Need to replace MSI N240GT-MD1G-D5 with something quiet!

[Van G]

I'm looking to quiet down my desktop system and have two weak links: GPU and Case.

What card should I replace my MSI N240GT-MD1G-D5 whose fan only runs at loud and can't be controlled?

Cards speed is good enough when doing video edit (premiere gpu acceleration) and I don't game. I don't mind moving up in performance but don't want to spend a fortune.

Replacement has to be quiet and ideally work with Premiere GPU acceleration.


Win 7 64
Asus M4A88TD-V EVO mobo (PCI Express 2.0 16 slot)
AMD X6 1055T
2 x Dell 24" Monitors
Antec TPII-430 PS but might jump on The Egg Deal: OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W for $40

 

[notty22]

Have you tried d/l and install the MSI live update to see if there is a bios update for that card ? I googled it and see discussion about your issues.
http://www.msi.com/product/vga/N240GT-MD1G-D5.html#/?div=Utility&os=Win7 32

 

[Rvenger]

I agree with Notty. See if you can start a fan profile using the afterburner utility.

 

[bryanW1995]

Also, get a fan controller for the case.

 

[kalrith]

I bet you can 7-volt the fan. Use a molex-to-3-pin adapter and follow this guide. Your fan connector only has 2 pins, but it'll work with the 3-pin adapter (make sure you plug it into the two holes that have cables running to them).

I had a 9500GT that had no fan control whatsoever. It was super loud even though the 9500GT runs really cool. I tried to 5-volt it, but the fan wouldn't spin. I ran it at 7 volts for over a year with no problems, and it cut the noise at least in half.

I would recommend testing the gpu temperature at load after 7-volting the fan just to make sure it doesn't get too hot.

 

[Van G]

Thanks for the replies. Here's what I know:

You can't control the fan speed with MSI Afterburner and there are no plans to support it. Some posts have pointed out that it is impossible to control the fan through Afterburner because it is 2 wire connection which won't allow for voltage control.

kalrith, using the suggested 7-volt solution, I can toggle between 12V and 7V for my speed control? Plausible solution if parts are easily had but I would prefer to have a temp controlled solution that spools up the fan when needed.

bryanW1995, I'm looking at changing the case to Fractal R3 from the cheapo I have now. Case fan control will be part of the switch.

Any suggestions on a new card while I investigate the 7 volt approach?

 

[kalrith]

With my suggestion, you would basically 7-volt the fan and leave it that way. It's only a good solution if the fan still provides adequate cooling at that speed. It did for my 9500GT, but it might not for your card. That's why I recommended monitoring temps at load after 7-volting the fan.

 

[Van G]

Likely an issue when Premiere is using the GPU since it gets up there with the fan at full tilt now. Would need the option to at least manually turn this up to full power.

 

[lehtv]

Arctic Cooling Accelero L2 Pro $24 shipped. 900-2000 RPM (3-pin connector), can use afterburner for a custom fan profile.

 

[Van G]

Does it make sense to spend 25 on this or pickup a newer card and sell this one for a total spend of 100?

Will I see a big improvement in vid edit and photo edit?

 

[Van G]

Putting together an order today. Aside from spending $25 on the Artic noted above, any cards under $110 worth getting that will give me performance boost and controllable (quiet) fan?

 

[Van G]

$109 for EVGA 01G-P3-1556-KR GeForce GTX 550 Ti

 

[notty22]

If you want Nvidia and cuda there are gtx 550ti's for 110.00 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625
There are also brand new 28nm 7750 for 110.00

HIS H775F1GD Radeon HD 7750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
MSI R7750-PMD1GD5/OC Radeon HD 7750 1GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Video Card

 

[Van G]

Any issue running the PCI Express 3.0 cards in my 2.0 mobo slot?

I was using the GPU Acceleration (CUDA cores only) with Premiere but I'm a home/hobby user so maybe not worth passing on better GPU.

 

[blckgrffn]

Any issue running the PCI Express 3.0 cards in my 2.0 mobo slot?

I was using the GPU Acceleration (CUDA cores only) with Premiere but I'm a home/hobby user so maybe not worth passing on better GPU.

Nope.

I think the 550ti is going to be a great card for you. Enjoy. When it comes to CUDA, that card is easily 2x as fast as your GT 240 (and I think it'd be a waste of $$$ to buy a cooler for a $20 video card).

 

[Van G]

Going to grab the 550TI and hope to get $20-40 for GT240 on CL. Looking forward to the new card.