ILIA_93
Well in 12 days I'll order the new parts which are :
- XFX Core Edition 750W ( 31dba )
- Thermaltake AF0046 200mm Fan ( 28.5dba )
- Thermaltake AF0046 200mm Fan ( 28.5dba )
- Thermaltake AF0047 230mm Fan ( 35dba )
- Thermaltake AF0030 120mm Fan ( 31dba )
- ThermalTake CLP0564 Frio Cooler ( 42dba )
- EVGA GTX460 Stock Cooler ( 40dba ) ( depending on the internet i think it's about 45 at 80-90% )
- Average Seeking HDD ( 30dba )
Went to:
http://www.noisemeters.com/apps/db-calculator.asp ( Online Decibel Calculator ), and the system noise would be 45-45.5 dba!!!!
Depending on this, it will be noisy as much as a quiet office, so I consider my room a quiet office, then the case noise will blend in, but still noisy.
But, well, this is at full load, and of course when gaming, I think my 5.1 will cover this sound, and at night I use headphones, but what can I do to bring this noise level down?
Thanks in advance...
Beej
Well the psus fan is automated, under heavy load it speeds up. But i dont think you will hit that. Frio you can control the fan speeds manually, you will have to open the case and change them if you want to speed things up. As for case fans, sadley only a fan controler can help you by changing the fan speeds, i.e. voltages.
And finally the noisy 460 :(, sadly you will have to live with the 460 as it will be the noisiest thing in your pc. You can keep the fan speeds on 40% but will not help with temp. So have a fan direclty blowing on the back of its pcb. And watch those temps. Dont let it go 95-100 c. Evga cards uaually hit 80s when heavy gaming, fan speed reaches up to 50ish%, but its still noisy. You will have to live with that.
Also 95-100 is your MAX limit, only and only if your cooling the back of your card!. If you dont have sufficient airflow on the card, your max temp should be in the 90.
EDIT: INB4 change TIM :P. You dont want him to void his warrenty yet right? Unless op you dont care ;).
rolf
The key to efficient coolling (AFAIK):
- Smart airflow
- Sensors and automation, and set them to moderate temperatures.
- The bigger the fan, the better, and having many fans at inlets and outlets are also good
Some other tips
- Get a good quality (good brand!) PSU with a big, regulated, silent fan. Avoid ultra-cheap power supplies with a fixed speed fan.
- Putting your HDs in a 5 inch bay increases airflow around them
- CPU intake tunnel can make you win a couple of degrees on the CPU heat but also can cause a problem with dust settling on the CPU radiator
- Intel stock coolers are usually good if the case is well ventilated.
- bigger cases with more openings seem to help, although I'm not really sure why.
- It is sometimes a good idea to under-volt your CPU.
- Watch for applications and services that uselessly stress your CPU or hardware when the computer is idle. Disable unneeded services, make sure your install is clean, virus free, and the drivers are up-to-date.
- Speedfan is a freeware to control fan speeds and monitor temperature and speeds.
- A graphic adapter with a small, whining fan can ruin the whole thing - sound efficiency is not always the priority of the manufacturer, so be careful before buying any of these.
yasamoka
You could try this if you're hardcore:
Remove the GTX 460 shroud and strap a 120mm fan onto it. I tried this with the GTX 260 and I get cooling equivalent to 55% fan speed, with the 120mm whisper quiet. Couldn't say the same for the small noisy fan @55%. Of course, I left that at 40%. It stops making a difference when you remove the shroud.
Now I didn't try more, I'll try then tell you. Also, make sure you aren't causing wind tunnels. These create the most noise. Make the edges where airflow moves smooth, not sharp, and don't constrict airflow. GPUs need airflow, not pressure, so usually running the fan slower will net the same GPU temperatures but PROBABLY slightly higher HDD temperatures (1-2C? maybe less).
