Hey guys,

I was looking for a quiet video card because the one I currently have is a bit loud.

The video card I currently have is a BFG Tech BFGEGTS2501024E
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814143191

The video card I'm thinking of getting is the MSI R6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814127576

Basically, I want something between $125-200 that's better than what I currently have & quieter. According to the reviews on newegg the MSI R6850 is quiet. Do u guys think it's a good buy or is there better out there in terms of performance & noise.

Thanks

Out of the two you are considering, the MSI seems better, but i have no experience directly with either.

Another option could be something like PowerColor SCS3 AX6850 1GBD5-S3DH Radeon HD 6850, personally i wouldnt run it fanless for gaming, i would just strap 120mm low rpm fan with zip ties, im running a Passive GTS450 with a Scythe Kama Flex PWM (check sig), running @ 250rpm, in my HTPC never have risen above 55C, probably would in gaming... but also running the fan extremely low, a Scythe SY1225SL12SL 120mm "Slipstream" 500rpm Case Fan should be more than enough to cool it, and be virtually inaudible.

The Powercolor SCS3 has a great cooler but I`m not sure it`s worth the premium. For that kind of money you could get a cheap reference design and a high end aftermarket cooler like the Thermalright Shaman or the Accelero extreme.

However, If you`d rather avoid taking the time to install a 3rd party cooler and risking to void the warranty, you could indeed do what Abula recommended and end up with a very quiet card.

The Cyclone version of MSI's 6850 is pretty decent in Silent mode. Here's a benchmark from HT4U.

Aparently the MSI is quite adept at staying cool and quiet and even the temps of the vrms are under control in quiet mode. My only reservation has to do with the sound character of the fan. Typically stock fans are a little buzzy and I somehow doubt this one will be any different. Of course this is just speculation from my part as I haven`t tried this specific card. Besides, in a well damped case a slightly buzzy fan can still end up inaudible.

Thanks guys, I'll look into all the suggestions, especially the cyclone

A fellow member was looking for a quiet card and ended up quite happy with the HIS X Turbo 6950:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=63454&p=552727#p551385

There is a version of the 6850 with the same cooler here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161363

I have the cyclone. It's definitely not silent, though generally when I'm pushing the card I also have the sound up, at which point I can't hear it much. At idle it's quiet, but still a bit louder than my computer's baseline (which is nearly silent). All four slots in my case are used, so perhaps I'm crowding the card a bit, which might make the fan ramp up more than otherwise. Overall I'm not displeased with it. If you can wait a few months, you can probably get a 7000 series for the same performance and less wattage, which of course equals less heat and noise.

Used to have a cyclone too and it's a brave little card that OC's very well. It's not silent at all but gives a gentle humming noise when pressed hard. For the price/performance ratio I always recommend it.