XFX 6870 LOUD fan

[labars]

Hello! So I've just installed a XFX 6870 HD in my Mac Pro 3,1. Everything works fine OOTB, except the fan noice is driving me crazy. It's super loud even just surfing the web, and when playing games, it sounds like I'm on an airport or something. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there something wrong with the card, and if so, is there something I can do about it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[derbothaus]

You could get an aftermarket cooler and remove the stock one but if you just bought it warranty could get it replaced. There are so many card manufacturers with differing build quality. Get in touch with XFX and see what your options are. Those 6870's should not require loud cooling as other distros have been able to produce quiet units. Might be a good idea to not mention you are using this in a Mac as they could see that as a way to blame you for your issue.

 

[Spacedust]

My XFX HD5770 is also loud as hell.

I will replace the cooling with this cooler: http://www.arctic.ac/en/p/detail/index/sArticle/430/sCategory/2182

The old Accelero S1 v2. didn't fit (however worked fine with old HIS HD4870 in passive mode).

 

[MacVidCards]

Count the wires leading to fan.

Typically, loud fans are of the 2 Pin variety. (Red & Black wires) 4 WIRE FANS USE 4 DIF COLORS and are much better at slowing down when card cool, speeding up when you use 3D heavily.

2 wire fans are not nearly as able to respond to changes in GPU temp, they just spin their crazy heads off to be on the safe side.

More noise, shorter fan life. Kind of a lose/lose proposition.

Always better to get cards with 4 wire fans when you have the option.

 

[labars]

Mine did indeed have only 2 wires leading to the fan, one black and one red. I'm leaning towards getting one of those dual fan edition models instad. I've heard they are much quieter.

 

[handheldgames]

Hello! So I've just installed a XFX 6870 HD in my Mac Pro 3,1. Everything works fine OOTB, except the fan noice is driving me crazy. It's super loud even just surfing the web, and when playing games, it sounds like I'm on an airport or something. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there something wrong with the card, and if so, is there something I can do about it?

Thanks in advance.

Something must be wrong... I have a Sapphire 6870 and it's absolutely silent! On an aside, Are you using FanControl to slow down the internal fans on the MacPro? I run mine at around 600RPM - coupled with the 6870, the machine is near silent...

 

[thegreatdivorce]

My 5870 idles at about 23% fan speed, which is pretty quiet. Much above 30%, though, and it's noticeable.

I don't know if there's a program for it in OS X, but if you have Windows, open up Catalyst Control Center and check your GPU fans speeds.