how loud are stock vga coolers on gf4 ti4400

[netjack]

It seems to me that the loudest thing in my case now is the stock vga cooler on my gf4 ti4400. Ive researched the web and there are add-on coolers that are rated at a 29dba. But for the life of me, I can't find any information on how loud the stock fans are on the gf4 ti4400. And more specifically the MSI version. Anyone have any ideas and if the aftermarket coolers are noticeable quieter?

thanks for the info

 

[godmare]

Tomshardware.com review.
29dB is a lot less than what they've recorded, but dB ratings are very subjective, it all depends on what you bench the sound against. That's how 2 fans from different manufacturers given the same noise rating are often different levels of noise
Now, if you're looking at a GF4 cooler at 29 dB, you must mean the Thermaltake copper hsf, right? It has been my observation that Thermaltake is one of the greatest perpetraitors of misleading noise figures. on top of that, 29 dB from a 40mm fan will be very shrill, and I'd be willing to bet, depending on your setup, it will still be the loudest thing in your system.
I would recommend instead the Zalman ZM80A-HP fanless cooler.

 

[netjack]

wow..after reading articles on the zalman. I'm sold. But one question i have is: do I need the additional fan that the company recommends complementing this heatsink with? I'm not an overclocker or hardcore gamer so I'm thinking the answer to that is no. And where's the cheapest place to buy this heatsink?

thanks for all your advice!

 

[godmare]

I expect if you've got good case cooling you'll do okay with the Zalman. If you gaet system instability, then that's one thing to think about
SVC's the cheapest I've seen it, they had it on sale for $25 until recently....
And you're welcome

 

[netjack]

it's funny the loudest thing in my system now is my true power 330 quite low-noise technology ps..ha!

 

[netjack]

actually waht is the difference between the 80 model and the 50 model?

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: netjack
actually waht is the difference between the 80 model and the 50 model?

Surface area: 1300 square cm on the 80A, 1000 square cm on the 80, and 400 square cm on the 50.
See here