Noise Level of Six 280x

[bitcoinmistress]

How would you describe the noise of 6 280x mining at 50-60% fan speed in an open case? Will that be the equivalent of 1 hair dryer? Is it very irritating to have it under your desk?

[rby]

That setup with the fans at 80% is loud enough that you wouldn't watch television in the same room. Not sure about a lower fan speed.

[crazyates]

Depends on the card. Our five GPU rig with Gigabyte WF3 280x are virtually silent at idle, and barely audible at 80% fan. You can barely tell when the fan ramps up, but they do move some air, and are all <70C. You can hold a normal conversation right next to them with no issues.

No when a single blower 290 spins up, that sounds like a hair dryer. When we reboot the 290 rig, you can hear the noise difference from the other room, through 2 closed doors.

[bitcoinmistress]

Good to know your Gigabyte 280x are pretty quiet!

Wondering about experiences with Sapphire 280X Dual-X, is it as quiet?

[Noruka]

How would you describe the noise of 6 280x mining at 50-60% fan speed in an open case? Will that be the equivalent of 1 hair dryer? Is it very irritating to have it under your desk?

hhmm, well i have two machines each with 3x 280s right next to each other (6 total) and i would classify the noise level as equal to the two box fans on low settings i have behind them pushing air. Between the two machines and the box fan i can hear the sound as being slightly quieter than a hair dryer in the next room. I can still watch TV and not notice anything in the next room (open area to the dining room where i have my machines hooked up).

so just put them away as far as possible and as long as someone isnt sleeping in the same room or watching TV you will be ok. If you have a door separating them from someone you will only be able to hear it if you really concentrate.

my two 290s though in my gaming computer.....when those things are mining.......i think a blackhawk is taking off.

mine are MSIs

[PrintMule]

Depends on the card. Our five GPU rig with Gigabyte WF3 280x are virtually silent at idle, and barely audible at 80% fan. You can barely tell when the fan ramps up, but they do move some air, and are all <70C. You can hold a normal conversation right next to them with no issues.

No when a single blower 290 spins up, that sounds like a hair dryer. When we reboot the 290 rig, you can hear the noise difference from the other room, through 2 closed doors.

I concur. Triple fan cards are almost inaudible. My two fan cards are also quiet if below 70% fan.

For me the noisy culprits are cheap PSUs I have. They make up for most noise, but I cannot afford to swap them. I use good PSU for my desktop miner so I can use it comfortably, and the rest of PCs are angrily whining in the far corner. Although I does not bother me much, even when I go to sleep. If the noise is constant in it's nature - your brain will start to cancel it out, as with being in a room with unpleasant smell for long

[FlyForFun]

How would you describe the noise of 6 280x mining at 50-60% fan speed in an open case? Will that be the equivalent of 1 hair dryer? Is it very irritating to have it under your desk?

The noise is way lower then hair dryer but it is enough to make you difficult to sleep with..

[Sonny]

How would you describe the noise of 6 280x mining at 50-60% fan speed in an open case? Will that be the equivalent of 1 hair dryer? Is it very irritating to have it under your desk?

The noise is way lower then hair dryer but it is enough to make you difficult to sleep with..

I can sleep pretty well, though I don't have 6 running at a time... 

[Gator-hex]

If you want quiet or efficient build your rig out of R9 270's. Twin fan models are very cool, efficient and quiet. Only 1x 6-Pin 75w plug each.

It's the number of stream processors that determines how many GH you get. They have 1280 SPUs per card.

You get about 2/3rds of the GH for 1/3 of the power and heat!

[DrG]

If you want quiet or efficient build your rig out of R9 270's. Twin fan models are very cool, efficient and quiet. Only 1x 6-Pin 75w plug each.

It's the number of stream processors that determines how many GH you get. They have 1280 SPUs per card.

You get about 2/3rds of the GH for 1/3 of the power and heat!

Just because a card has only 1 6 pin PCIe connector doesn't mean it only uses that amount.  It also pulls power through the bus.   Otherwise sound cards on the PCIe bus use zero power.

7950s are probably the best energy efficiency (hence their price). R9 270s have more overhead than a 280X.

[Gator-hex]

If you want quiet or efficient build your rig out of R9 270's. Twin fan models are very cool, efficient and quiet. Only 1x 6-Pin 75w plug each.

It's the number of stream processors that determines how many GH you get. They have 1280 SPUs per card.

You get about 2/3rds of the GH for 1/3 of the power and heat!

Just because a card has only 1 6 pin PCIe connector doesn't mean it only uses that amount.  It also pulls power through the bus.   Otherwise sound cards on the PCIe bus use zero power.

7950s are probably the best energy efficiency (hence their price). R9 270s have more overhead than a 280X.

Yes it draws power from the motherboard, but so does the 7950, so that's not a factor, but lets add the 75W M/B slot power too...

Trust me, I bought a 7950 and tested it, they are an awful power hog, I used 7850's instead for a good reason...

