GTX280 Questions

Derek Baker · Post by **Derek Baker** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 12:10 pm

Planning a GTX280 for the imminent upgrade for my quiet system.

Are any of them quieter than any other?

Any aftermarket coolers that are compatible?

Thank you.

kittle · Post by **kittle** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 1:40 pm

Same questions here.

Im looking at a new graphics card & the GTX280 has caught my eye. but all the reviews i see post horrendus noise numbers.

Derek Baker · Post by **Derek Baker** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:09 pm

Since posting I've found mention of the HR-03 GTX from Thermalright for the GTX280.

For example: here and here.

Elvellon · Post by **Elvellon** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 12:23 am

Derek Baker wrote:Are any of them quieter than any other?

Aside from watercooling, non-overclocked ones probably are. Others are the same.

Derek Baker wrote:Any aftermarket coolers that are compatible?

Even if there were already, I'd advise to try stock cooling first.

Derek Baker · Post by **Derek Baker** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:04 am

I've got a Zalman VF700-Cu on my Radeon X800, so I don't think it's a stretch to think stock cooling isn't going to be acceptable.

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 3:54 pm

GTX 280 is pretty bad for the silencer. Huge chip, lot's of power, nasty TDP... Those of who think getting GTX 280, wait still bit... wait the 55nm version it should run consderably cooler. They should bring 55nm version of GTX 280 in autumn.

Derek Baker · Post by **Derek Baker** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:12 pm

Looking around the web, I see that some say the 55nm version will launch at an event on 25/7 of this month. I can wait for that.

FartingBob · Post by **FartingBob** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 2:16 am

Another vote for "wait for the 55nm version", it might be slightly more expensive on release, but since you are already prepared to spend silly money on a graphics card, a few dollars more probably wont make a difference.

Tzupy · Post by **Tzupy** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:57 am

IMO the 55 nm version won't be easier to cool than the 65 nm version, because nVidia will rise the clocks as much as they can.
But if you can live with the performance level of the current GTX 280, underclocking and undervolting with NiBiTor and NvFlash could bring the power down.
Coupled with the possible release of an Accelero Xtreme for GTX 280, it should be possible to make it quiet enough.

Derek Baker · Post by **Derek Baker** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:17 am

Going to wait for 55nm, but I'm also looking again at the Radeon 4870 as it's already got options for aftermarket cooling.

FartingBob, if you call a GTX280 'silly money' what do you could it when people buy two or three?

My X800 has lasted for four years. I think that's been pretty frugal.

Vicotnik · Post by **Vicotnik** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 11:40 am

Derek Baker wrote:Going to wait for 55nm, but I'm also looking again at the Radeon 4870 as it's already got options for aftermarket cooling.

FartingBob, if you call a GTX280 'silly money' what do you could it when people buy two or three?

My X800 has lasted for four years. I think that's been pretty frugal.

Unless you are a hardcore gamer that needs the latest and the greatest it's usually better to buy in the ~$200 range and upgrade a little more often. Easier on the wallet, the power bill and the ears that way.

Derek Baker · Post by **Derek Baker** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 11:45 am

I am a serious gamer.

tuz · Post by **tuz** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:37 pm

Derek Baker wrote:My X800 has lasted for four years.

Derek Baker wrote:I am a serious gamer.

You're not hardcore unless you upgrade every 6 months

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:55 am

tuz wrote:
Derek Baker wrote:My X800 has lasted for four years.

Derek Baker wrote:I am a serious gamer.
You're not hardcore unless you upgrade every 6 months

Well, upgrading hardware does not make one a gamer. But how much does one spend on computer playing games...

My only regret is that once I get my new VGA card and keyboard... My school begins again and I have very little time to enjoy my new hardware... *sighs*

But E8400 with HD 4850 should give me plenty horse powers for quite longtime.

kittle · Post by **kittle** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:10 pm

If not for the spcr lab clearance sale, I would still be running my 6800EN card from 2005. $500 for the card averaged over 3 years is a pretty good return IMO.

Does anyone know of Asus sells a NON-overclocked GTX280 card? All the ones i see on their site are "superclocked" so they are VERY noisy. Ive bought my video cards from them in the past and they have been very good - id like to continue that if possible.

Or failing that - who else makes highly reliable cards that will last 3-4 years?
As for prices - im not afraid to pay for good quality, but I dont want to throw money away either.

Compddd · Post by **Compddd** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 3:09 pm

I got a stock EVGA 280 from Fry's Electronics today, hoping it is less noisy than the OC BFG 280 I tried.

~El~Jefe~ · Post by **~El~Jefe~** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:12 am

if he was a serious gamer he'd know that there arent any good multi-player games that utilize anything beyond a 3870.

this new year of games sucks really bad for competitive, ranked play.

i still would wait for the new 280 to debut with 55 nm. solo, 1 month wonder then boredom, graphicallly "intense" but ugly games that have come out now do need a 280 or 4870 for full aa/af at 1920x12000

I still think the only card to get is a 3870 as it has the best idle temps which makes for a quiet case when not gaming.

GTX280 Questions

GTX280 Questions

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