14 DAY TRIAL // Had AMD allowed its partners to play with its new video card from the onset, we might have already had custom-cooled versions of the Radeon R9 290X. As it is, we have to wait until late next month.
At least we know when it will happen though. Until now, we couldn't say for sure when Advanced Micro Devices would lift restrictions for custom PCB designs and coolers.
Of course, you could just get the reference card and buy an aftermarket cooler separately.
There aren't many out yet though (Prolimatech MK-26 and Arctic’s Accelero Xtreme III and Accelero Hybrid), and the cards that AMD's partners customize have other advantages, like factory overclocking and better PCB components, like improved VRM.
According to SweClockers, custom Radeon R9 290X will debut in late November, 2013.