Quiet video card

S

serp

n00b
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Aug 2, 2004
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Hey I'm looking for a quiet PCI-express card that is sub $250usd that's going to give good video performance, I have no idea what to go for:confused: any suggestions?:)
 
^^^ @ Newegg for $150 + $7 ship, and $25 MIR (so $125 + ship AR). Nice card for the price that's for sure, especially since it includes one of the best aftermarket sinks available OTD (the AC Accelero [S2 it looks like]; retails for $20 in itself). However, it's ECS - not exactly known for quality.. Although ~90% of NVIDIA cards (well maybe not, let's just say the majority at least) are made by an NVIDIA contractor and the card "makers" (EVGA/XFX/ECS/BFG and so on) just re-brand for their uses, ie: own stickers, BIOS/clock speed modifications, a few using custom/aftermarket sinks like ECS, and so forth.

Also, there's the ECS 8800GTS G92 @ $220 + $7 ship, $170 after MIR.. And if you care about lifetime warranties, XFX/EVGA cards @ ~$225-230 AR + ship. If you opt for EVGA then you can step up to the 9900 series when released (assuming they show within the 90 day window, supposed to be July?). BFG = 100 day step up now, but I hesitate to mention them for non-explicit coverage for cooler swaps and overclocking, unlike EVGA/XFX, but they (BFG) unlike nearly all others DON'T require a proof of purchase (receipt) for RMA purposes from what I hear. I mention the G92, since I find mine is pretty damn quiet.. As long as you don't let the drivers/card BIOS dictate the fan speeds, I find as long as it's kept under 50-55% or so, it not only stays cool, but quiet too.

[edit] Come to think of it -- looking @ your sig - a 17" LCD, non-WS? Planning on upgrading any time soon?... If not, the 9600GT will play everything nicely I'd bet, everything except Crysis (@ least w/ all the eye candy on High @ 12x10 native monitor res).

btw, anyone else getting sick of hearing and knee jerk having to say "except Crysis"? :p
 
nice!! thanks, it would be nice to be able to play crysis, but I'll live :p:(
i'll be keeping this screen for a while at least, it's not widescreen.

i had a look around for the ECS card, but it doesn't seem to be avail anywhere in Australia at least where I usually shop.:(

http://www.scorptec.com.au/search/?q=9600gt
would one of these XFX cards suit?


this is my shopping list

Gigabyte - GA-P35-DS3L
Intel - Q6600
Corsair Micro - TWIN2X4096-6400C5
Corsair Micro - CMPSU-550VXAU

i'm using the pc for music production and watching videos, not a lot of gaming
having it be silent is fairly important since i'm recording in the same room as the pc

btw is the Q6600 still a good cpu choice? or have any of the new releases become favored over it? thanks!:)
 
Q6600 should be great since I would imagine you'll be doing some processor heavy tasks.
 
Q6600 is still a very solid choice. Only people with stupid high budgets are in to the Q9xxx series at this point.

You don't want a single slot cooler if you're looking for quiet -- I'd recommend an 8800 GTS 512MB. It will be much quieter (and run much cooler) than a 9600 GT or 8800 GT.
 
thanks, i'll stick with the 6600
if i were to go for the 8800 what would be the card of choice? keeping price in mind
 
ok so i've done some looking around, and i think im pretty much set on the XFX 8800GTS


XFX PV-T88G-YDF4 Geforce 8800GTS

Intel - BX80562Q6600


Gigabyte - GA-EP35C-DS3R


A-Data 4GB Kit (2x2GB) PC6400 800mhz DDR2 RAM


Corsair CMPSU-550VXAU 550W ATX Power Supply, 120mm fan


Seagate ST3160815AS Baracuda 7200.10 160GB SATAII 300, 7200rpm, 8mb Buffer, NCQ
i want a small fast HDD for windows to run on, any suggestions here?

thanks
 
Seb that doesn't sound to good !

It's always hard finding hardware that works well for music production, right now I am plagued with problems with my motherboard (VIA chipset) not liking my soundcard (m-audio audiophile 192)

Any recommendations on a different motherboard?
 
DFI P35-TR2S (Lan Party P35 Dark), Abit IP35-Pro, or MSI P35 Neo2-FR are my usual recommendations.
 
Seb1 said:
My option would be also the DFI LP DK P35-T2RS. :D
Click to expand...

ive just spent the last few hours googling and reading reviews on these three boards this one does look pretty damn awesome,

to reiterate:

cpu intel q6600
video asus 8800GTS 512 G92 (This one is cheaper than the XFX and looks to be good)
mobo dfi lanparty dk p35 t2rs
ram adata 4gb 2x2gb
psu corsair 550W
hdd seagate sata 80gb 7200

i appreciate the help, i wouldn't have had a clue where to start - ive been out of the loop for a while:) can't wait to start building!
 
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