Exploring my options and I want to know what is AMD's equivalent of the 980?

AMD doesn't have any single-GPU cards that match the Geforce 980. Closest you'll get is the 290X. The 295X2 is a dual-GPU that's similar in performance to the 980 though.

The 290X is a LOT more power-hungry than the 980 though, and puts out much more heat. The 295X2, even more so. So watch out for that.

Actually, the 295X2 is pretty extreme. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're pretty good with computer hardware.

So I guess your choice will be either the Geforce GTX 980 or the Radeon R9 290X.

I'm building a new rig sometime in the coming six months or so, I'm waiting for AMD to answer the GTX 980, the 980 will go down a lot in price and I'll get one. Profit!
And since it has such low consumption and no heating issues; I can easily get another one and get a SLi bridge in a couple of years and still have a kick-ass system with very little added cost in total.

Price on 295x2?

None for now but I think it's going to be the R9 380X in the future ...

295X2 is going to run you over $1,000, but has some of the best performance out there.

GTX 980 will probably be about $500 to $600

290X is about $400 now, but you may need to spend more on a better power supply.

So, of these 3, more money gets you more performance, for the most part.

Okay thank you guys.

I thought more people had find out about this.

http://www.ebuyer.com/640880-msi-r9-295x2-8gb-gddr5-dvi-4-x-mini-displayport-pci-e-graphics-r9-295x2-8gd5

295x2 for €500.

incoming GTX titan and GTX 990 said to be releasing some time in Q1 2015.