MSI AMD Radeon HD 6870 Video Card Noise & Temperature Testing Linus Tech Tips

This video from Linus Tech Tips conducts a hands on acoustics and thermal analysis of the MSI AMD Radeon HD 6870 graphics card. It begins with an explanation of how ambient room temperature affects GPU temperatures, noting that even a small change in room temperature can influence the card’s readings. The presenter then reports idle temperatures around the low to mid 40s Celsius, describing the idle fan noise as generally quiet with a subtle grinding element that remains barely audible inside a closed case. As the load test begins, FurMark is used to simulate a worst case scenario, and the GPU temperature climbs into the 80s Celsius while the fan ramps up, though not dramatically, prompting comparisons with other cards like the GTX 480 and the 5870. The video provides direct acoustic and thermal comparisons: the 5870 runs slightly louder than the 6870 in the tested samples, while the GTX 480 often reaches higher temperatures and exhibits more aggressive noise levels under load. Throughout, the host clarifies that FurMark represents an extreme condition and is not a typical gaming workload, and he demonstrates how different fan profiles in Afterburner can alter noise and temperature outcomes. In closing, the video positions the 6870 as a relatively quiet mid range option for the era, with the GTX 480 being louder under heavy use and the 5870 offering comparatively subdued acoustics in this specific test context. The video thus serves as a practical guide for enthusiasts evaluating GPU acoustics and cooling performance, offering concrete numbers, direct card-to-card comparisons, and actionable notes on interpreting thermal data and fan behavior. Viewers gain a sense of how to read idle versus load temperatures, how to interpret 5 to 10 minute test windows, and why synthetic loads like FurMark should be treated as stress tests rather than typical gaming scenarios. Final takeaways emphasize that real world gaming may not reach these extremes, and that balancing performance with cooling and noise is key when choosing between mid range GPUs of that period.

Topics · technology · hardware · acoustics · cooling · performance