Afternoon gents. I really could do with some honest user opinions of this card as I'm on the verge of buying one.
I was using a GTX 780 windforce GHZ edition but due to running a Sugo SG08 case it was causing issues with dumping heat and not exhausting - a real shame as the card was probably the nicest I've owned.
I really don't want too much of a step down in terms of performance but I don't want to spend more than the 780 cost either. Realistically this leaves me with two options, the reference 780 (though I'd begrudge paying more than the "superior" aftermarket cooled versions just to get the reference cooler) and the £100 cheaper R9 290.
The one thing putting me off the AMD is the reported noise levels. I despise loud PCs (to the extent that I used to run passively cooled water loops) but my current situation demands a more portable machine. Are these things as bad as I've been told? I've run a GTX 480 with a very gentle fan profile and considerable undervolting, but that was still unbearable.
Essentially I'm asking if a reference cooled 290 would be too loud for someone who can't stand fan noise. I don't mind playing with fan curves or looking at undervolting - so long as this will actually produce results and not just damage limitation.
Agree with the above.
If you are looking for silence, then this is not the card for you. That said, if you do not plan on overclocking it, this card has yet to get it's fans over 30% in my system (in fact even when on BF4 they dont tend to go above 25%). Of course my case and case cooling will be a factor in that, but I honestly have not had an issue with noise.
Clearly if you have a compact case with limited cooling and/or plan to overclock, then you will have to put up with having a hairdryer in your case. Once the fan is cranked up to 50% or so it does start to get distracting (i did it manually just to see what it sounded like. When I used 80% I thought my case was going to take off!!
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I am not really familiar with the power draw on a mini ITX build, so I cant comment on if your PSU will be adequate but he 290 is 10.9 inches long so may fit OK in your case, but I expect it will be a snug fit. Heat wise I dont think this card will suit a mini ITX build, particulalry if you are after silent operation. I reckon you will hit the same issues with heat unless you crank the fan up on the GPU......
To be honest though, I am not sure you are going to really be able to fix the problem with the current gen of high performance cards in that case. They are all going to get warm, and all need good ventilation and cooling. I dont think high performance gaming cards lend themselves to silent operation, particulalry in a mini ITX case.
Just my 2p!
Buff