X1900 - too much heat?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fidelis K
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Fidelis K

I plan to build a Core 2 Duo system and I am about to purchase an X1900GT. I
just came across user reviews in which many complained about highly exessive
heat from the card (even 90C!). Many people stated that the X1900 was the
hottest PC component they ever used, and that the nVidia 7900GS runs much
cooler. Should I worry about it? I'm using an ATI X850 and it doesn't get
hot too much. I want to stick to ATI because I never liked the 2D quality of
nVidia.
 
I plan to build a Core 2 Duo system and I am about to purchase an X1900GT. I
just came across user reviews in which many complained about highly exessive
heat from the card (even 90C!). Many people stated that the X1900 was the
hottest PC component they ever used, and that the nVidia 7900GS runs much
cooler. Should I worry about it? I'm using an ATI X850 and it doesn't get
hot too much. I want to stick to ATI because I never liked the 2D quality of
nVidia.
Click to expand...

I've got a x1900xt and it idles at 49 to 50. (stock, not oc'ed; no
extra fans) It runs about the same temp during games as my previous
gfx card, a 6600gt - 55 to the upper 60's. (online fps games maxed
out)
 
Fidelis said:
I plan to build a Core 2 Duo system and I am about to purchase an X1900GT. I
just came across user reviews in which many complained about highly exessive
heat from the card (even 90C!). Many people stated that the X1900 was the
hottest PC component they ever used, and that the nVidia 7900GS runs much
cooler. Should I worry about it? I'm using an ATI X850 and it doesn't get
hot too much. I want to stick to ATI because I never liked the 2D quality of
nVidia.
Click to expand...

Much depends on other factors - the airflow and circulation capacity of
the case, how much heat the other components give off etc. Invest in a
case that has intake fans up front and output fans (multiple if
possible) out back and sides. Also look for a high out put efficient
power supply that won't put out excessive heat.

I had cooling problems with and x850 in a cheap case.

James
 
Fidelis K said:
I plan to build a Core 2 Duo system and I am about to purchase an X1900GT.
Click to expand...

The X1900 cards run at reduced clock speeds and voltages in 2D, and kicks up
to full speed upon launching a 3D app. So you will find the cards fairly
cool and quiet under light load (email, web browsing, watching DVDs, etc.)

Take care to make a distinction between the X1900GT and the faster X1900XT.
Notice the X1900GT uses a slim single-slot cooler; it doesn't get nearly as
hot as the XT. According to XBit Labs measurements:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/power-noise_4.html
The X1900GT consumes 25W at idle, and 75W at full load. The X1900XT consumes
28W at idle, and 109W at full load. Big difference. Also note the
cooler-running 7900GT is in fact louder.
I just came across user reviews in which many complained about highly
exessive heat from the card (even 90C!).
Click to expand...

The GPU temp is dependent on the variable fan speed schedule set in the
drivers. On my X1900XT, by default the fan doesn't kick into full speed
until the GPU reaches 95C. The fan schedule is easily adjusted through ATi
Tray Tools, though, so you can set it to accelerate to full speed at a lower
threshold and forget about it.
Many people stated that the X1900 was the hottest PC component they ever
used, and that the nVidia 7900GS runs much cooler. Should I worry about
it? I'm using an ATI X850 and it doesn't get hot too much. I want to stick
to ATI because I never liked the 2D quality of nVidia.
Click to expand...

75W is about the same amount of heat as the Socket A Athlons, and in fact
much lower than modern day Pentium4 Prescott CPUs. There's no need to worry.
 
Thanks for everyone's reply. I've ordered an 1900GT. I can't wait to play
two of my favorite games (Sturmovik and Company of Heroes) on my Sony 23"
Wide screen in their full graphic glory.
 
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