7950 = 150W+75W+75W = 300W for 1792 SPUs
7850 = 75W+75W = 150W for 1024 SPUs (x2 = 300W for 2048 SPUs)
= 256 extra SPUs, +14.3% for the same power.

It's even better on AMD R9!

R9 280x = 150W+75W+75W = 300W for 2048 SPUs
R9 270 = 75W+75W = 150W for 1280 (x2 = 300W for 2560 SPUs)
= 512 extra SPUs, +25% for the same power.

[DrG]

If you want quiet or efficient build your rig out of R9 270's. Twin fan models are very cool, efficient and quiet. Only 1x 6-Pin 75w plug each.

It's the number of stream processors that determines how many GH you get. They have 1280 SPUs per card.

You get about 2/3rds of the GH for 1/3 of the power and heat!

Just because a card has only 1 6 pin PCIe connector doesn't mean it only uses that amount.  It also pulls power through the bus.   Otherwise sound cards on the PCIe bus use zero power.

7950s are probably the best energy efficiency (hence their price). R9 270s have more overhead than a 280X.

Yes it draws power from the motherboard, but so does the 7950, so that's not a factor, but lets add the 75W M/B slot power too...

Trust me, I bought a 7950 and tested it, they are an awful power hog, I used 7850's instead for a good reason...

7950 = 150W+75W+75W = 300W for 1792 SPUs
7850 = 75W+75W = 150W for 1024 SPUs (x2 = 300W for 2048 SPUs)
= 256 extra SPUs, +14.3% for the same power.

It's even better on AMD R9!

R9 280x = 150W+75W+75W = 300W for 2048 SPUs
R9 270 = 75W+75W = 150W for 1280 (x2 = 300W for 2560 SPUs)
= 512 extra SPUs, +25% for the same power.

I don't want to get into a fight, but the math you posted is flat out wrong per what is discussed by 100+ members posting in the Mining/Hardware subforum.  You can't just add up the max power rating for the connectors.  You can't even use the max TDP rating.

You need to use a clamp or Kill-A-watt and find the delta in watts between idle and load.  Add on a guess of idle power for each card knowing the 7950s will pull a few more watts at idle.  The single most important factor for efficiency is the core voltage, then the clocks, then the ambient temp.

You think GPU farm builders are misinformed when they build 200+ rack walls with 7950s instead of 7850s?  There's a reason the 7950s are selling for more than 7970/280x.

On a 6 card rig with the only difference being R9 270s vs 7950s, the 7950 rig will come out ahead with Mh/s/Watt (although it will lag in MH/s/$).

[Gator-hex]

If you want quiet or efficient build your rig out of R9 270's. Twin fan models are very cool, efficient and quiet. Only 1x 6-Pin 75w plug each.

It's the number of stream processors that determines how many GH you get. They have 1280 SPUs per card.

You get about 2/3rds of the GH for 1/3 of the power and heat!

Just because a card has only 1 6 pin PCIe connector doesn't mean it only uses that amount.  It also pulls power through the bus.   Otherwise sound cards on the PCIe bus use zero power.

7950s are probably the best energy efficiency (hence their price). R9 270s have more overhead than a 280X.

Yes it draws power from the motherboard, but so does the 7950, so that's not a factor, but lets add the 75W M/B slot power too...

Trust me, I bought a 7950 and tested it, they are an awful power hog, I used 7850's instead for a good reason...

7950 = 150W+75W+75W = 300W for 1792 SPUs
7850 = 75W+75W = 150W for 1024 SPUs (x2 = 300W for 2048 SPUs)
= 256 extra SPUs, +14.3% for the same power.

It's even better on AMD R9!

R9 280x = 150W+75W+75W = 300W for 2048 SPUs
R9 270 = 75W+75W = 150W for 1280 (x2 = 300W for 2560 SPUs)
= 512 extra SPUs, +25% for the same power.

I don't want to get into a fight, but the math you posted is flat out wrong per what is discussed by 100+ members posting in the Mining/Hardware subforum.  You can't just add up the max power rating for the connectors.  You can't even use the max TDP rating.

You need to use a clamp or Kill-A-watt and find the delta in watts between idle and load.  Add on a guess of idle power for each card knowing the 7950s will pull a few more watts at idle.  The single most important factor for efficiency is the core voltage, then the clocks, then the ambient temp.

You think GPU farm builders are misinformed when they build 200+ rack walls with 7950s instead of 7850s?  There's a reason the 7950s are selling for more than 7970/280x.

On a 6 card rig with the only difference being R9 270s vs 7950s, the 7950 rig will come out ahead with Mh/s/Watt (although it will lag in MH/s/$).

I knew you would counter with, "but.. but.. it don't reach max TDP", but neither does the 7850/R9-270!

The only advantage to the 7950/R9-280 is you have a higher density, so have to buy less motherboards, but the 7850/R9-270 requires cheaper power supplies so it's not a cost issue, just a space one.

As this post was about noise, rather than space, my logic is undeniable. 

