Out of the loop for GPUs - What runs coolest these days?

[randal]

I'm looking to do a build in a cooling restricted case, so I need to carefully select my components to balance performance/cooling. With the advent of 22nm CPUs and GPUs, this should be a bit easier nowadays.

However, what runs coolest out of the new NVidia and AMD offerings at stock speeds/cooling configurations?

Cheers in advance.

 

[StonedPenguin]

What's your budget mate?

I can vouch for the 670 windforce being silent, Even after hours of stress. It hasn't surpassed 62c yet (clocked @ 1.2ghz)

 

[Gregster]

A reference card will vent the heat out of the back of the case, so if you have a smaller case, I would advise that route. The 670 reference card is reported as noisy though.

My reference 680 is quiet untill the fan gets over 60%

 

[randal]

Ah yeah that would have helped.

Probably about £150. Don't mind second hand either.

How long are those cards as well? I think I'm going to be limited to 9 inches for total card length too IIRC.

 

[BoonMonkey]

If you're around the £150 mark I'd try stretch a bit further for a 7850. They have great overclocking potential if you do wish to do with that.

 

[randal]

OCing isn't high on the list, modern GPUs are more than capable of pushing decent frame rates at 1920x1080 so I'm happy with the performance out of the box.

This exercise is all about getting the coolest running components possible.

 

[covenantuk]

If you're not in a hurry, wait for the GTX660 (prob end-August?) and find the quietest solution that exhausts out of the case.

 

[randal]

Now that does look interesting, so long as they get the price point right. Timing is good too, I'm waiting on Thunderbolt boards to come down in a price a bit as well so that should play in nicely.