The final specifications of the upcoming AMD Radeon R9 295X graphics card got revealed on Friday, when a press deck containing all the information regarding the new dual-chip flagship solution got leaked. Apparently, the code-named Vesuvius graphics board will offer performance close to that of two Radeon R9 290X graphics adapters. However, unlike two aforementioned graphics cards, the R9 295 X2 may not fit into all computer cases.
As reported, the Radeon R9 295 X2 will be powered by two AMD Hawaii graphics processors in full configuration with 2816 stream processors (176 texture units, 64 raster operating units, 512-bit memory bus) as well as 8GB of GDDR5 memory (2*4GB). Thanks to the presentation of the new high-end graphics solution, which was first published by VideoCardz.com web-site, the chips will operate at up to 1018MHz clock-rate, whereas the memory will function at 5GHz effective rate. The graphics board sports two 8-pin PCIe power connectors and therefore can consume up to 375W of power.
The early images of the Radeon R9 295X2 (first published by ChipHell.com) clearly demonstrated that the new graphics card is very long (probably due to two 512-bit memory buses) and will require enthusiast-class PC cases. However, according to the presentation, the Radeon R9 295 X2 might be the longest consumer graphics card ever made: it is 307mm in length. Even the GeForce GTX 690 was 279.4mm-long, whereas the GeForce GTX Titan Black is 265mm-long.
Since AMD Radeon R9 295 X2 will use a hybrid air/liquid cooling system, it will require an enthusiast-class PC case and may be quite noisy (since it has two fans, which cannot be absolutely silent). However, not all enthusiast-class PC cases will be able to house a graphics card that is nearly 31cm long.
Pricing of the AMD Radeon R9 295×2 remains to be seen. At present there are rumours about the recommended price of $1499 (£900, €1085), but as we get closer to launch, it may be altered.
AMD did not comment on the news-story.
KitGuru Says: It looks like ultimate graphics performance requires not only a lot of power and money, but a lot of space inside the rig as well.
Just so long as it’s quite, far too many AMD cards have been leaf blowers of late. I have a pair of 7970’s from a year or two back I need to game with headphones or my ears will bleed.
Yea I got my GF a Powercolor R7 260, at 50% the fan is mildly loud. At 75% is sounds like a small turbine engine. At 100 its like 3 turbines. Its ridicules…. But it cools nicely at 50% with the dual fans. So i cant complain too much. But anyway….
Most people that buy this card wont try and cram in into a small case (i would hope). With my 6970 + the Accelero EXTREME Plus ( 3 fan cooler that adds about1.5 inches of length. 12.5 total in length), i have about 9 inches of space towards the front. I dont think anyone will have a problem fitting this into a full tower. Good luck routing the radiator and fan though. 😀