Quietest Stock 9800gt

[rpf717rpf]

I'm finally upgrading my passively cooled 8500gt on my HTPC. I watch mostly movies, but want to play games as well.

I've decided on the 9800gt (or equivalent pricepoint ATI card). I haven't seen any completely passive models, but a VERY quiet fan is ok. I don't care if the fan kicks up a bit while playing games, but wouldn't want any noticeable noise while watching movies.

There are a few stock 9800gt's with supposedly "silent" fans. Do any of you have experience with these or any others?

ASUS ($109 AR): http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814121268

MSI ($120): http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127379

Also as a side question how much will I be CPU limited with a C2D 4300 (for instance playing Fallout 3 with a 9800gt).

this thread had some useful info but went a different route:http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2242552&enterthread=y

Thanks for your help.

 

[myocardia]

This will make any video card (that it fits) silent.

 

[rpf717rpf]

Originally posted by: myocardia
This will make any video card (that it fits) silent.

Nice looking cooler, but it would be nice if I could just by a card that comes with a silent cooler.

Any other ideas?

 

[SorryImLate]

I just put that MSI 9800gt in a rig i built for my cousin and i liked it alot. I personally wasnt able to hear it.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: rpf717rpf
Nice looking cooler, but it would be nice if I could just by a card that comes with a silent cooler.

Any other ideas?

ECS actually sells an 8800GT that comes with the Accelero S1 as it's "stock" heatsink. newegg has been sold out of them for a long time, though. Other sites might not be, if you're interested in looking around. Here are a few thousand reviews for the card.

 

[happy medium]

Sparkle is making a 55nm 9800gt hybird powered passive cooled card , so I'm guessing other companies will also.

Article for you to read.

http://www.fudzilla.com/index....view&id=8663&Itemid=40