new video card

[micronix]

I'm currently in the market for a new video card to go with my recently built amd x2 system. i'm not much of a gamer, but i do plan on buying the 2405fpw soon and would like something that can support that res for my occasional gaming. i've been looking at the x1900xt because i can get it for way under $400 via the ati epp. i've also looked at the 7900gtx which is significantly more expensive for me. i'm a loyal ati user, but i've been noticing that the 1900 is pretty damn loud. my system is almost 100% passively cooled with 120mm system fans, ultraquiet psu, and quiet freezer 64 hfs. the quietness is a nice step up from my annoyingly loud amd xp 2200+ system. i dont care how loud the card gets during gaming. i want it to be silent during idle. should i just get the discounted card from ati and put some kind of silent cooling device on it, or pay a little more for a brand that's has a 1900xt already known to be silent.

 

[mentok1982]

I would buy the X1900 XT that you found the deal on and just add your own heatsink fan.
It could take some time to do the research required to fins out what X1900 XTs are "silent".

 

[quadnad]

I'm not sure what the policy is from ATi's manufacturers, but as long as you're fine voiding the VC warranty by switching on a new HSF, then that'd be the best performance/price value considering you're mentioned a significant discount from ATi.

Also, for what its worth, I hear that the x1900s aren't loud at all during idle, it's during gaming that they crank up the noise. I think from a noise-nazi POV, something like the VF900 or Accelero is a necessity when considering the x1900.