440P monitor. People tend to keep monitors way longer than GPUs, and you can always buy a second R9 290 for crossfire and just throw it in as the build supports it. IMO the R9 290 + 1440p monitor is better than the GTX 970 and 1080P monitor, but if you want to make that change it's your call and is still a perfectly fine option. Alternatively, you can go R9 290, 1080p monitor, and SSD, but that trades real performance parts for the luxury of an SSD, so I personally wouldn't do it.

 

Keep in mind that these prices change all the time. You can't just hand him this list in a week and expect the situation to be the same.

[Happy Camper]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ Micro Center)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($31.92 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($94.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($57.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.49 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($269.69 @ Amazon)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($64.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ Newegg)

Monitor: Acer K272HULbmiidp 60Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($359.99 @ Micro Center)

Total: $1173.04

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 17:19 EST-0500

 

Add in the mouse/keyboard from the first builds and you're right at $1200. It hits all the high points of the other builds (R9 290, K series CPU + Z chipset MoBo w/ xfire support, CPU cooler, good case). I held back on getting a GTX 970 and instead opted for a 1440P monitor. People tend to keep monitors way longer than GPUs, and you can always buy a second R9 290 for crossfire and just throw it in as the build supports it. IMO the R9 290 + 1440p monitor is better than the GTX 970 and 1080P monitor, but if you want to make that change it's your call and is still a perfectly fine option. Alternatively, you can go R9 290, 1080p monitor, and SSD, but that trades real performance parts for the luxury of an SSD, so I personally wouldn't do it.

 

Keep in mind that these prices change all the time. You can't just hand him this list in a week and expect the situation to be the same.

That doesn't include an OS, does it?

[Lotus]

No, whoops. I forgot. You normally don't include the cost of the OS because many people already have one, or have access to really cheap ones through their work or university. There goes the 1440p monitor. That means the GTX 970 + 1080p monitor is the one to go with. I also swapped out the MoBo for one that supports SLI in case he throws in a second GPU (it didn't really add much to the build). Throw in the keyboard/mouse in this one too:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($31.92 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($108.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card  ($329.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($64.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($92.79 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer S241HL bmid 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1120.13
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 17:38 EST-0500

[Happy Camper]

If the price on any of the components goes up, what should I swap out?

[Happy Camper]

Also, any tips for overclocking this build?

[Lotus]

For CPU: tough, you're stuck with this one if the price goes up.

GPU: The cheapest GTX 970 that isn't complete shit (almost none are shit, so really it's the cheapest)

MoBo: cheapest Z97 chipset MoBo that supports SLI from a company you trust (avoid ECS and Biostar)

Memory: 2x4GB (8GB total) memory at least 1600MHz with 9 CAS (CAS is cycle dependent, 9 cas @ 1600 is the same delay as 12 @ 2133MHz) with a heat spreader from a brand you trust

PSU: at least 600W Bronze (efficiency isn't important unless you run a 24/7 server farm) where JohnnyGuru has tested it and it has sufficient ripple protection and power-on spike prevention (those DO matter), and it must have 4x 6+2 pin connectors (many only have 2) if you want to be ready for SLI. If you don't want to be ready for SLI, than any Bronze 400W+ PSU with two 6+2pin connectors is sufficient, again provided it has sufficient ripple protection and power-on spike prevention.

 

I suggest being fully SLI capable just in case. You don't want to start replacing components down the road, and it's only a few extra bucks, like $10-20 on the MoBo and another 10-20 on the PSU.

[Lotus]

Also, any tips for overclocking this build?

There are many Z97 overclocking guides. So long as you follow one and remember that every chip is different and some are better than others, it'll be fine. K series CPU overclocking tend to follow the same principle, so even Linus' X99 overclocking guide is helpful at least in general.

[79wjd]

On mobile, so I'm not quoting/replying to specifics.....

But, don't get an Asus r9 290 and don't get an evga 970. Either get a Sapphire tri x/vapor x, msi twin froze, or powercolor pcs+ 290.

Or

Gigabyte g1 gaming , zotac amp!, msi twin frozr 970.

[Lotus]

On mobile, so I'm not quoting/replying to specifics.....

But, don't get an Asus r9 290 and don't get an evga 970. Either get a Sapphire tri x/vapor x, msi twin froze, or powercolor pcs+ 290.

Or

Gigabyte g1 gaming , zotac amp!, msi twin frozr 970.

I'm aware of the Original Strix 1.0 cooling oddities (which is why I only selected the 2.0 version), but what else are you referring too? I have had great experiences with the companies' products personally, and they are well known and highly respected companies in general.

[Happy Camper]

How can I load the OS without an optical drive?

[Lotus]

A flash drive will do the trick. It's very easy.

[79wjd]

I'm aware of the Original Strix 1.0 cooling oddities (which is why I only selected the 2.0 version), but what else are you referring too? I have had great experiences with the companies' products personally, and they are well known and highly respected companies in general.

The Strix is a wildly overrated 970...theres nothign wrong with it, but there are better choices. And the EVGA cooler isn't great on the 970 either, thus there are better alternatives. 

 

As for the 290, the Asus DCU2 cooler was pretty poor on the 290, and the Windforce is a decent cooler, but again, there are better alternatives. 

[natelliot123]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($169.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($27.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital WD Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card  ($334.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($86.43 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: LG 22MP55HQ-P 60Hz 22.0" Monitor  ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($29.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $949.26
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-25 14:13 EST-0500

[Lotus]

The Strix is a wildly overrated 970...theres nothign wrong with it, but there are better choices. And the EVGA cooler isn't great on the 970 either, thus there are better alternatives. 

 

As for the 290, the Asus DCU2 cooler was pretty poor on the 290, and the Windforce is a decent cooler, but again, there are better alternatives. 

Eh, so long as they're not DOA or have coil whine, the performance difference is negligible. They all share the same architecture and all will perform the same clock for clock. The different cooling solutions don't really affect much as even a moderate increase in cooling is only a tiny performance gain, and that's even only if you take advantage of it with overclocking. The one I included was the cheapest, and worked, and that's been the determining factor in all my GPU purchases and I haven't been disappointed.