PowerColor Radeon R9-290X PCS+ review - Introduction

We review the PowerColor Radeon R9-290X PCS+ graphics card, this beast runs at low temperatures whilst being factory overclocked (a bit). The 2816 Stream processor based Hawaii chip will get paired with 4 GB GDDR5 memory running its data over a 512-bit memory interface. The card itself is fully customized including component selection, custom PCB, custom cooling and well .. custom everything ! Powered through 8-Pin + 6-Pin power configuration it obviously runs at factory overclocked specifications as well. The card will clock (boost) towards 1050 MHz and has an improved GDDR5 memory frequency as well. Did I just catch your attention ? I figured that much.

So what does a Hawaii GPU bring into the graphics cards ? Oh what about 6 Billion transistors on a 438 mm² Die, 512-bit Memory bus with 4 GB - 5.0 Gbps GDDR5 memory, Ultra HD ready, 5.6 TFLOPS of compute performance. Not bad for keywords, eh? AMD is partnering with EA's Battlefield 4, meaning that for as long as the coupons are available, you will receive Battlefield 4 with the card for certain selected SKUs. That would be a deluxe edition with extra DLC and weapons. AMD also is focusing strongly at gaming in Ultra High Definition (UHD), so this will be a focus in our review as well. Will we be able to play the hottest games at that whopping 8.2 Mpixels at a 3840x2160 resolution @ 60 Hz.

The PowerColor Radeon R9-290X PCS+ card is tweaked a little for you though, see it can Boost towards 1050 MHz and is clocked to 5400 MHz (effective) on the GDDR5 memory, the all custom PCB is being cooled with thick three slot cooler. These cards are little .. well big beasts. As such this in-depth review will cover the Volcanic Islands GPU architecture, Hawaii for the 290 series, we'll benchmark these cards with FCAT Frametimes, Ultra High Definition and of course, we'll check out game performance with the latest games next to power consumption and heat levels as well. The PCS+ cards makes use of a triple-slot cooler that has three large 80 mm axial fans, five thick copper heatpipes and a variety of aluminum fins. The cooler should allow up to 24 percent lower temperatures, while at the same time being less noisy and more quiet. For better stability, a back-plate was attached.

A review you don't wanna miss, have a peek and then head on over to the next page please.