Now we got a real proper 290x on the market 😀 that is some serious business. And nice review as always 🙂

why no mantle numbers in the bf4 section ?

Did not have any time left, in fact I really should have even spend the time to do this review this week. I am moving to a new place over the weekend.

Did not have any time left, in fact I really should not have even spend the time to do this review this week. I am moving to a new place over the weekend.

Have a safe move, boss.

Thank you Hilbert for this review! I had wanted GPU-Z screenshot (Samsung mem chips, yes!) and it's there. Pictures of card without a backplate are also there (they aren't originaly yours, right?) but they are not HiRes so I can't take a detailed/closer look at all eye candy elements on PCB. That's why I assume those bare PCB pics are generic, taken from somewhere else. Neverimind, review is great. I have few questions: 1). Why not OC with LN2 BIOS? Even with TriForozr on air OC could/should be better/higher with LN2 BIOS... 2). Guess you haven't got enough time for detailed OC, can't believe those Samsung chips aren't capable for more than 6400, they are not Elpida's chips. With Samsung mem chips on freq above 7xxx benchmark results could be at least 5% or even more better... All in all that is one badass looking/performing card for sure, temps are more than great. TBH I've expected 12xxMHz OC on GPU with LN2 BIOS on TriFrozr/air, if those GPU's for R9 290X Lihhtning are binned they must be capable for that. Hope that future revisions of R9 290X Lightning won't be ruined by Elpida's... Keep up the good work, for future reviews reconsider pics of PCB @ HiRes, you realy need that in your reviews... please... please.. please! Edit

Have a safe move, boss.

^^^ Also this, don't rush with it

I looked at the picture and hoped to see some liquid nitrogen applied in the review.

Nice MSI GPU. I have a 7970L, 7970LBE and 2x XFX 290x's. I was thinking of selling off the 290x's for the 290x Lightning but I will just keep them as I would have to put out too much extra cash to run 2x 290x Lightnings for not much of a gain in performance over my vanilla 290x's. Anyone know the actual price this monster will carry in USD? $900.00?

I would not go thruogh the hassle at this point and hope its under 800usd. For the rest of you guys dont kill the messinger,great review boss and glad you got the card without further delay