If you are a regular reader of tech news then you might wonder what is up with this news piece since the 8GB R9 290X version from SAPPHIRE already exists. Well, allow me to explain, AMD has now decided to allow some more AIBs to introduce 8GB versions without significantly increasing the price. This is in an effort to compete with the GTX 980 flagship that was recently released. (Source: Sweclockers via Videocardz)
The two AIBs that have now been granted permission by AMD are Power Color and Club3d (both subsidiaries of TUL Corp.) As you already know two variants of the 290x, namely the Sapphire Radeon R9 290X Vapor and Toxic, are already out there; but in an effort to increase margins and combat the newly discovered threat of the Maxwells, AMD has decided to allow 8GB variants for the holiday season.
