Read BEFORE buying Graphics card

[hmblm1245]

funny i have only open cards and with a little more than 3 inches they run much cooler (10-15c cooler) than the closed.  Of course i only have two in these rigs.

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[Strophon]

I'm running only 2 of 4 cards, numbers 1 and 3 (numbering 1-4 from left), but with this setup I'm getting temps in the 66-71 range. These are the "open" style ones, right? (Sapphire 100282 Xtreme)

[dishwara]

I'm running only 2 of 4 cards, numbers 1 and 3 (numbering 1-4 from left), but with this setup I'm getting temps in the 66-71 range. These are the "open" style ones, right? (Sapphire 100282 Xtreme)

Yes those are open type only.
You using 5850 card which may be giving less heat & less hash. Also you have placed with more than 2 inch gap, that gives enough space.
I also think your room temperature & city temperature is in the range 20C.
Is it? 

[xtoro]

Non-reference or "Open" cards are great if you have enough airflow.

I have a, few, fans...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5918122770_7a8be18a2a_z.jpg

With the side panel on my case, I also get a 140mm fan blowing directly on the cards.  

Like so:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5917556621_0c7d373e23_z.jpg

Temps at 975Mhz are between 67-72*C with GPU fans @ 50-60%

[dishwara]

For 2 card setup its ok.
For 6 or 8..?

[plastic.elastic]

For 2 card setup its ok.
For 6 or 8..?

You're correct. This has been proved in server chassis design.

However, the gpu manufacture does not take mining rigs to consideration. They designed the cards for xfire or SLI. It has been proven to be very effective.

I'm with you tho. I like the ref design better. Just like how i like server chassis design with blower fan