Question 1

Hi there,

Has anyone run into artifact-related issues while gaming ? The ASUS, Sapphire and MSI cards (280x range) all have reported with artifacting to a certain degree. Sometimes even while doing mundane taska like browisng with Chrome or Firefox.

Also, if artifcating did occur has a recent firmware fixed it ?

Thanks

Accepted Answer

Yes, it does occur and it's super irritating. I don't think it's ever happened in game but definitely during 2d graphics. 
As far as I know they released a fix for the 270x but didn't really mention the 280x. I haven't checked too recently though.

Question 2

What is the total length of this card?  One reviewer mentioned 11.7 inches but the specs say 12.24 inches.

Accepted Answer

They are both right. 11.7 inches is the actual card and if you include the tab that sticks out for the screw/mounting it comes out to around 12.24 inches. Hope that helps.   =)

Question 3

I just installed this card in my system. Windows will boot and the card will show up as the standard VGA graphics adapter, once i install the latest Catalyst driver (Omega R9 2xx display driver) the computer then restarts and i can not get past the windows splash screen. i only receive a black screen. I can still boot into safe mode and disable the driver then boot up fine (back with the standard VGA graphics adapter) i am then back into the cycle of installing the r9 driver and cannot boot. Should this card be RMA? i have the latest Bios version for my motherboard

Accepted Answer

Too many unknowns to answer your question.  I built a new rig a year and a half ago including this card and it's worked perfectly since the first time I turned on power.  Got a new 144hz monitor last Xmas and its working with that as well.  Card is sweet for the $$ IMO.  All things being equal I'd RMA the card and if the replacement doesn't work I'd look elsewhere in your system since I doubt you'd be unlucky enough to get two DOA cards.

Question 4

My question isn't necessarily about the GPU strictly, but what are some recommended PSUs to keep up with this, and maybe another one down the road? I have a mid-sized case, and my CPU is going have roughly 3.4GHz, 6 core, ect.
Thank you!

Accepted Answer

Enthusiast class CPU and mobo? If single GPU you probably want to have 550+ PSU. The one I used in this build should be ok for you even with two GPUs.

imgur. com/a/N53kL (album contains PC Parts Picker list of components)

The card is fantastic, btw, fast and quiet with no coil whine.

Question 5

Is there any coil whine and does this card run hot?

Accepted Answer

I've had this beast running for 6 mos now in a case with 6 fans. So I haven't had any heat issues while running several games with max'd out settings. No noise issues either. BL2 is my favorite all over again. What a difference it's made in everything from Photoshop to Corel, from BL2 to Blu-ray.

Question 6

Can I use triple monitors using the HDMI and both display ports or do I have to use the DVI port? I know some cards have had restrictions in the past on what ports can be used together.

Thanks,

Accepted Answer

I have two of these video cards and I use both display and one hdmi on my primary card. I do have active display port to dvi adaptors to allow my monitors which do not have display port to connect properly though.

Question 7

How many of you actually received the gold one?

Accepted Answer

I received the black one. Hope this helps.

Question 8

Can this GPU run games at 4k @ 60hz+?

Accepted Answer

No single GPU today can run 4k with 60 FPS. You would want dual 290x or 780 Tis for that.

Question 9

My power supply has 4 6 pin cables, can i use two 6 pin to 8 pin converters? i know this is not recommended but currently i am just using two 6 pin which the manual that came with the card shows you can do, but i do not get any video output from the card. Fans spin up but no video

Accepted Answer

I struggled with this same issue, but I ended up (after exhaustive research) not trying to use the six pin connectors.

They are not rated for the type of power required. I can't dig up the official sources at the moment, but this forum post explains what I found:
(link removed because newegg got mad)
(google 6pin vs 8pin pcie)

To summarize, the extra 2 pins are ground wires only. That makes it sound like you might be okay, but...

The 6 pin wires and connector are designed/graded for 75w of power.

The 8 pin wires and connector are graded for 150w of power.

Many manufacturers make sure the card is flush with power, so it might work (they add in some extra so you have some headroom for overclocking etc.

According to this forum post:
(link removed because newegg got mad)
(google 280x reference pcb)

And this review of 280x cards:
(link removed because newegg got mad)
(google 280x comparison)
(the information on pins is on the individual card pages)

HIS has given this card some extra power, as the reference card has 1x8pin and 1x6pin. So, basically, that is the least I would feel comfortable working with. Of course, this doesn't take into account the power needs of the fans and any extras HIS put on the card.

You can, going by the above, safely turn 2x6pin@75w into 1x8pin@150w.

If you had 3x6pin I would go for it.

If you want to try using the 6pin connectors, make sure you have a decent power supply that can take the load. Otherwise, when you need it the most (playing an intense game), you might have issues.

Otherwise, grab a nice powersupply that has two 8pin connectors. I use a Corsair CX600W and it works great.

Question 10

Installed HIS card on an ASROCK B85M-ITX motherboard and can't get this video card to run in PCI 3.0 mode.  It only works in PCI-E 2.0 mode.  Has anyone got the card running in PCI-E 3.0 mode on this MOBO?

Accepted Answer

it doesnt matter if it is pci 2 or 3 as it isnt a "high end" card like the titan/r9 295x2.......the performance with pci 2 and 3 will be the almose same.pci 3 may give you 1-2 more fps.

Questions & Answers