Final Thoughts
So is this card better than a reference Radeon R9 280X, yet and here is why. First you have a factory overclock. Normally an R9 280X runs at 850 MHz core with a GPU boost all the way up to 1000 MHz. This card on the other hard runs at 1000 MHz core with a GPU boost up to 1100 MHz. So you are going to get better performance over a reference card. For those wondering the memory on this card stays at the same 6 GHz (effective) as the reference design.
Secondly Gigabyte is using their own WindForce 3X cooling system. This cooling system makes use of three cooling fans, three large heatsinks and multiple copper heatpipes. Not only is this cooling solution better than the reference design it is much quieter as well. The WindForce 3X kept this card 8 degrees cooler than the cooling solution that was on Sapphire’s R9 280X Toxic video card, although that card does have a higher factory overclock.
I really have never been a fan Gigabyte’s design on their video cards. For the most part they are really basic and boring. This card is the pretty much the same, for people who do not have case windows or do not want to show off their card the design really does not matter. Gigabyte really need to move away from the blue PCB though!
During our test this card outperformed or was pretty much on par with MSI’s GeForce GTX 770 Gaming card. This is pretty impressive considering MSI’s card is $40 more. Now this is the not the fastest R9 280X we have tested. Sapphire’s R9 280X Toxic card has higher clock speeds, but also is $40 more.
At the end of the day if you are looking for an R9 280X the Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X OC Edition is a great choice. You have a factory overclock, great cooling and great performance compared to some other cards that are more expensive. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X OC Edition video card a 9 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award.
Pros:
– Factory overclock
– WindForce 3X cooling
– Great performance
– Price compared to other cards
– OC GURU II Utility included
Cons:
– Pretty boring design
