ASUS R9 280X DirectCU II Unboxing
In case the full-beaned MATRIX with its GPU-load lighting, buttons and connectors that do cool stuff and the other ROG extras is more than you need, then the (still day-mn fast) ASUS R9 280X DirectCU II should be ideal for your gaming PC. The MATRIX and DCII can still be CrossFired together if you do decide to upgrade with another at a later date though. Now then: Unboxing time! This is what you've got to look for in the shop (or, what eventually turns up on your doorstep). We know it takes approximately 7 seconds to rip it open and get to this stage below. So in case you miss anything in the rush, in the box you get a setup guide, driver disc and CrossFireX cable. As you can see, the card is packed between fat wads of foam.
Here she is: the ASUS R9 280X DirectCU II, featuring fat heatpipes, ASUS exclusive CoolTech fan and dual slot DirectCU II cooler.
Top-down it looks pretty smart! Why can't we see it like this in our cases?
Display connectivity includes HDMI, DisplayPort and two DVI ports. If you want the full five for Eyefinity you'll have to go MATRIX.
The other side - can you see the 6 and 8-pin PCIe power connectors? You'll need both!
We've pointed out the stabilizing bracket below. This strengthens the PCB to make sure it doesn't bend.
On the back the power connectors are spun-around so you can pop them off easily. There's also voltage read points along the edge.
Upgrading to a new R9 280X? Let us know in the forum!
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