XFX GTS 250 vs 9800GT silent cell

[javimdq]

Yesterday, my 9500GT died so I replaced it by a dual dvi XFX GTS 250 1GB.
It works OOTB with graphics enabler only, but just want some advice regarding noise.

The card is extremely noisy until OSX starts, when the fan reduces the speed, but obviously produces more noise than my 9500GT, and noise is important to me.

I have two options:
1) Keep the card (110€) and buy an aftermarket cooler (artic cooling or similar).
2) Change it for a 9800GT Silent Cell 1GB (130€).

- Would you guys think that performance difference shall be noticeable between the two cards?
- Does the DVI output of the Silent Cell works with graphics enabler? My monitor is a 27" 2560x1440, so dual link DVI is a must.

Thanks!!

 

[Lnx2Mac]

- Would you guys think that performance difference shall be noticeable between the two cards?

I'm running on the Silent Cell... Very pleased with it...
Dunno how much slower it is than the 250...

- Does the DVI output of the Silent Cell works with graphics enabler? My monitor is a 27" 2560x1440, so dual link DVI is a must.

Yes, all three ports (2 at a time) work OOB with just GraphicsEnabler=Yes...
Though I'm not using dual-link...

Good Luck !
Lnx2Mac

 

[rushko]

Go for Silent Cell if you are sensitive to noise. The performance is noticable only if u play games.

 

[hoob]

9500 GT G96 65 nm 12.8 Go/s 50 Watts
9800 GT G92 55 nm 57.6 Go/s 125 Watts
GTS 250 => 9800 GTX => 274 watts

9800 GT green or lower ed => 100 Watt

100W on 1 board, require fan or big big silent cell
274W it's impossible without fan, big one and noisy

Charts comparison of 89 GPU (in french ;-) )
charts says Ref => GeForce 8800 GTX = 100
9500 GT => 35
9800 GT => 90
GTS 250 1Go => 115

 

[javimdq]

Thanks for all the responses.

The 9800GT silent cell is out of stock right now.

Is there any GTS250 with a quiet fan?

 

[rushko]

Don't think so

AFAIK there are 2 types of GTS250: The cards which fan is loud and it's not slowing down even when os loads and the other ones which fan slows down after os loads so the noise is considerably lower/bearable.

 

[The Fighting Saint]

I don't have a hackintosh yet because I'm still scoping out parts and the most difficult part for me has been choosing the graphics card and case.

Can someone comment on the MSI N250GTS TwinFrozr 1G card? The reviews state that it is quiet but is it really? It is only $10 more than the Gigabyte GV-N98TSL-1GI GeForce 9800 GT 1GB Silent Cell. I am attaching the links to Newegg. Thank you for the help.

MSI 250GTS is $139.99 with rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127445

Gigabyte N98TSL 9800 GT Silent Cell is $129.99.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125282

 

[s0ldats]

me too! between those same exact cards!

i am still leaning toward the silent cell though, unless i hear otherwise about the 250.

 

[javimdq]

I think I still decided for the GTS250 + aftercooler market.
The Silent Cell 9800 is OK for noise, but performance is close to -20% and price is +20%.

 

[s0ldats]

which 250gts is 20% cheaper? and what about compatibility wise? is it pretty much plug n play?