Image shows MSI R9 290X card with 8GB gddr5

An image has come online of an R9 290X video card from MSI that according to the box art has 8GB gddr5. The image comes at a time when there are rumors of the introduction of more versions of the R9 290X, as well as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 and 980 with 8GB.

The image of the MSI R9 290X with 8GB gddr5 has appeared on Videocardz. Specifications are not known, except that MSI provides the card with a Twin Frozr IV cooling and that the card is overclocked. The publication seems to confirm a rumor from earlier this week that AMD has authorized partners to equip versions of the R9 290X with 8GB gddr5 starting November 6.

That rumor came from Sweclockers, but then emphatically named Club3D, Sapphire and Powercolor as exclusive partners that would come up with the cards. MSI also seems to belong in that list. The cards would get prices that are 10 percent higher than those of the 4GB versions. Incidentally, it is not the first time that an 8GB variant of the R9 290X appears; Sapphire previously released such a limited edition card.

AMD is said to have taken the step in response to the introduction of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 and 980. These cards are formidable competitors with good performance and low consumption. According to Videocardz, Nvidia will respond in November with the arrival of 8GB variants of the GeForce 980. The site thus repeats an earlier rumor from September that Nvidia would come with 8GB versions of the GeForce 980 and 970 in November and December. The Japanese site Hermitage Akihabara adds that the GTX 960 is expected in the first quarter of 2015, although it could also be close to the end of 2014. It is unclear how the Japanese site obtained the information.