[Hexus] AMD initiating significant price cuts for 290 and 290X

[destrekor]

Got it today, it is an MSI Lightning. One heck of a card, I can't believe I won one.

The free card was a Lightning? Damn, nice win!

I still haven't actually gamed on mine yet. I have been meaning to test it with triple-monitor Battlefield 3 multiplayer. I was impressed with the very basic benchmarking I had done.

I am waiting to compile all my results (comparing power and system temps) until I have the second card to make a more appropriate comparison.

 

[Plimogz]

Congrats EightySix Four! That is a sexy beast...

Though what's up with serving up the very best AIB card for what was (afaik) an unspecified prize? somebody, somewhere was feeling mighty generous.

Consider me jealous.

 

[EightySix Four]

Congrats EightySix Four! That is a sexy beast...

Though what's up with serving up the very best AIB card for what was a unspecified prize? somebody, somewhere was feeling mighty generous.

Consider me jealous.

Yeah, I was already resigning myself that I needed to pick up an aftermaket cooler since I am a fan of quiet SFF. Quite the surprise when I opened it up. Had to pick up a new PSU since it takes double 8pins and a 6, but still an awesome win. I have always been a bit of an ATi fan so it is a cool experience.

 

[destrekor]

Yeah, I was already resigning myself that I needed to pick up an aftermaket cooler since I am a fan of quiet SFF. Quite the surprise when I opened it up. Had to pick up a new PSU since it takes double 8pins and a 6, but still an awesome win. I have always been a bit of an ATi fan so it is a cool experience.

Ooo... to be honest, it doesn't REQUIRE that 6pin. It does require the 2x 8pins, but that 6pin is for added OC capability thanks to their custom power delivery and stability design.

However, to truly take advantage of the card, like I plan to (at least, within what limit I discover regarding system temps in CF), I already hooked up all the power connections in anticipation.

I hope that triple-slot cooler (which IS larger than I expected, seemingly a full proper three slots, not just partway into the third slot) can still do a good job when it is literally bumping up the card beneath it.
If the top card is a triple-slot design in my system, they'll be right on top of each other without a gap, and that worries me slightly.

Enjoy the card! I'm sure we both will - I haven't taken advantage of it yet and I can't wait!

 

[EightySix Four]

Ooo... to be honest, it doesn't REQUIRE that 6pin. It does require the 2x 8pins, but that 6pin is for added OC capability thanks to their custom power delivery and stability design.

However, to truly take advantage of the card, like I plan to (at least, within what limit I discover regarding system temps in CF), I already hooked up all the power connections in anticipation.

I hope that triple-slot cooler (which IS larger than I expected, seemingly a full proper three slots, not just partway into the third slot) can still do a good job when it is literally bumping up the card beneath it.
If the top card is a triple-slot design in my system, they'll be right on top of each other without a gap, and that worries me slightly.

Enjoy the card! I'm sure we both will - I haven't taken advantage of it yet and I can't wait!

Just got the computer started up with the new case and PSU (holy crap this GPU is huge) and fired up Elite: Dangerous with everything maxed out and SS at 1.5x from 1920x1080. Pretty incredible, looking forward to playing some of my other games.

 

[jellowiggler]

They were on a monthly cycle before and guess what, people were complaining that nothing major happens. Some people just like to take the piss out of amd, and it can be frustrating trying to find proper info. They're bringing out updates, what if they pulled a Kepler on you?

430-530CAD here

I just picked up the MSI R9 290x Gaming for $350cdn at ncix. Pretty good deal! I love price drops. That card is probably available for $300us somewhere. It is crazy cheap when you compare to a 970 that are running at $420cdn at the cheapest.

So the prices are coming way down to clear stocks in the face of the 300 series release. Available this summer hopefully. Competition is good for us.

 

[Intervenator]

Honestly, I don't care about the whole scandal. I buy nVidia cards for the ecosystem and consistency. Lie to me all you want, the performance is all I care about. A card giving X frames at perceived specs gives the same amount of frames at actual specs. For me personally, the difference between 3.5GB and 4GB is meaningless as Im using a 1080p monitor. However, I can emphasize with those buying the 970 with the thought of having a solid card to drive their high resolution displays for years to come.

As for AMD, good for them. Price is always a reliable incentive to attract business, and for now it looks as though AMD is in a good spot. However, it seems that this cycle has been occurring for years now and should not be too surprising... Company A released new card, company B drops prices until they can get their new cards out before discontinuing the originals... Its all about making as much money from the initial release BEFORE the competition releases their cards and price cuts must occur. Then revenue gets cut down to a trickle until you get your next card out...