14 DAY TRIAL // The stream of Radeon R9 290X graphics cards doesn't seem to end, even though it's been over a month since the launch of the first one, but that's understandable since, unlike now, AMD's partners weren't allowed to customize it at first.
HIS (Hightech Information Systems) is preparing a new rendition of the top-tier single-GPU AMD graphics adapter.
This version will be called Radeon R9 290X IceQ X2 Turbo, IceQ X2 Turbo being the name of the cooler used.
As you can see in the photos that the folks at Overclockers UK so thoughtfully procured, the cooler is a dual-fan, angular model.
Well, the shroud is angular, but the heatsink doesn't put as much emphasis on looks as it does on heat dissipation effectiveness. Then again, this goes for most heatsinks. That's why the shroud is there, to give aesthetic value.
Anyway, the heatsink receives heat through a pair of 8 mm and three 6 mm heatpipes. Said heat is dispersed by a pair of 89 mm fans.
As for the board itself, here are the specifications as we know them right now: 2,816 stream processors (Hawaii graphics processing unit), 4 GB of GDDR5 VRAM, dual-DVI ports, HDMI output and a DisplayPort connector. The adapter's memory is controlled by the GPU through an interface of 512 bits.
Sadly, the clocks have not been mentioned. Chances are HIS hasn't even decided on them yet. The price has been mentioned though, at £499.99.
Exchange rates say that's the same as $817 / €597, but knowing how these things tend to go, it's more likely that the US and European prices will be closer to $499.99 / €499.99.
We won't know for certain until January 24 (that's when HIS intends to start shipping the thing), unless another leak brings us the final details. It's still up in the air at this point.
