Looking for ultra-quiet/silent dual output video card

[edw]

Hi,

I'm looking for a video card meeting pretty specific criteria for a new system build. I need the quietest and coolest (ideally fanless) running video card available with dual HDMI, Displayport or DVI output. The card must be capable of driving two monitors at at least 1920x1200 resolution each. I will be doing some 3D modelling and animation work, and running a 3D-compositing desktop on Linux (compiz). However, I do not do gaming so I don't need the latest and greatest card.

Actually, I found that the older generation cards are sufficient for my needs. Right now I'm running an Nvidia 8800 GT which meets all my criteria except that it isn't fanless. I've had much better experience with Nvidia cards in Linux, so I'd appreciate suggestions in this vein unless the perfect card exists from ATI.

Thanks for any and all replies!

 

[happy medium]

gt 210 for 15$ AR is just what you need. I'm sure its very quiet.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814500189

 

[edw]

Thanks for the reply. It looks close, but it appears to have 1x VGA + 1x DVI. I'm looking for dual (same) digital output, either 2x DVI, 2x Displayport or 2x HDMI.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Any reason not to just get a passive cooler kit for your 8800?

 

[Arkadrel]

Passive cooled 5670 GPU: (0 dB)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-902-_-Product

99$ and fanless.

Sapphire increases display flexibility by including a DVI-to-VGA and HDMI-to-DVI adapters.

So... should be able to run 3 screens off this card.

 

[Lonyo]

Thanks for the reply. It looks close, but it appears to have 1x VGA + 1x DVI. I'm looking for dual (same) digital output, either 2x DVI, 2x Displayport or 2x HDMI.

Why do you need the "same"?
HDMI output is typically exactly the same as DVI output, and you could get a DVI -> HDMI or HDMI -> DVI converter and have two of the "same" outputs that way.
The card HM linked has an HDMI + DVI so it can do two displays via those.

 

[RussianSensation]

Fanless Asus GeForce 210 is more than enough. I have the Zotac happy medium linked and it is very quiet (I cannot hear it at all over my case fans at 100% load) but it is obviously not silent.

 

[edw]

Why do you need the "same"?
HDMI output is typically exactly the same as DVI output, and you could get a DVI -> HDMI or HDMI -> DVI converter and have two of the "same" outputs that way.
The card HM linked has an HDMI + DVI so it can do two displays via those.

Thanks, I was not aware of that. Any opinions on this card (DVI + HDMI):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

Thanks!

 

[taltamir]

Passive cooled 5670 GPU: (0 dB)

Last I checked AMD's drivers in linux were really bad. Unless that changed he should stick with nvidia.

@OP: you have a card that meets all your needs except noise, you don't need a new card you need to replace its heatsink and fan. Some manufacturers will not even void your warranty for doing so. Those that do typically offer such short warranties that it is likely out of warranty by now.

Passive cooling tends to result in very hot cards, and is limited to lower end cards. So I would suggest you go with watercooling based on your specific needs as you have described them in the thread.