nVidia GeForce GTX 480 Noise Comparison Idle vs 100% Fan Speed Linus Tech Tips
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Description
Today I have a look at the worst case scenario for GTX 480 noise levels, and man this thing is LOUD. Put a disc in your CD-ROM drive and see how loud that sucker is when it spins up. You won't even hear it over a full tilt GTX 480.
The video presents a concise acoustics test of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480, focusing on how loud the card becomes when its fan is set to 100% compared with idle operation. Linus shows the test setup, including an EVGA Classified motherboard, high-speed memory, and assorted drives, while using EVGA Precision Tool to control fan speed. He describes the ambient conditions, noting a CD-ROM drive spinning in the background to provide a reference level for noise, and then demonstrates the 100% fan speed scenario, explaining that the GPU temperature remains manageable but the noise level is extreme. He also compares the no-load idle fan behavior to when the card is under load and comments on how practical it is to maintain such fan speeds during actual gaming. The video wraps with a realization that the highest setting can be both effective for cooling and prohibitively loud, suggesting users might prefer lower manual speeds or auto modes to balance acoustics and performance. Overall, the clip serves as a reference for enthusiasts evaluating GPU cooling and noise characteristics from that generation, underscoring how much the GTX 480 could rival other components in terms of audible impact during intense operation.
Topics · hardware · technology
Questions answered
- What was the measured behavior of the GTX 480 when the fan was set to 100%?
- At 100% fan speed, the GTX 480 produced very loud acoustics, with the reviewer noting that the noise level was substantial enough to rival other loud components and that it could be heard over a background CD-ROM drive in the test setup.
- Is running the GTX 480 at 100% fan speed practical during gaming?
- The reviewer implies that while 100% fan speed achieves maximum cooling, it is likely impractical for regular gaming due to excessive noise, suggesting lower speeds or auto control as more reasonable options for typical use.