Idle noise, lowest? -- 5770, 5850, gtx 460

[DaveSimmons]

Right now I have separate boxes for gaming and my music server (300+ GB of lossless FLAC from a bit over 1,000 CDs I own).

I've thought of combining them, but my PowerColor 4870-512MB is just a bit too noisy in Windows 2D / idle to go well with music playback. It's still fine for my 3D gaming needs.

Are there any better idle noise comparisons than the AnandTech reviews? In them the idle noise of the newer cards are all listed as being about the same as some 4870 model.

I'm hoping that isn't true and that at least one of the three is noticeably quieter than the 4870.

 

[bryanW1995]

any of them on a stock cooler will still have SOME noise, even if it's less than 4870. I'd go for one with a custom cooler.

like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121363

I didn't look at 5850 but I'm assuming there are several of those available as well. gtx 460, esp the 1gb version, might be a month or two for the custom coolers.

 

[Lonyo]

If you just want less noise, then like bryan said, look at non-stock coolers, but why not do it for your current card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186016
Under $35 shipped, and add a quite fan and it should be good to go.

 

[DaveSimmons]

> but why not do it for your current card?

^ good point, but my parts bin is missing the quiet 120mm, zip ties, and thermal adhesive I'd need to finish the job. Still, under $75 for a very quiet card is definitely worth considering.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Have you played with custom fan profiles?