Don't forget that most probably your motherboard will come with a chip that supports fan control, so make sure you use that at least, with tools like SpeedFan. It helps, but controls all your fans at once. But think of it this way: if you lower your intake and raise your exhaust, you're bringing in air from the case sides, since the case is being starved for airflow. This causes dust build-up. Intake higher than exhaust also adds up to dust. My point is this, only CPU fan speeds suffer once you're controlling them with the chassis. Other than that, the Frio is an excellent cooler, and you would probably be able to run the fans dead silent on it. So maybe no problem controlling them with chassis. Also be careful of this, there is start-up voltage, your fans may not startup at <5V for example, which is maybe 20-30% of fan speed. You can burn them this way if you set it too low. This is why you will notice that your system starts up all fans @ 100% THEN lowers them to their respective levels. They may run at low voltages, but not start-up.
Other than that, these guys above wrapped it all up. Nice job!
MrClass
I strongly recommend you spend money on a good case rather than compiling a large number of fans. And yes I am talking about the CoolerMaster HAFX. I'm not sure if you can still find it in Lebanon (got mine from PC and Parts). I found noticeable improvements in temps when I migrated my system components from my old puny case. Now my system has more breathing space. My CPU and GPU now are much cooler (10 degrees difference for CPU: average was 48 degrees, now 37 degrees and 9 degrees for GPU: average was 56 degrees now 47 degrees). In addition, you get the chance to use much bigger fans: 23CM fans. Dead silent and awesome airflow.
Currently I have 3 23CM fans, 2 14CM fans, and 3 12CM fans; overall not dead silent due to the 12CM fans, but thanks to my fan controller knob, I can slow them down for lower dba.
(by the way the HAFX has a bracket to place a fan just next to the graphic card end. you can then lower the fan speed of the graphic card cause the mounted fan will compensate the airflow loss)
Think about it. A heavenly case indeed!
yasamoka
MrClass wroteI strongly recommend you spend money on a good case rather than compiling a large number of fans. And yes I am talking about the CoolerMaster HAFX. I'm not sure if you can still find it in Lebanon (got mine from PC and Parts). I found noticeable improvements in temps when I migrated my system components from my old puny case. Now my system has more breathing space. My CPU and GPU now are much cooler (10 degrees difference for CPU: average was 48 degrees, now 37 degrees and 9 degrees for GPU: average was 56 degrees now 47 degrees). In addition, you get the chance to use much bigger fans: 23CM fans. Dead silent and awesome airflow.
Currently I have 3 23CM fans, 2 14CM fans, and 3 12CM fans; overall not dead silent due to the 12CM fans, but thanks to my fan controller knob, I can slow them down for lower dba.
(by the way the HAFX has a bracket to place a fan just next to the graphic card end. you can then lower the fan speed of the graphic card cause the mounted fan will compensate the airflow loss)
Think about it. A heavenly case indeed!
Can't argue with that. ILIA_93, did you check how much you're paying for the fans, and did you check if they are ball-bearing or sleeve-bearing? If they are sleeve-bearing, you shouldn't mount them horizontally.
@MrClass: I was thinking along the lines of HAF 912. It's really suitable for him, and shares the legendary design. It has a few weaknesses compared to the HAF X, but it's indeed still a monster case! Quite spacious for a mid-tower!
ILIA_93
I thought the TT Element T is a good case!!! :/
Thanks guys for your help, I wish 45dba isn't that loud.
But: Airflow not pressure for cooling this is new, well I'll install everything just like TT designed it, they know what they're doing, I wont tweak anything's position or voltage, so I guess no dust or messed up airflow would be noticed. I hope...
Edit: The cooler master, not available, and if it was, it's too much for me, I don't seek a case for over 100$ at all.
yasamoka wroteCan't argue with that. ILIA_93, did you check how much you're paying for the fans, and did you check if they are ball-bearing or sleeve-bearing? If they are sleeve-bearing, you shouldn't mount them horizontally.
