Results:
The chart below details the idle and load GPU temperatures achieved before and after the BIOS update. What we see is that the reduced fan speed results in an 8 degree Celsius rise in idle temperature and a 6 six degree rise in load temperature. The values are really quite small, and the overall temperatures are still quite cool. With many stock Radeon HD4870 cards running above 80 degrees Celsius, being under 70 with an overclocked card is definitely nice.
As far as the noise output is concerned, the chart is labeled with text that I would use to approximate the noise associated with each condition. Prior to the BIOS update, the idle noise was quiet (but definitely noticible), and when the load was increased and things got hot, the fan got loud! After the update the fan was effectively silenced at idle, as I had to lean in with my ear just inches from the blades in order to hear anything. Under a load the fan noise was audible, but quieter than it was at idle prior to the BIOS update. Overall, the reduction in noise was drastic and the price paid in temperature rise was minimal.
Conclusion:
There are many ways to adjust the noise produced by a video card's fan, and the official driver packages are finally starting to include controls themselves. For a quick and easy way to tame the roar of the Sapphire Toxic Radeon HD4870 512MB graphics card, BIOS file 85VCTOXI.008 is definitely a great option. However, finding this file online is not the easiest thing in the world, and if you need help locating it please feel free to contact me.
Pros:
» Drastically reduces noise
» Temperature doesn't rise much
» Udating is a simple process
Cons:
» Card should have shipped this way
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
|
|
