Graphics cards for quiet gaming

There are plenty of high-performance graphics cards out there, capable of running latest-generation video games smoothly and seamlessly. However, just how many top-of-the-range graphics cards also let you play in peace and quiet? Let's take a look.

First of all, we have to decide exactly what we mean by a 'top-of-the-range' card. We decided to exclude any older-generation cards from our survey, which actually only left us with four models to choose from!

NVIDIA: say what?

First up were the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 and 470. As no model with an alternative heat dissipation system has yet been released, neither of these versions is particularly quiet. In fact, they're really quite noisy, certainly enough to be distracting. The only way of cutting out the noise without overheating the card seems to be with a pair of heavy-duty ear defenders.

When the card's not in full swing, the noise level is much more acceptable, with the GTX 470 (test coming soon) performing slightly better. You can still hear the noise of the fan, but other background noise could easily cover it up.


ATI: disappointing

Appearances can certainly be deceptive. Most manufacturers now offer Radeon HD 5870 and 5850 cards with alternative heat dissipation systems. However, although these are barely audible when not in action, once they get fired up you'll certainly know they're there, even if they're nowhere near as noisy as the GeForce GTX 480/470.

We're currently testing the MSI R5870 Lightning. This card has everything you need for effective overclocking, with 'military-class components', a voltage check-point system, and twin 80mm fans for effective cooling. It may be great for overclocking but it won't be easy on your ears, as we recorded a noise output of 56.3 dB(A) in operation, which is quite simply unbearable.

There are several other interesting-looking graphics cards out there at the moment too. Over at PCWorld, they've tested several quieter graphics cards. Among the Radeon HD 5850 cards, the Powercolor PCS+, for example, was pretty much the same as regular HD 5850 models when inactive, but the fan is much more discreet when the card's running.




In the Radeon HD 5870 category, PCWorld also looked at the Powercolor PCS+ and the Sapphire Vapor-X. Inactive, both have noise outputs identical to models featuring the generic ATI heat dissipation system. But once they get to work you'll really notice the difference, with the Powercolor clearly being the quietest and the Sapphire coming somewhere in between.

> Product Survey: Graphics Cards


> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products