I'll give you another option to struggle on.

Step 1:
Check this out:
http://keplerdynamics.com/sigmacool/radeonmkii

Step 2:
Get a compatible AIO water cooler, and some ram/mosfet heatsinks.

Step 3:
Get a PCI fan bracket holder for x2 120mm which should cool down the VRAM and VRM nicely.


I've done some counting and I reckon I can have something set up circa RM350 (but that's because I know where to get an Antec Kuhler 620 for cheap).
Thing is you'd need a free PCI fan bracket for the VRMs. A lot of coolers miss out the VRMs close to the display-out of the R9 290(x).


I think the Gelid is a very good buy. I just need to find out for myself if those stock fans can indeed properly bring enough airflow to the VRMs, I know they're rated at 125C but still........

Yes, that's right.
Personally, I am looking at this:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/pimg/HS-031-AL_47150_600.jpg

I have high hopes for the Gelid though. Though I do advise people to get the optional fan clips, in case you might want to try out other 92mm fans for better cooling performance, lower noise, etc.

This post has been edited by Enigmatic: Dec 9 2013, 02:56 PM

Installed the Gelid cooler on my R9 290. Did a quick run on Kombuster and indeed saw the VRM1 temps hitting nearly 100C.

Core and VRM2 are fine though. Suspect not enough airflow going to VRM1, either that or the heatsinks for them are too small.

More pictures later.

You know my plans to overcome this.
Though I wonder if I can squeeze in some Enzotech mosfet heatsinks in there.

But in all honesty, real life gaming will show readings below what Kombuster shows so I am not too worried about the VRM1 temps - But this still is something which needs to be addressed to.
Will do some runs for further testing in a bit.

Disclaimer: All parts of my walkthrough here are provided AS-IS and without warranty, where you agree that I am not to be held responsible upon whatsoever damages afflicted to you that may be influenced by this walkthrough.

Alright, just to upload a brief guide on how to get the Gelid installed.
Fairly straightforward = Remove stock HSF (all screws at the back and two screws on the PCI slot), assemble Gelid, install ramsinks and VRM heatsinks, install Gelid and its fan connector. Tadaa.
Should take most people not more than an hour to have this installed. I took 3 hours cause I was anal with the ram and VRM heatsinks positioning lol. Like really, really, anal.


Anyhow, a walkthrough of my installation.
If the thumbnails don't show up, just click on the "user posted image" text which actually is a link to the full sized pic.


That's a lot of screws... Yeap, I think more than 16? Cooler should plop out here - Might need to use a little force here as the thermal pads may be sticky.



The bare card itself... Cooler by the side.



So, I heard you like alcohol. 99.7% IsoPropyl Alcohol reporting in for cleaning duties, ma'am.



The cooler itself. Can't quite get myself to remember the full name. Gelid Icy Vision Rev 2. Or something. Quite a mouthful.



Note: To save time and prevent blood pressure increment, please review this pic and make sure you have the mountings right. Notice that the bracket facing the GPU has its screw hole recessed, and note the selection of mounting screws.



Scrub scrub scrub. And also the core. And also the rams. And also the vrm.



Installed them ramsinks and vrm heatsinks. I have OCD, for alignment. Notice the bottom ramsink covering only half the RAM chip - Another picture will follow up on why this has to be done.



The heatsink on VRM1. Couple that with low airflow coverage and you'd get toasty VRM1 temps.



There we go - Why only half the ramsink. Because of the mounting plate. One point off the Gelid, this ain't compatibility on a perfection sense.



Le produit final! I don't know about you, but I think those fans are rather ugly.





OK... Kinda sleepy guys. I think I'll hold off uploading the temps for later today after work.
Anyhow, just a summary on temps: As mentioned, Core and VRM2 are well under control, which is really good. VRM1 temps are rocketing though, but while gaming and 3dMark11 loop tests it usually maintains about 80C, never too high. A side panel fan would help. I have some plans to further lower the temps by changing the fans, which I'll get to end of this month.

This post has been edited by Enigmatic: Dec 12 2013, 12:35 AM

Something to share:
http://www.legitreviews.com/nzxt-kraken-g1...9-290x_130344/4

Seems that the Kraken with a 92mm fan installed was able to control the VRM1 and VRM2 temps naked. Catch is this is done in open bench, but still, I would imagine this indicates the 92mm fans on the Gelid cooler indeed does not bring enough air coverage to the VRM1.

If I have time I could shift a 140mm fan to the side panel of my casing tonight. Anyone else can try this out as well, side panel fan + 15 minutes of Kombuster on the Gelid?

