Advice on something quieter than a GTX 260 for Diablo 3

[BlahBlahYouToo]

I would get a new case.
You have some nice components in your system (considering its age) but you skimped on the case. It has zero sound deadening features whatsoever.

 

[ironcladlou]

I would get a new case.
You have some nice components in your system (considering its age) but you skimped on the case. It has zero sound deadening features whatsoever.

The original system wasn't tuned for silence: I bolted that idea on after the fact with a new PSU, fan selections, SSD, etc, and despite the lack of silencing features it has actually turned out really well. That is something I hadn't though of, though. If it turns out my GTX is still too noisy even after tuning it up, a quieter case might be something to consider as opposed to a quieter GPU (since I still don't really have any guarantee a newer card would be quieter, although it stands to reason it would be if the power requirements and heat output on a new one are greatly reduced for the same load).

As discussed here though, it does appear the GTX is getting way hotter than it should be, so we'll see. I finished cleaning it out but still need to re-thermal-paste and reassemble. Doing this all in 5 minute breaks every half hour or so with a 20 min break coming up where I should be able to get it all back together.

 

[Jaydip]

The original system wasn't tuned for silence: I bolted that idea on after the fact with a new PSU, fan selections, SSD, etc, and despite the lack of silencing features it has actually turned out really well. That is something I hadn't though of, though. If it turns out my GTX is still too noisy even after tuning it up, a quieter case might be something to consider as opposed to a quieter GPU (since I still don't really have any guarantee a newer card would be quieter, although it stands to reason it would be if the power requirements and heat output on a new one are greatly reduced for the same load).

As discussed here though, it does appear the GTX is getting way hotter than it should be, so we'll see. I finished cleaning it out but still need to re-thermal-paste and reassemble. Doing this all in 5 minute breaks every half hour or so with a 20 min break coming up where I should be able to get it all back together.

If u r in market for enclosures give this a try
http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/category.php?category_by=1&category_id=1746&category_name=HAF X
I have it and absolutely love it.()

 

[Stuka87]

P.S. @ Stuka87: Marathon rocks!

Indeed it does!!

Cleaning your card and applying new heat sink compound should get the temps back down.

The MSI card you saw, are you sure that wasn't a 7870? That price is way high for a 7850.

 

[Face2Face]

Did you bring you PC to work? -- Hey guys I will be right back gotta apply some thermal comping in my GPU core if you know what I mean

 

[ironcladlou]

Did you bring you PC to work? -- Hey guys I will be right back gotta apply some thermal comping in my GPU core if you know what I mean

rofl.

I am fortunate enough to work from home!

 

[Face2Face]

I work from home as well. I don't know if I could resist figuring this out asap though - I commend you for being so focused.

 

[ironcladlou]

I work from home as well. I don't know if I could resist figuring this out asap though - I commend you for being so focused.

I know what you mean. I've been doing it for a long time now and so have my routines established. Somehow having a little side project to work on every 25 mins makes the work sprints go super fast and furious (work for 25, break for 5, break for 15-20mins every 4th break).

Gotta say again: I really appreciate all the advice from everybody.

 

[Face2Face]

No problem. I hope this fixes the issue. Better than spending $250 dollars if you don't need to.

 

[ironcladlou]

Okay, time for some results!

I got the new thermal paste reapplied, cleaned out everything and reassembled, and for the past 10 mins I've let it burn on the same Furry test as before.

Even at the same 85+% loads, the temp has not yet exceeded 80C, and the fan speed has not kicked up past idle (40%).

I am giddy. I came here asking for advice on a new card, and you guys were astute enough to see I was asking the wrong questions, and now I am almost certain my existing card has been repaired. I am going to let it burn a little longer and will use my next break to play some games that previously caused the temps/fan speed to jump up.

If the temps remain this consistent, I'm going to call the thread closed. Thank you all so much.

 

[Face2Face]

Awesome news! Glad everyone could help.

 

[ironcladlou]

30 minutes later, temp still hasn't exceeded 80C, fans at or below 55%. I'm going to call this a success and go play some games. Thanks again everybody.