ASUS Announces R9 290X and R9 290 DirectCU II Graphics Cards

Both feature exclusive DirectCU II cooling technology and DIGI+ voltage-regulator module for performance that’s up to 20% cooler and 3X quieter

ASUS today announced R9 290X DirectCU II and R9 290 DirectCU II, two new graphics cards powered respectively by the new AMD Radeon™ R9 290X and R9 290 graphics-processing units (GPUs) and fitted with exclusive DirectCU II technology for cooler, quieter and faster performance. With ASUS DirectCU II technology on board, R9 290X and R9 290 run up to 20% cooler and up to three times (3X) quieter than reference designs — and that means faster gaming with less noise. R9 290X has a core speed of 1050MHz, while R9 290 flies along at 1000MHz. Both cards are fitted with 4GB of super-fast GDDR5 video memory to allow gamers to enjoy fast action at very high resolutions and detail levels.

The new cards also feature exclusive ASUS DIGI+ voltage-regulation modules (VRMs) for incredible stability and reduced noise, plus GPU Tweak, an easy-to-use tool that teases maximum performance from the GPUs and allows users to broadcast their enhanced gameplay — real-time graphics tuning and live streaming has never been this easy.

Faster, quieter gaming from exclusive DirectCU II thermal and CoolTech fan technologies

DirectCU II is an innovative thermal technology that’s exclusive to ASUS. It puts highly-conductive 10mm copper cooling pipes in direct contact with a card’s GPU so heat is dissipated quickly and with extreme efficiency.

To further boost cooling, both R9 290X DirectCU II and R9 290 DirectCU II include a heat-sink that’s up to 220% larger than reference. Both cards also feature a unique CoolTech fan — this consists of a hybrid blade and bearing design, with inner radial blower and outer flower-type blades that provide multi-directional airflow to accelerate heat removal and enable highly stable graphics performance.

All these exclusive ASUS innovations combine to allow R9 290X DirectCU II and R9 290 DirectCU II to run up to 20% cooler and three times (3X) quieter than reference cards — so gamers can enjoy faster, more stable action in blockbuster (AAA) titles with very low noise. Both R9 290X and R9 290 DirectCU II cards include a BIOS switcher on board for gamers to choose either experience fast, stable and smooth gaming in Performance mode or enjoy great gaming with very low noise in Silent mode.

Pure gaming performance enhanced by a pure power supply

R9 290X DirectCU II and R9 290 DirectCU II benefit from several more exclusive ASUS technologies — including eight-phase DIGI+ VRM to reduces power noise by 30% and enhance energy efficiency by 15%, compared to reference designs. DIGI+ VRM also widens voltage-modulation tolerance and improves overall stability and longevity — by two-and-a-half times (2.5X) above reference.

ASUS designed DIGI+ VRM with components of exceptional quality. DIGI+ VRM is built with extremely heard-wearing polymerized organic-semiconductor capacitors (POSCAPs) — so these are graphics cards that are designed to last.

Easy and safe tweaking, simple streaming and quick color customization

R9 290X DirectCU II and R9 290 DirectCU II both come with GPU Tweak, an exclusive tuning tool that allows quick, simple and safe control over video-memory clock speeds, cooling-fan speeds and power-consumption thresholds — allowing the cards’ GPUs to be pushed to their limits.

As well, the GPU Tweak Streaming tool lets users share on-screen action over the internet in real time — so others can watch live as games are played. It’s even possible to add a title to the streaming window along with scrolling text, pictures and webcam images.

R9 290X DirectCU II even includes a Color Match Kit comprising a choice of easy-to-apply metallic stickers in red and gold — giving users the freedom to apply their own style.