Quiestest AMD 7950 3gb for 2009 Mac Pro

[Sharky II]

Hi,

I have a flashed 4,1 -> 5,1 with a GT120 that needs to go. I'd like a 7950 and need my machine to be as quiet as possible.

I use mainly Logic X, but also some FCPX and Aperture and use a 30" ACD and a 24" Dell.

I like that the 7950 will allow me to buy a 4K display once the prices drop.

I'm not playing any games or any 3D stuff so i guess it will rarely be under too much load, I suppose FCPX is the main thing to tax the GPU, other than the sheer resolution of the displays.

Which of the various PC models would you guys recommend for quiet performance? There are a few models that appear to have the same cooler fan as the white Sapphire Mac version, however i've read that the 2 or 3 fan versions (which don't blow air out of the case) are actually quieter than that type of cooler?

Any info/advice appreciated.

Cheers!

Ed

 

[gpzjock]

Asus is the quietest under load 37 dBA:http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7950-review-benchmark,3207-12.html

 

[Sharky II]

Thanks! That chart/review is really useful, but doesn't mention the ASUS? It seems to say that the Sapphire HD 7950 OE is the quietest - but if the ASUS is only 37 then it sure beats them. I'll check it out now!

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Dang, it looks like the ASUS needs 3PCIe spots... too much for me!

 

[initialsBB]

Have a look at the AMD R9 280 cards. They're the rebranded 7950 cards. I have a Gigabyte card with their Windforce 3 fan coolers. It's very quiet at idle and not loud under load. It ramps up and down very quickly when under load so noise is kept at a minimum.

 

[gpzjock]

Doesn't mention the Asus? Really? They just screwed up by measuring the dBA in ºC
3 PCIe slots is a bit steep, you are right. I would go for the Sapphire instead.

 

[cebseb]

I have the sapphire and I can vouch that I can't even hear it over my PSU fan even under load.