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Noise Level of a 3870x2

Associate
Joined
26 Jun 2007
Posts
185
Hi All,

I'm looking at getting a 3870x2 as part of a new computer build. One of the goals is for it to relatively quiet. I realise on load when playing gamesthis card does become noisy, but whats it like when idle / watching movies on computer / surfing etc.

I've read a number of reviews, and opinions seem to be quite mixed, and was wondering what you thought the noise levels of the card were when not mid game.

Thank you kindly
 
Been trying to answer that question past week or so....

Seems gecube/Sapphire cards have silent fans in 2D/Windows and the noise does get louder while 3D/gaming ( around same level as GTX and above), the powercolour cards apparantly run on full whack and are noisy cards.

Currently no silent aftermaket coolers for the 3870X2 but guess its cos its still pretty new.

Still I cant be 100% sure on the above but thats the general noise ratings from owners on here and on the 3870/3870X2 series cards.
 
I have a MSI OC card and it's very quiet in windows, barely any more audible than my HIS 1900XT IceQ3 was.

Louder mid game, but not as bad as I'd feared.
 
Yup the card much quieter than a 2900xt, id say the only real noticable part of it is the pitch of the fan when it changes speeds. Thats really it.
 
Mine is a Powercolor, same reference cooler and fan profiles as the others. Runs at 25% most of the time, hardly any noise at all. I can increase it to around 45% before I can hear it. Not a particularly loud card at all.
 
Mine is a Powercolor, same reference cooler and fan profiles as the others. Runs at 25% most of the time, hardly any noise at all. I can increase it to around 45% before I can hear it. Not a particularly loud card at all.

thx so at least with the right profiles it can be adjusted :)
 
That waterblock looks good but almost 100 quid and erm watercooling :):)

I was thinking of getting rid of that plastic shroud and fan and just put a zalman bracket and 2 120mm fans blowing over the top of the heatsink ? Or just strap on 2x 120mm or 80mm fans on the side of it...

I dunno if that would be a cheaper/easier DIY soloution to have a silent 3870X2.....
 
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