What case to ventilate a Gigabyte 6600GT (GV-NX66T128VP)

[henrysaysmoo]

I am considering getting a Gigabyte 6600GT, specifically the GV-NX66T128VP with passive cooling. The plus points seem to be:
- quiet due to passive cooling (a high priority for me, I hate fan noise)
- good included software bundle
- good performance
- vivo

However, all the reviews I have seen indicate that you need good case ventilation to keep it cool. Exactly what constitutes "good case ventilation"? I am looking at getting an Antec P160, which has a 120mm rear exhaust fan, and the option of a front 120mm intake. Is this considered good, or just average? Is it necessary to have a case with side vents/fans to cool it sufficiently, which the P160 does not have? I don't really want to be buying additional small internal fans to cool the card, as that kind of defeats the purpose of having a passive cooler. I might as well just buy an alternate card with a quiet fan (eg. the Leadtek TDH, but no VIVO).

Anybody with this card have some case recommendations?

 

[henrysaysmoo]

Further research shows that a selection of these cards have some assembly issues, especially with the mounting of heat sinkes and application of thermal paste. People have dropped the temps a bit by applying there own paste.

Also, putting a fan near the card seemed to help matters a bit more - having a switch to turn on the fan only during load might actually be worthwhile, and turn it off during regular desktop use. I could probably live with that, as I would rather not have to limit my choice of cases to those with side vents for additional CPU/GPU cooling.

From silentpcreview:
Experiences with a Gigabyte 6600GT Silentpipe

 

[gac009]

the case you mentioned should be fine.
adding AC3 helps.

 

[henrysaysmoo]

Thanks, I might just give that a try - warranty be damned!