Need advice on GTX 280

Compddd

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Jul 5, 2000
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I returned my 4870 and picked up a BFG GTX 280 yesterday. I haven't used Nvidia in years, and I don't know what settings to use for the nvidia control panel. Are there any websites that have explanations/recommendations of all the settings for the nvidia control panel?
 

Hauk

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Nov 22, 2001
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I like tweakguides.com guides

Those BFG GTX 280 prices are very tempting. You got a lot of card for the money. Let the debate continue elsewhere. When you hold that card in your hands, and listen to how quiet is runs, then think of how efficient it is (for what offers), it's a hands down winner. Don't look back my friend..
 

Hauk

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Nov 22, 2001
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Oh.. Tweakguides auto format for printing. Just click print from your browser and it prints perfectly..
 

Compddd

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This thing is definately louder than my 4870, I even have a 120 Nexus intake fan blowing air directly onto the 280. I don't understand why it's louder because my 4870 idled at 81C and this 280 is idling at around 50C :/
 

PeanutButter

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Nov 26, 2007
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I'm guessing the fan is doing its job in keeping that thing at a cool 50C (don't know the normal temps for this card) so it'll be a little louder.
 

Cutthroat

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Apr 13, 2002
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I can't even hear the fan on my GTX 280 until it is up to 75% or higher, and I've never seen it go that high by itself.
 

Compddd

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The heat wasn't an issue, my post above says the 4870 ran quieter even idling at 81C. I did it because it was only $119 more than the 4870 at Fry's, and it is the fastest single card out there atm.

Cutthroat, I only have 3 fans total in my comp, all low rpm ones. I can hear the difference changing the fan from 40% to 35% with Riva tuner.
 

TC91

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Jul 9, 2007
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it's a faster card overall, and these recent prices are extremely tempting.
 

Hauk

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Nov 22, 2001
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The one I tested was very quiet, at idle fan was at 40% I think, could barely hear it. Even when it spun up it wasn't bad.
 

CP5670

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Jun 24, 2004
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I can't hear my card's fan at all on idle. It's only audible over my other fans on load, and even then it's not that bad, more like a rush of air than a typical fan hum.
 

error8

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Nov 28, 2007
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Originally posted by: TC91
it's a faster card overall, and these recent prices are extremely tempting.

Yeah, I can't believe how "cheap" is the GTX now. It's almost like half the price it was when it arrived on the market. Got to love the competition. ;)
 

Compddd

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Hmm all these posts about quiet 280s. I must have either sensitive hearing or a really quiet computer.
 

Cutthroat

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Apr 13, 2002
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Originally posted by: Compddd
Hmm all these posts about quiet 280s. I must have either sensitive hearing or a really quiet computer.

Or possibly just a noisy fan. My GTX 280 is quieter than my 8800GTX was, idle or load.
 

ajaidevsingh

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Mar 7, 2008
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You know i just gave up a GTX 280 for 2x4850's when the time comes i will upgrade and sell each card on ebay or something just like i did with the 6600's SLI!!


6600 SLi lasted in the 7800 age at least for me!@!

Thus, i hope this 4850 CF will last me in the GTX360 age!!

PS Just realized Microsoft did a 360 and now maybe Nvidia will also!?!
 

Cutthroat

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Apr 13, 2002
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Just for comparison sake...

My GTX 280 right now @ full load with F@H.

Clock Speeds: 702/1512/1116
Room Temp: 28C
GPU Ambient: 60C
GPU Diode: 73C
Fan Speed: 50% ~925rpm
 

nitromullet

Diamond Member
Jan 7, 2004
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Use nHancer instead of the NV control panel. Not only is it more intuitive IMO, but it also gives you access to the 'Combined' AA modes not available on the NV CP.
 

Compddd

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Jul 5, 2000
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Originally posted by: Cutthroat
Just for comparison sake...

My GTX 280 right now @ full load with F@H.

Clock Speeds: 702/1512/1116
Room Temp: 28C
GPU Ambient: 60C
GPU Diode: 73C
Fan Speed: 50% ~925rpm

How many case fans do you have in your P180?
 

Cutthroat

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Apr 13, 2002
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Originally posted by: Compddd
Originally posted by: Cutthroat
Just for comparison sake...

My GTX 280 right now @ full load with F@H.

Clock Speeds: 702/1512/1116
Room Temp: 28C
GPU Ambient: 60C
GPU Diode: 73C
Fan Speed: 50% ~925rpm

How many case fans do you have in your P180?

4 x Noctua NF-P12 (Front/Back/Top/Bottom)
1 x Antec Tri-Cool (rests on the video card blowing at RAM & NB)

For the summer I also have the side panel off and a rotary fan blowing in, also a dual fan in the window exhausting the heat.

In the summertime the sounds of the household fans are the loudest obviously and drown out everything else. If I turn them off, and turn the Antec Tri-cool down, my system is barely audible. I did a bit of testing with that config, I cannot hear the GTX 280 fan over my PSU fan until I get it to 60%. Now it's 30C in here, I gotta my fans back on.
 

Compddd

Golden Member
Jul 5, 2000
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Originally posted by: Cutthroat
Originally posted by: Compddd
Originally posted by: Cutthroat
Just for comparison sake...

My GTX 280 right now @ full load with F@H.

Clock Speeds: 702/1512/1116
Room Temp: 28C
GPU Ambient: 60C
GPU Diode: 73C
Fan Speed: 50% ~925rpm

How many case fans do you have in your P180?

4 x Noctua NF-P12 (Front/Back/Top/Bottom)
1 x Antec Tri-Cool (rests on the video card blowing at RAM & NB)

For the summer I also have the side panel off and a rotary fan blowing in, also a dual fan in the window exhausting the heat.

In the summertime the sounds of the household fans are the loudest obviously and drown out everything else. If I turn them off, and turn the Antec Tri-cool down, my system is barely audible. I did a bit of testing with that config, I cannot hear the GTX 280 fan over my PSU fan until I get it to 60%. Now it's 30C in here, I gotta my fans back on.

No wonder you can't hear your 280, fan city and an OCZ PSU haha :)

For my setup, I have the large 200mm fan that comes with the 180 Mini on low, and a 120mm Nexus attached to my Scythe Ninja HS which is on low as well. My power supply was rated the quietest fan cooled PSU on the market recently by Silent PC Review too. So it is really easy for me to hear the GTX 280 in there.

I'm just going to have to use RivaTuner to tweak the fan speeds to my liking I guess.