i'm an amd supporter and i have an r9 290, but i'd choose the gtx 970 erryday, especially if you're going to play on 1080p (with higher resolutions the gap is much reduced apparently); better drivers, lower consumptions, newer card too, + you'll get witcher 3 and will be extremely optymized for it. but what i'd do honestly is wait for new r9 to come out, that would be your best choice, lower prices, better drivers shit like that you know.