Quiet graphics card?

[BIGBC]

I recently built myself a nice HTPC like build:

PII 550 unlocked to PII X4 B50 (3.1GHz)
4GB DDR3 1333MHz
onboard 4200 GPU
500W PSU
Lian Li PC-V351B

One of the things I really like about it is how quiet it is, which is something I would like to keep.

It can game ok, but isn't really upto the standards Ive become acustom to.

Im leaning towards the 5770 atm, inparticular the XFX one on TWO atm.
Doesnt seem to consume that much power, performs well, decent price point. Ive not heard much about how loud it is though.

Im sure someone will say get the Vapour-X variant, though Im not sold on the cooler design or lack of actually exhausting the heated air.

Any advice?

EDIT: also when does the TWO tick over?

 

[craig3000]

Dual slot coolers are generally inaudible you won't have a problem with a 5770

 

[BIGBC]

Dual slot coolers are generally inaudible you won't have a problem with a 5770

Certainly not my experience. Found some reviews saying the 5770 is quieter than a GTX260 so I think it should be fine.

Suppose i can always change fan speeds with RivaTuner, or does that not support the new ATi cards yet?

 

[BIGBC]

Pretty nice breakdown of the coolers.

Found another review which rated the card at ambient living room noise levels when idle and only a little higher when in games which wont be a problem.

Think the 5770 is a winner.

 

[craig3000]

The fans will run low rpm by default on the latest cards, as long as the temps are normal

 

[BIGBC]

The fans will run low rpm by default on the latest cards, as long as the temps are normal

Yeah I read 30% for 5770 and 25% for 5750. Should be happy noise-wise.

 

[neo-omega]

If you want silence then surely passive is the way to go, otherwise perhaps watercooling might be a good option. I know space is limited in those builds but at the same time am sure it'd look awesome.

 

[tibbsey]

EDIT: also when does the TWO tick over?

TWO is refreshed each Wednesday.


Can't really help with quiet card suggestions, apart from saying my 4870x2 with Arctic Cooler Accelero Extreme is pretty quiet. Could probably pick up a 2nd hand one for £160~, then the cooler for £50.

Edit: Just read your comment on the lack of heat exhaust, so the 4870x2 with AC cooler will not meet your requirements.
Edit the 2nd: <--- 666 posts :s

 

[Meaker]

5770 sapphire vapor-x

 

[forest4]

My First Post Ever on Overclockers Forums!! WOO

IMO, the power supply and fans from the PC's case and/or radiator are by far the noisiest part of the PC. Since the new ATI cards use less power, and since you do not want too much noise, I would be especially carefull about what fans are in the PC. But, the more fans, the cooler and better (faster) your hardware will be. It depends on if you are willing to trade off performance for less noise.

 

[BIGBC]

If you want silence then surely passive is the way to go, otherwise perhaps watercooling might be a good option. I know space is limited in those builds but at the same time am sure it'd look awesome.

Watercooling will not work in this case. Maybe if I mounted the radiator outside but it would still be a squeeze and its more effort than Im looking for lol.
I did think of passive but there really arent any passive gaming cards, nothing Id be happy to use anyway.

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5770 sapphire vapor-x

read the original post-

Im sure someone will say get the Vapour-X variant, though Im not sold on the cooler design or lack of actually exhausting the heated air.

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IMO, the power supply and fans from the PC's case and/or radiator are by far the noisiest part of the PC. Since the new ATI cards use less power, and since you do not want too much noise, I would be especially carefull about what fans are in the PC. But, the more fans, the cooler and better (faster) your hardware will be. It depends on if you are willing to trade off performance for less noise.

Cheers for your input, but as i said -

One of the things I really like about it is how quiet it is, which is something I would like to keep.

so the case and power supply arent problems.

I ordered the 5770 I linked in OP, reviews seemed to say it was very good noise wise and I can always tweak the fan profiles or get an aftermarket cooler.

 

[forest4]

Awesome! the 5770 is a solid DX 11 card.

 

[BIGBC]

It really is. Im looking forward to playing with a 5870+ after seeing how this performs.

Really pleased with the 5770 and its really not loud at all.