The gtx 780 lightning is on par with uber mode 290x but without the cons associated with uber mode. Probably a bit above it if we look at hardocp benchmarking. You probably saved yourself decent money going for a lightning gtx 780. Not immediate savings, but you don't need to buy another air cooler or water blocks, and your saving 100+w in electricity, even more if you overclock.
I really wish the Lightening had a waterblock. The only high end 780 that does is the Classy but I really don't feel like paying more than the HOF or Lightening just because it happens to be an EVGA card.