Help explaining which is better GPUs

[mwwwilson]

R9 290
over 1 GHz core clock - 2560 stream processors
4GB @ 5 GHz memory clock
$310
GIGABYTE GV-R929OC-4GD Radeon R9 290 4GB 512-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready Video Card - Newegg.com

VS.

R9 280X
over 1 GHz core clock - 2048 stream processors
3GB @ 6.4 GHz memory clock
$250
ASUS R9280X-DC2T-3GD5 Radeon R9 280X 3GB 384-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Newegg.com

Can you please explain which would be better for gaming. Probably the 290, right? And if so, is it because 290 is a higher number than 280?

I realize the difference in stream processor amounts but I do not know what this means or why it is important. I realize the difference in RAM and why 4 is better than 3, which makes the 290 longer suitable for future gaming.

My big question is this... is this 290 worth the extra cash over this 280X?
I know that I will be happy with either because I am upgrading from a GTX550.
I just want to make the best choice and possibly save some cash in the process.
Thanks in advance,
Mark W

 

[PP Mguire]

The 280x in general is a 7970 rebrand, so it's years old. The 290 and 290x are a whole new chip. The 290 is simply more powerful. VRAM doesn't matter THAT much at 1080p, but in the case the 290 and 290x have an advantage in bus width in 4k gaming. Otherwise, VRAM in general doesn't make that much of a difference unless you can easily cap 3 or 4GB.

 

[mwwwilson]

So you're saying newer is better? In this case anyways.
So is it worth the extra to go for the 290? That is $60 extra for what may just be overkill for my gaming. IDK, I guess it is probably best to go newer for the simple fact that I will be upgrading my system over time.

 

[PP Mguire]

I'm on my phone so I can't really explain well, but just trust me and get the 290.

Sent from my Z740 using TechForums

 

[mwwwilson]

I'm on my phone so I can't really explain well, but just trust me and get the 290.

Sent from my Z740 using TechForums

Ok done deal.
Now, what would you do if you had this CPU option?
I can get a used Phenom II x6 1100T for $200... right now I have a x4 840.

Or... should I just get an FX combo for $265 that includes:

FX-6350
970 chipset mobo
8gb G.Skill Ripjaws (2x4)

 

[PP Mguire]

I wouldn't spend more than 60 bucks on that CPU.

The combo would be better.

 

[mwwwilson]

I wouldn't spend more than 60 bucks on that CPU.

The combo would be better.

Ok thanks for the opinion