All of these fans are sleeve-bearing, there's one 200mm will go horizontally at the top, why not put it there?
yasamoka
ILIA_93 wroteI thought the TT Element T is a good case!!! :/
All of these fans are sleeve-bearing, there's one 200mm will go horizontally at the top, why not put it there?
Yes the Element T is a good case. Good luck with it!
The fans...well sleeve-bearing fans cannot be mounted vertically since they would die soon from added friction due to improper contact with the lubricant inside the fan. Noise gets gradually worse over time, which means you'd probably be avoiding such a situation.
Last time I checked, my Thermaltake case came with a top fan that was ball-bearing, if I'm not mistaken. What you could do, if you don't find any 200mm TT fans, is to get a Cooler Master 200mm fan, and make sure it fits the case! Also, can you replace the 200mm fan with 2 x 120mm fans? Check that. pcandparts has 120mm ball-bearing fans, not only sleeve bearing. Another point is that ball bearing fans make more noise, but run them slower and there should be little problem.
Can somebody who uses ball-bearing fans over here provide us with his experience regarding motor noise?
ILIA_93
yasamoka wroteThe fans...well sleeve-bearing fans cannot be mounted vertically since they would die soon from added friction
You meant horizontally, right!
yasamoka
ILIA_93 wroteyasamoka wroteThe fans...well sleeve-bearing fans cannot be mounted vertically since they would die soon from added friction
You meant horizontally, right!
hahah yes, it's so confusing!
ILIA_93
Yeah, I see your point, I searched a little bit all over the internet, when the axe of the fan is vertical, this will apply more pressure on it, and something will wear off faster, God knows what is it!!!!!
Depending on what I read, mounting a sleeve-beard horizontally, wont show any problems in performance, but disadvantages in life time.
2x120mm would be too loud, 200mm is better, and I'm okay if my temps hit 70c, instead of 80-90c. 16$ each year or two is ok for me when no ball-bearing 200mm fans are found.
I think I'll go with this cooling system, but if it was too noisy, I may consider getting a blanket to cover the case :p .
yasamoka
ILIA_93 wroteYeah, I see your point, I searched a little bit all over the internet, when the axe of the fan is vertical, this will apply more pressure on it, and something will wear off faster, God knows what is it!!!!!
Depending on what I read, mounting a sleeve-beard horizontally, wont show any problems in performance, but disadvantages in life time.
2x120mm would be too loud, 200mm is better, and I'm okay if my temps hit 70c, instead of 80-90c. 16$ each year or two is ok for me when no ball-bearing 200mm fans are found.
I think I'll go with this cooling system, but if it was too noisy, I may consider getting a blanket to cover the case :p .
Yup, you have a point. But 120mm x 2 are not necessarily louder, take it from me. When I got mt TT Element G case, I replaced the front 200mm fan with 2 x 120mm fans. Even running them silently, they provide better GPU temperatures.
If you could find fluid-bearing or magnetic-bearing fans, they don't die from horizontal mounts and are quiet. I have the Scythe S-Flex SFF21G fans. Lovely. But I don't think you could find them in Lebanon. Nevertheless ask ROG store he may be willing to order some. Scythe are powerful as intake fans. But at high fan speeds (which I don't think you will use for chassis), their motor noise is a bit higher than others.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Republic-of-Gamers-Store/215692111791867
shant
frio has two 9kilo potentiometers on each fan, you can remove those and use one 9 kilo for both fans, use a longer turning one to gain more control over fan speed
as for the rest of the fans (not pwm) solder some resistors on them, or a potentiometer,will keep it quite and might still have good airflow
ILIA_93
So I font fell like starting a new topic again, so I'll squeeze it here.
To be honest my GTX460 and I were offended by EA when we were placed under the recommended specs, so last night my GTX460 shouted :" Fire me up baby! " And that what I did, I kept overclocking and testing until 6AM ( I just woke up :D ), and I got:
-850/1700/4400 @ 1.0625V
-Any higher core clock speed isn't stable at all. Tried 1.075v with 875/1750/4000, it failed at the first minute.
