ASUS R9 290X Matrix Platinum Review

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If you have already read our 780Ti Matrix review then don’t adjust your set, these aren’t duplicate pictures. Instead of designing something that is distinctly different, ASUS have ensured that you can choose your weapon without compromising the fantastic looks of their Matrix cooler.

It is, externally at least, almost identical to the 780Ti Matrix. Eagle-eyed readers will notice that the R9 290X Matrix is missing the SLI fingers as the AMD card gets it all done without the need for a bridge connector.

We think that the Matrix cooler is definitely one of the most attractive around, and the black anodised heatpipes beautifully match the black and red colour scheme of the rest of the card. Very nice.

Just like the GTX780Ti the R9 290X requires two 8-pin PCIe power inputs. Given that the MSI Lightning used three 8pins it’s good to see a card designed for the same extreme overclocking that takes a more sensible approach to power input. Of course if it only means that the overclock isn’t as good then we might end up feeling differently.