Radeon 9600's - don't want a noisy one

[techwanabe]

I've narrowed my choices down to ti4200 or 9600 XT/Pro to replace my dead video card. I'm tempted to get the Saphire 9600 XT for $157 shipped cause it comes with a HL2 coupon - that helps make up for the extra cost over the older ti4200.

Ok... some have mentioned the Saphire 9600 XT comes with a noisy fan - I don't want a noisy computer. Frankly, since I think my ASUS GF4ti4200 may have died because the fan quit, I'm also leary of getting a card which is clocked high and might overheat if it's fan quits. A warrantee does help protect me somewhat, so refurbs are definitly out of the picture - I learned my lesson from Newegg.

comments?

 

[Keysplayr]

If your not into gaming that much, you can either get a GFX 5600 non ultra with passive cooling, or a 9600np with passive cooling. Cant get much quieter than that. As far as the quietest active cooling 9600, I have no idea.

 

[Matthias99]

Sapphire sells a 9600Pro with a passive Zalman cooler already built in (the "Ultimate Edition" version). Otherwise, the same cooler can be purchased aftermarket and added to any RADEON or GeForceFX card (although it voids the warranty).

 

[WobbleWobble]

I run my 9500 Pro using a Zalman heatpipe, fanless and overclocked.

Since the 9500Pro runs hotter than a 9600XT, but if you want quiet with no chance of a fan dying and killing your video card, then the Zalman heatpipe is the way to go.

The heatpipe is difficult to install is tricky while also voiding warranty, so having it pre-installed like the Sapphire 9600Pro Ultimate Edition like Matthias99 mentioned is a good bet.

 

[Quixfire]

I'm running a 9600 Pro and it makes less noise than my power supply fan.