-@ 1V stock voltage, I got max 825/1650/4200 stable and working.
So here I have 2 points to discuss:
-My GTX vs GTX560 and 560ti @ Stock speed
-Killing temps
1)
-
My GTX460 OC
-
GTX560 Stock
-
GTX560ti Stock
GPU-Z shows decent statistics for my card, but can I count on it to know the performance, cause my card is surely over the GTX560, and close to GTX560ti in GPU-Z, will this be the case in gaming?
2)For 850/1700/4400 @ 1.0625V, I place the fan @ 85% so the temps don't go above 90c, it was pretty much 89-90-91 all the time at 95% load ( why my card wont go above 96% load since i installed FPB from EVGA!!! )
And since I'm looking for a new case, the TT element T earned an opponent, or 2:
-
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1407&ID=1877
-
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?S=1308&ID=1967
-
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?S=1308&ID=1913
The element V is way cheaper, don't know why! But I think have better cooling, I think :/. So what should I get?
Beej
A 560 ti is still faster on stock... Even if the numbers are close of even higher, i.e. higher pixel fillrate..etc. A 560 ti has 384 sps, a 460 is 336. Unless you oc the 460 to 900+ you will not be = a 560 ti. And your temps are scary, they are good for the gpu, but it means the other components are heating up real high. Your pwm and mem chips are definitly on the high hot side. Put a fan to blow air on the backside of the pcb.
Also evga's FPB isnt driver related. If gpu usage is 90+ then it all good, if its 99% then its great. FPB is just an oc to the card you have, instead of 675mhz it becomes 720 (i think) also t unlocks 100% fan speed.
Forget about v4 and v3, they are bad for cooling. Get the element T.
ILIA_93
Thanks beej, I decided to run on 1V at first with the 825/1650/4200, but it just failed while playing BFBC2, pumped it back to 1.0625V with 850/1700/4400, and it was rock stable, the temps are 85c for 80% fan speed, on highest settings with 8xaa on 1680x1050.
900+ is a far shot for this creepy card, 850Mhz is what i can get with even the highest voltage. FPB is a firmware, mine came at 720Mhz, before FPB, it unlocks also 30% fan speed ( it was 40% first min ).
So very soon, I'll get the element T, and I'll see the effect on the temps.
yasamoka
Why don't you run open bench, then test with a 120mm in front of GTX 460? Then you'd be able to know your best GTX 460 temps.
ILIA_93
open bench? dows this means open the case, cause it's opened all the time, cause of my temps.
I brought a 80mm i have from a pile of dust, i'll test the temps now.
Beej
Ilia do somthing for me, drop the mem freq to its default, 900mhz (3600). And try to see your max gpu freq.
And dont keep 4400 24/7, it causes problems.
Also gpu freq is far more important and gives you better fps than mem freq. Focus on the gpu freq.
ILIA_93
yeh, i think you mentioned this one time before, and i focused last night on it, but there's 2 things:
-MSI kombuster showed more FPS with more mem freq more than it does with the core freq improvement.
-mem freq on 1100 run stable, but 860mhz core freq crash :/
installed the 80mm on the case, i'll test and tell you the diffrence.
Edit: WTF! Lowered the mem freq to 1000 (4000), and the voltage to 1.05v, with the 80 mm directed to the top of the card, and it was 95c!!!!! what hapened, it's higher now :( :o
Wow, it's definitly, ducked up airflow, i can fry my hand inside the case, I'll try to fix this, where should i put the fan?
Beej, now i'm confused, the 825/1750/1025 @ 1v gave me more fps from 880/1660/3600 @1.0625v ( not stable though ) ( 305 vs 275 ), mem freq give me lot of more fps.
More edit: So final result will be this:
-840/1680/1050 @ 1.025v vs 850/1700/1050 @ 1.05v
Does 10 core mhs worth a 0.025v increase, for me no, should i go for the second?
