Short version of my question: If I was running identical software on two computers whose only difference was that one had a video card rated at 60 TDP and the other one's was rated at 150 TDP, would the 150 TDP machine be running hotter because the video card was in fact stronger or would it run cooler because I'd be utilizing a lower percentage of its capabilities? Since TDP is not universally determined, I wanted to include that the cards in question were of the same line by the same manufacturer (though different generation).
Long version: The last time I rebuilt my PC, I hand picked components that were relatively low power to achieve low heat, to make the use of quieter AIR cooling solutions more realistic. I was very pleased with the results, which included a power supply whose fan never needs to come on, thermistor controlled case fans that almost never need to come on, and a fanless, gaming class video card (Radeon HD 7750 by Sapphire, which had replaced me fanless Radeon HD 4670 by Sapphire).
I've been considering upgrading the video card. My pursuit for fanless models has been a frustrating one despite nVidia's release of Maxwell architecture at the beginning of this year making it a more realistic option than ever. I have found a GTX750Ti by Palit. However, Palit doesn't sell to the US. Also, Amazon.co.uk says they cannot ship it to the US, even though they can ship the non-Ti version to the US despite it having identical shipping weight/dimensions!? I've been in contact with them to figure out which item was the erroneously classified one.
When I revised my criteria from fanless to quiet, I was pointed in the direction of Asus's Strix series, which has a robust pipe/heatsink system AND fans that will only come on when necessary. I think I'm willing to give this a try and want to do what I can to make sure those fans are off as much as possible because what other PCers/gamers consider to be quiet is rather annoying to me. Case in point, my only continuous fan right now is on the processor, and it is a 600-700 RPM model. I can hear that it's on, but usually ambient drowns it out well enough.
Anyways, within the Strix line, I'm currently eyeballing their GTX750Ti and the "newly" released GTX970. The 750Ti would be a significant step up for me as it is. The 970 is significantly stronger still. It has newer tech and would generally be better from a future-proofing standpoint (such as that is with PC components). What gives me pause (besides the price tags) is that their TDP ratings are substantially different. Namely 60W and 145W respectively.
At first glance, I was ready to abandon the 970 for price and TDP alone. However, I got to thinking that because the 970 is significantly stronger, would this mean that what I use it for would make it cooler, leaving the fans off more often? If so, it might be worth the extra expense for the extra quiet. Or is it like comparing an 8 cylinder engine to a 4 cylinder in that it would consume more juice (produce more heat) in idle as a result of it being stronger?
For what it's worth, I very rarely do video editing. Beyond that, the most intensive thing I use my PC for is playing Skyrim, which my current video card handles just fine on medium settings with numerous mods installed.
Long version: The last time I rebuilt my PC, I hand picked components that were relatively low power to achieve low heat, to make the use of quieter AIR cooling solutions more realistic. I was very pleased with the results, which included a power supply whose fan never needs to come on, thermistor controlled case fans that almost never need to come on, and a fanless, gaming class video card (Radeon HD 7750 by Sapphire, which had replaced me fanless Radeon HD 4670 by Sapphire).
I've been considering upgrading the video card. My pursuit for fanless models has been a frustrating one despite nVidia's release of Maxwell architecture at the beginning of this year making it a more realistic option than ever. I have found a GTX750Ti by Palit. However, Palit doesn't sell to the US. Also, Amazon.co.uk says they cannot ship it to the US, even though they can ship the non-Ti version to the US despite it having identical shipping weight/dimensions!? I've been in contact with them to figure out which item was the erroneously classified one.
When I revised my criteria from fanless to quiet, I was pointed in the direction of Asus's Strix series, which has a robust pipe/heatsink system AND fans that will only come on when necessary. I think I'm willing to give this a try and want to do what I can to make sure those fans are off as much as possible because what other PCers/gamers consider to be quiet is rather annoying to me. Case in point, my only continuous fan right now is on the processor, and it is a 600-700 RPM model. I can hear that it's on, but usually ambient drowns it out well enough.
Anyways, within the Strix line, I'm currently eyeballing their GTX750Ti and the "newly" released GTX970. The 750Ti would be a significant step up for me as it is. The 970 is significantly stronger still. It has newer tech and would generally be better from a future-proofing standpoint (such as that is with PC components). What gives me pause (besides the price tags) is that their TDP ratings are substantially different. Namely 60W and 145W respectively.
At first glance, I was ready to abandon the 970 for price and TDP alone. However, I got to thinking that because the 970 is significantly stronger, would this mean that what I use it for would make it cooler, leaving the fans off more often? If so, it might be worth the extra expense for the extra quiet. Or is it like comparing an 8 cylinder engine to a 4 cylinder in that it would consume more juice (produce more heat) in idle as a result of it being stronger?
For what it's worth, I very rarely do video editing. Beyond that, the most intensive thing I use my PC for is playing Skyrim, which my current video card handles just fine on medium settings with numerous mods installed.
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