This post has been edited by Enigmatic: Dec 12 2013, 10:05 AM

Core and VRM2 are fine; Just VRM1 which gets high IF I run Kombuster. Otherwise typical 3DMark11 loop, Unigine Valley/Heaven, maximum it goes up to 82C IIRC.

Understandably though, Kombuster introduces ridiculous power draw which stresses the card beyond normal gaming means.
I'll get the screenies up tonight if I have the chance to.

Stock:

3DMark11 30 minutes loop maximum temp



MSI Kombuster 15 minutes loop maximum temp









Gelid Icy Cooler:

3DMark11 30 minutes loop maximum temp



MSI Kombuster 5 minutes run - Temperatures still rising.





Really believe a side panel fan would help VRM1 temps. Otherwise, impressive reduction on the VRM2 and core temps, and it's pretty darn silent.
I'll experiment when I am feeling better, having a blazing headache now.

This post has been edited by Enigmatic: Dec 12 2013, 10:30 PM

Sweet price! With superb performance in that bundle.
Two fans = Add on fan mounts?

We demand pictures!

I personally think the stock cooler is alright in keeping temps at controlled levels.
It's just that to do so, you need to bump the fan speed to 50~60% range, which gets very noticeable.

Just get one of those Gelid coolers + side panel fan and you'd be fine.

Hats off to you, though I'm not sure why you even bother though.

Desprado is a well known passionate Nvidia advocate here, just check back his posts and you'll realise that.

The R9 290 is perfectly fine, delivers a lot of performance for a low price. Myself is a user, and llk is, as well.
Only "problem" I find with it is the stock cooler being noisy when you ramp it up to beyond 50%, but that's really about it.

Good job.

Oit so what's your decision - Planning to get the Gelid?
I'm going to finalise my PC cooling purchases in another two weeks, then I'd be done with my PC setup liao.

Is that you? Looks so different than your profile pic.
Btw I'm so proud to be an owner of a graphic card which value appreciates, not depreciates. Haha.


That aside, once I'm done with my fan upgrades I'll post a summary of thoughts over the R9 290's heat and noise issue. Heat being an issue - I think that's being overplayed, though this is then related to noise, which then I would say noise can be an issue. I do however think the stock cooler is very, very effective in exhausting heat, which is good as it keeps ambient temperature within the casing low.

Walao eh better control your diet a bit there lol.

Overplayed = Unnecessary emphasis.
I claim it hot because I am from the era where I'd use ATITool to stress test GPUs, which would be Furmark/Kombuster/OCCT of today.

Otherwise for gaming, the stock cooler is fine. At 55%, albeit sound being noticeable, my max temps with 3DMark11 on 30 minutes loop is actually not that bad lah. Not to mention my case right now is very badly ventilated.
If your casing' ventilation is alright, you'll get better temps than what I've posted a few pages back.


After replacing the stock cooler, VRM2 and Core temps fell drastically. But I'll need to work on those VRM1 a little. Will get to that later this month, I'm broke like llk now.

And your point being?
I'm sure you're not selectively oblivious to the fact none of us are paying £335.99 for a Sapphire R9 290?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct....rodid=GX-337-SP

If I pick up £279.99 excl VAT = This makes more sense after conversion, tallies with current local RRP (street price is lower).
So if the R9 290X Twin Frozr were to sell for £499.99, excl VAT will be about £417, then Acid's guesstimate of RM2500 sounds mighty accurate, might even go for less street price wise.

Not to mention a lot other factors are in play now: BitCoin mining causing shortage of supply, pre-order price.
No official pricing being announced in Malaysia yet so everything is just speculation for now.

Not sure why I even bother. But here we go.

Holy **** wait a minute. That's with BF4 bundle somemore.
OK now that's cheap.

Who wants to buy reference R9 290X now lah. lol.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct....rodid=GX-335-SP

Again, if you're selectively oblivious, I'll highlight this again for the benefit of all.


Sure you do not know this since you're not a local. Computer parts are not taxed in Malaysia.
Transport - Meh. I bulk ship from all over the world and I know for a fact it does not cost much to ship those cards.

So not sure where you're plucking out that skyrocket figure from. But that's good actually. Keep people's expectations low, and they'll be wow-ed when it beats their expectations.

This post has been edited by Enigmatic: Dec 18 2013, 10:26 AM

What I imagine would happen, based on the experience of R9 290(x) being released in Malaysia:

During preorder, first week or two where it goes for sales, price would be high for a while, higher than international pricing at least. When all resellers catch up and price war begins, that's when price normalise to international standards.

So don't go around telling people you're right too early ah, Desprado.

One thing I noticed about the R9 290 Tri-X.... Not sure if I'm seeing things wrongly - No backplate for the Sapphire R9 290 Tri-X?