I'm out of the loop. Pick me a quiet video card.

[merlocka]

I'm planning on picking up one of the new Dell E310 desktops. I know I know, shame on my for buying a Dell, but it's for the "family" computer and I don't feel like piecing one together.

However, my daughter does play some games here and there, and I want something that will last for a while (performance wise).

So, compatibility is another concern, as my kids often dig up old games they want to play again.

Probably most important is noise, since this machine will be in our TV room. That's one reason I'm going with the Dell E310, I've heard that they are very quiet. I don't want a video card with a fan.

Normally I'm an nVidia guy, but I'm currently very annoyed by the "screen flicker when deleting video file bug" (due to PlayOnMyTV dll). Not a big deal, but I thought I'd mention it.

So, I took a look a newegg, and here's the three that came to the top of my list. I'd much rather spend $100, but the higher pipeline cards may last longer (as far as usability).

Sapphire Radeon X1300 for $95

Gigabyte 6600GT for $169.00

Gigabyte Radeon X800 for $179.00

Anyone have any thoughts? The X1600 looks promising, when will those be around?

 

[Piuc2020]

What kind of games does your daughter play? I would not recommend a X1300 card and the X1600 is hardly a promising card so don't get that either (however, the X1800 cards are indeed worth it), those passively cooled Gigabyte cards are probably your best bet.

 

[route66]

I would get the 6600GT - especially since the Gigabyte one has VIVO

 

[PrayForDeath]

I would say the X800 is your best option.

 

[mwmorph]

x800 is a very good card. it is faster than the 6600gt by a bit, but have you thought of aftermarket cooling? it's fairly easy to install and that way, you have a pick of the litter of cards.

 

[leegroves86]

any of those cards are hardly loud. I have Asus 6600GT and its quiet, swear.

 

[bcoupland]

Are you talkling about the 3100? I believe that it has neither an AGP nor PCI-express slot to save costs. I would avoid the 3100 if it doesn't have those. Your new vid card wouldn't work in it. Perhaps cancel your order and get a 5100(pretty sure it has PCIe x16) or other OEM PCs with a graphics card slot. X800 is the best of what you listed, BTW.

 

[merlocka]

Originally posted by: bcoupland
Are you talkling about the 3100? I believe that it has neither an AGP nor PCI-express slot to save costs. I would avoid the 3100 if it doesn't have those. Your new vid card wouldn't work in it. Perhaps cancel your order and get a 5100(pretty sure it has PCIe x16) or other OEM PCs with a graphics card slot. X800 is the best of what you listed, BTW.

Holy crap, I just realized the same thing. I misread the specs (it has PCI-e but only 1x).

It's the E310, I was just looking at the inside of the case to see how good the airflow would be before I ordered a fan-less VGA card, and I was like... WTH is the PCIe slot!?!!?

Well, I'm glad I posted . I didn't figure out what video card to get, but I did figure out what PC *not* to get!!!

 

[merlocka]

Well, I found a 5100 (with PCI-e this time ) for a pretty good deal on Dell Outlet, and I ordered the Gigabyte X800.

Thanks.