Which is better

[TheProfosist]

r9 290 has a compelling feature called mantle...

yes one that still hasnt really been shown off in an actual game...

I would pick a non reference r9 290, for example I just purchased a Gigabyte Windforce 3X R9 290 that comes factory OC'ed for 580 bucks on newegg. You could go with the (x) version if you have Money to blow or you could use that extra Money for something else. As for the 780 that is neck to neck with the r9 290 but the r9 290 pulls ahead in most cases by very Little. So I feel like you should choose between r9 290(x) or the 780 ti. IF I were you, i would go with the r9 290 non-x because 1) saves cash for other upgrades hardly sacraficing any preformance from the non x version 2) Mantle which comes on all AMD cards which gives boosts in games that the developers activate it such as bf4. As for the 780 ti, if you want the most preformance out there at a cost, buy this, but the r9 290s are overkill already thats why I reccommend them. also because mantle should be a big hit.

 

EDIT: If you decide to go with the r9 290s MAKE SURE you buy one with an aftermarket cooler unless you like haveing a hot jet turbine in your room.

Linus recommended against the gigabyte since it will have a reference PCB still most likely and I would have to agree from what ive seen.

thanks so the 290 is the way to go. Also i will wait maybe for the 800 series to come out. I might get the sapphire tri-x edition

lol your changing any time someone suggests something else

[Swegly]

yes one that still hasnt really been shown off in an actual game...

Linus recommended against the gigabyte since it will have a reference PCB still most likely and I would have to agree from what ive seen.

lol your changing any time someone suggests something else

Linus reccommended what for gigabyte?

[TheProfosist]

Linus reccommended what for gigabyte?

against it as in not to get it as the PCB is still reference and the thermal restrictions are only part of the problem. Once that was removed the OEM design couldnt feed enough power.