[crazyates]

I knew you would counter with, "but.. but.. it don't reach max TDP", but neither does the 7850/R9-270!

Just because you knew he was going to counter your argument does not make his point invalid. In fact, DrG does have a very valid point, one that most serious miners would agree with.

The only advantage to the 7950/R9-280 is you have a higher density, so have to buy less motherboards, but the 7850/R9-270 requires cheaper power supplies so it's not a cost issue, just a space one.

According you you, my 280x should be pulling 300W. Yet even at stock volts, they only pull ~240-260W, and I have them undervolted to 205-220W per GPU, depending on the card and the undervolt. Yes, this is verified and conformed with a kill-a-watt. No guessing here.

You do the theoretical math, and the 7950 might look like the better option. You look at the real-world, and it doesn't look so good.

Also, density is a HUGE issue when it comes down to cost. You might be able to buy cheaper PSUs when going with 7850s, but the added cost of all those MB/CPU/RAM/USB is big, not to mention RISERS(!). For < 3 rigs, I'd say you could get away with 7850/270 cards, as each rig will be pulling lower amps, so you can load balance your hashrate onto different breakers. But for anyone looking into serious mining, you can't beat the 280x.

As this post was about noise, rather than space, my logic is undeniable. 

You just keep telling yourself that. You buy the 270, and I'll buy the 280x, and we'll see who comes out on top, shall we?

[Omikifuse]

How would you describe the noise of 6 280x mining at 50-60% fan speed in an open case? Will that be the equivalent of 1 hair dryer? Is it very irritating to have it under your desk?

The noise level isn't very high on 50-60% but I cant sleep with it inside my room..

[DrG]

If you want quiet or efficient build your rig out of R9 270's. Twin fan models are very cool, efficient and quiet. Only 1x 6-Pin 75w plug each.

It's the number of stream processors that determines how many GH you get. They have 1280 SPUs per card.

You get about 2/3rds of the GH for 1/3 of the power and heat!

Just because a card has only 1 6 pin PCIe connector doesn't mean it only uses that amount.  It also pulls power through the bus.   Otherwise sound cards on the PCIe bus use zero power.

7950s are probably the best energy efficiency (hence their price). R9 270s have more overhead than a 280X.

Yes it draws power from the motherboard, but so does the 7950, so that's not a factor, but lets add the 75W M/B slot power too...

Trust me, I bought a 7950 and tested it, they are an awful power hog, I used 7850's instead for a good reason...

7950 = 150W+75W+75W = 300W for 1792 SPUs
7850 = 75W+75W = 150W for 1024 SPUs (x2 = 300W for 2048 SPUs)
= 256 extra SPUs, +14.3% for the same power.

It's even better on AMD R9!

R9 280x = 150W+75W+75W = 300W for 2048 SPUs
R9 270 = 75W+75W = 150W for 1280 (x2 = 300W for 2560 SPUs)
= 512 extra SPUs, +25% for the same power.

I don't want to get into a fight, but the math you posted is flat out wrong per what is discussed by 100+ members posting in the Mining/Hardware subforum.  You can't just add up the max power rating for the connectors.  You can't even use the max TDP rating.

You need to use a clamp or Kill-A-watt and find the delta in watts between idle and load.  Add on a guess of idle power for each card knowing the 7950s will pull a few more watts at idle.  The single most important factor for efficiency is the core voltage, then the clocks, then the ambient temp.

You think GPU farm builders are misinformed when they build 200+ rack walls with 7950s instead of 7850s?  There's a reason the 7950s are selling for more than 7970/280x.

On a 6 card rig with the only difference being R9 270s vs 7950s, the 7950 rig will come out ahead with Mh/s/Watt (although it will lag in MH/s/$).

I knew you would counter with, "but.. but.. it don't reach max TDP", but neither does the 7850/R9-270!

The only advantage to the 7950/R9-280 is you have a higher density, so have to buy less motherboards, but the 7850/R9-270 requires cheaper power supplies so it's not a cost issue, just a space one.

As this post was about noise, rather than space, my logic is undeniable. 

FAIL.  7950 is hands down the cheapest to run as far as MH/s/Watt.  I dare you to find me a multicard rig with R9 270s that beats a similar rig with 7950.  I can do 1260MH/s with 2 MSI 7950 Twin Frozers with just 486w at the wall on a Gold Seasonic 750X running Win 7/I5-2500K/2HDs with an ambient on 80F on 120V AC - I even posted the specs about 8 months ago.  Every miner is paying double retail for 7950/7970 because of density 

Put up some hard numbers or my "but.. but.." rebuttal smacks you upside the head.

[jameschase]

That setup with the fans at 80% is loud enough that you wouldn't watch television in the same room. Not sure about a lower fan speed.

I am sleeping almost next to my rig ^^. Not using a case. I set fans to 40-50 on my sleepmode, and 70% during the day. There is a winter here so they are still at 75C even in sleep mode.

my setup
3x Toxics 280x
1x MSI TWIN FROZR 280x