I can't decide between these three models. The small price difference between them does not matter to me.
I want a quality video card that performs well to go into my silent system.
EDIT: This is for AGP
Can't decide which 6600GT (AGP) to get. Help!
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liquid_celica
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i have the leadtek and the fan is really really quite. i dont have to undervolt it or anything. My panaflo seems louder than it, but my rig is still quite from 1 meter and barable (mid-level SPCR standard) next to me. its really stable for me and offers a lot of programs. it also offers overclocking software. yup, go for the leadtek.
Any of the 6600GT AGP's can be VERY quiet when using Expertool (google it, i think it's a gainward script). It gives you full control over fan speed. With a little alteration of the script, you can go down to 0% fan speed! Normally I think it goes down to 50%.
So, more important than quiet, is how well you can cool at that noise level. So, the better the heatsink, the quieter you can run and get the same temps. I have a Stasis IceStorm on my Xfx 6600GT. VERY quiet, VERY cool (20 degrees cooler than stock in some cases) but expensive. Heatsink retails for nearly $50.
If you don't care about the card being brand new, I might be convinced to post my Xfx in the classifieds and give you first dibs. The card will clock up to 600 core, 1.22GHz memory and stays pretty cool.
Anyway, for the quietest, choose the beefiest heatsink and turn the fan down. At full speed, all of those models sound like dustbusters.
*edit*
Oops, didn't notice that the third choice was passive. These things put out a lot of heat, so I wouldn't suggest going passive. The other models are both too loud to be in a 'silent' system, but can be modded.
So, more important than quiet, is how well you can cool at that noise level. So, the better the heatsink, the quieter you can run and get the same temps. I have a Stasis IceStorm on my Xfx 6600GT. VERY quiet, VERY cool (20 degrees cooler than stock in some cases) but expensive. Heatsink retails for nearly $50.
If you don't care about the card being brand new, I might be convinced to post my Xfx in the classifieds and give you first dibs. The card will clock up to 600 core, 1.22GHz memory and stays pretty cool.
Anyway, for the quietest, choose the beefiest heatsink and turn the fan down. At full speed, all of those models sound like dustbusters.
*edit*
Oops, didn't notice that the third choice was passive. These things put out a lot of heat, so I wouldn't suggest going passive. The other models are both too loud to be in a 'silent' system, but can be modded.
There have been many threads about the overheating of Gigabyte GPUs with passive cooling. Its good to see finally some people with positive experiences. My passive 6800 NU runs cooler than the 6600GT, but has similar temparatures as CA_Steve. I think 85ºC under load is good for a passively cooled GPU. As long as you have decent airflow in the video card area, I'd recommend the Gigabyte passive 6600GT.
