Review: PowerColor Devil 13 Dual Core R9 290X

Conclusion

Knowing that a single R9 290X can become hot and bothered under load, we once wondered if an extreme dual-GPU version would ever happen.

It did, back in April 2014, with the introduction of the R9 295X2. Circumventing any heat-related concerns, AMD's engineers created the world's fastest graphics card by eschewing a traditional air cooler in favour of a closed-loop liquid cooler.

With two integrated pumps and cold-plates attached to a 120mm radiator, as well as a heatsink and fan providing dedicated cooling for other onboard components, the R9 295X2 was able to harness the power of two R9 290X GPUs and deliver it in a premium package that defied the odds to deliver fast and smooth performance combined with relatively-low temperatures and acceptable noise.

At the time, we stated that "common sense informs us that building an air-cooled version of this card would entail performance compromises that AMD simply didn't want to make." Fast forward a couple of months and that assumption has, for the most part, proven true.

PowerColor's Devil 13 Dual Core R9 290X holds the performance promise that its two-chip composition intimates, and a healthy memory overclock further strengthens its appeal, but there are compromises elsewhere. Despite the colossal cooler, the Devil 13 runs extremely hot and loud, is very thirsty, and ultimately costs more than a liquid-cooled alternative that's readily available.

You can't help but admire the extravagance, and we're impressed that PowerColor faced-up to the engineering challenges imposed by running two R9 290X GPUs on a single, air-cooled PCB. However, it goes without saying, this card is only suited to those willing to contend with the trade-offs applicable to ultra-extreme graphics hardware.

The Good

Is mighty fast
Looks formidable
Capable of gaming at 4K
Overclocked frame buffer
Bundled Razer Ouroboros mouse

The Bad

Huge three-slot design
Gets extremely hot and loud
Throttles when stressed
Costs more than an R9 295X2

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The PowerColor Devil 13 Dual Core R9 290X graphics card is available to purchase from Overclockers UK.

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