[Video Card PCIEx16] What should I get for $100?

[Redrobes]

I have a PCIe 256Mb 7600GS and its very good indeed.

I bought one of the versions that was fanless in an attempt to make a quiet PC but I found that it did get really hot. If you do go for one like this and it goes where there is little airflow then you should also budget for an extra fan. I got one of those ultra low noise Akasa types (which really are low noise by the way) and directed it over the heatsink. Its now really cool, quiet and a good solid performer.

 

[trancejeremy]

http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/09/26/the_best_gaming_video_cards_for_the_money/

Yeah, I had read that, which is actually why I asked. For me is says that 6600 GT, the x1600 and the x800 something or other is a tie.

Given my old 6600 GT died, I was wary of getting another, and was looking at the x1600, but most places other than Toms says it's a lousy card.

 

[Mycanid]

I also have a 7600 ... it is a very nice card indeed, even if it is "only" agp slot style. I'd go for this one too.

 

[TheLe]

AUGH. Okey, I am flip-flopping again. The PCIe 7600 GS looks even more appealing. I like the lower watt usage and no-fan heat sink.

I like to take the case door off and put in a screen, and just run an external fan into it. This gives alot of airflow and the screen will catch dust and cat hair. As such, my Video Card will not really need a fan on it.

So right now the 7600 GS is definitely on the top of my list, especiallylat the $120 price tag (I know I said I wanted to spend $100, but all of your imput has made me willing to spend a little more).

`Le

 

[Redrobes]

I like to take the case door off and put in a screen, and just run an external fan into it. This gives alot of airflow and the screen will catch dust and cat hair. As such, my Video Card will not really need a fan on it.

The machine mine is fitted into is water cooled so it didnt have a big CPU fan churning air around in there so it had pretty static airflow. The card would go up to about 100deg peak and was scalding hot to touch the heatsink which I reckon, for silicon, is too hot. The utility that came with it said that even at that temp it was at medium temp and that it starts to shutdown functionality only at 125 - I guess the designers know best but you can decide. My thoughts were that it might work for a while, but for just how long ? If you have air flowing anyway then you are likely not to have to make huge changes to make it work well for you. However, the 120mm akasa blasting over it inside the case has dropped the temp to about 45 and its now cool to the touch. My opinion is that under 70deg and its ok though I start to work on getting it lower after about 50. So basically keep that lot in mind and just dont assume that because it doesnt have a fan fitted that it wont need one. Only if you have moving air will you not need the fan so with your proposed changes you should be ok.

I had to put an angle grinder to the case too (its a mod job). I felt like Dr Naarken - anyone remember him and his instructions (in swedish) for removing and changing a CD Rom drive with an angle grinder. Excellent lol, though I have not been able to find the site for the last few years...

 

[TheLe]

Hmm... likes like there are two types of 7600 GS cards available:
http://www.evga.com/articles/284.asp

One with Passive Heat Sink, and one with a fan.

Seems to be the same price though...

HRm...


~Le

 

[TheLe]

It's DONe.

I purchased the 7600 Gs, with passive heat sink.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this thread. I could not have made the selection without all your input.

If anyone wants a free d20 pdf book, let me know. Just goto my site: www.TheLeGames.com, and pick out any book you want. Then come back here to email me your choice. Everyone who has posted on this thread is eligeable.

Thanks again!

`The Le

 

[Mycanid]

Well sir ... mine (also made by evga) has a little fan on it and it is not loud at all (IMO). So if noise is a factor in your decision I don't think the card with the fan'll really crank out any kinda decibel related irritations.

Edit: Phooey. Too late! LOL! Ah well.... And THANK you very much for the offer of the pdf!

 

[Mycanid]

Uhh ... where do I email you for my choice?

I'd like the work on the Core Classes if possible....

 

[TheLe]

Uhh ... where do I email you for my choice?

I'd like the work on the Core Classes if possible....

Just click on my Name on the left, and select "SEND EMAIL TO THELE"

As for the fan, I prefer not to have a fan, because I keep my case open and run an external box fan through the entire computer already. (I had a bad experience with my previous videocard fan too!)