Can't decide between 2 of PowerColor's R9 290s

[cakeistruth123]

Hello, recently I've been trying to build a decent gaming PC on a budget of 1400 Singapore dollars. I intend to play heavily modded Skyrim on ultra. I've found all the parts that I need except the video card.

 

I've narrowed down my choices to the PowerColor PCS+ R9 290 4GB and the PowerColor TurboDuo R9 290 4GB OC. I have set aside S$435 to spend on the video card.

 

The TurboDuo version costs S$439 while the PCS version is currently on promotion and is S$459, making it S$159 cheaper than the usual price of S$618 (Do note that prices in Singapore tend to be higher than elsewhere from what I've seen). I am having trouble deciding on my own even after doing research on whether the PCS is worth going over budget or if I should go with the TurboDuo. Can I have opinions on which is worth buying?

 

1 Singapore dollar = 0.8 US Dollar

[Happypap55]

Judging by the PowerColor site, the only difference I could see was the speed and dimensions of the cards.

The PCS+ looks like an overclocked 290 with better cooler, but it's larger.

The TurboDuo looks like a base version with 1 less fan.

 

You could get the same performance by just overclocking the TurboDuo. You should check the warranty to see if overclocking is covered and if there are large differences in the temperatures between the two. If overclocking isn't covered and the TurboDuo runs up to 15% hotter or so than the PCS+, I'd reccommend just spending the ~$25 and getting the PCS+ version. If overclocking is covered (assuming there even is a warranty with PowerColor) and the temperatures are similar just get the TurboDuo and spend 15 minutes overclocking it yourself to the PCS+ speeds.

[xAcid9]

Get the PCS+, Turbo Duo cooler is not that great. 

[zappian]

How much is the normal MSI version?

[Happypap55]

Did some more research, looks like the TurboDuo runs incredibly hot (around 92C) and the PCS+ runs significantly cooler at around 64. My recommendation is to get the PCS+; seems well worth the money.

[cakeistruth123]

How much is the normal MSI version?

Hi again, you helped me out in my other post.

I can't find an MSI R9 290 listed locally but I did find two MSI R9 290X 4GB GAMINGs. both are priced at S$471.

[cakeistruth123]

Did some more research, looks like the TurboDuo runs incredibly hot (around 92C) and the PCS+ runs significantly cooler at around 64. My recommendation is to get the PCS+; seems well worth the money.

Thanks for the help, I couldn't find any comparisons or testing of both cards. Now I won't have to worry about that.

[cakeistruth123]

Did some more research, looks like the TurboDuo runs incredibly hot (around 92C) and the PCS+ runs significantly cooler at around 64. My recommendation is to get the PCS+; seems well worth the money.

May I have the link for where you found the temperature tests for the TurboDuo? I've been unable to find any for it until now.

[Happypap55]

May I have the link for where you found the temperature tests for the TurboDuo? I've been unable to find any for it until now.

PCS+ http://www.fudzilla.com/34647-powercolor-pcs%20-r9-290-4gb-reviewed?tmpl=component&print=1

TurboDuo http://www.tpreview.co.uk/blog/2014/08/14/powercolor-amd-r9-290-4gb-turboduo-review/

[cakeistruth123]

PCS+ http://www.fudzilla.com/34647-powercolor-pcs%20-r9-290-4gb-reviewed?tmpl=component&print=1

TurboDuo http://www.tpreview.co.uk/blog/2014/08/14/powercolor-amd-r9-290-4gb-turboduo-review/

Thank you! Solved!