5900 cooling questions

[Swedishlf]

Hey all,
I'm agonizing over the new graphics card decision: now or later. Right now the BFG Asylum FX5900 looks like a winner at $169 with free shipping (www.gamerve.com). I've had a Radeon 8500 for about 2 years now and it's starting to show its age on some of the new stuff. Important to me though is good framerates and quality on HL2 when it gets here. If you think there's a better bet for sub $200 let me know.

That said, is it possible to mount a waterblock (like the koolance one) on the Asylum? It's got a wicked looking cooling system, but I've got liquid in my box and want to know if I can hook it up. You know, to cool it down and save the eardrums a bit.

Reccomendations?

Thanks!
Daniel

[MuFu]

Originally posted by Swedishlf
Important to me though is good framerates and quality on HL2 when it gets here.

If that's the case I would stay away from the entire NV3x lineup. The 5900 represents good value for money overall, but not for HL2.

I'd take a look at a 9700 Pro - it's hovering around the $200 mark now. In fact, I think the 9800 Pro is also worth considering since prices have recently dropped below $230.

MuFu.

[oORyanOo]

I know lots of people are waiting on HL2, but if it doesn't interest you, that card is a steal at $170. Some people are getting the BFG cards up to 5950 speeds and even better.

[grover]

Hey, I was going to order this card tonight too! Makes me feel better someone else thought it was the best thing going on right now! I was just gonna aircool it- looks like they've got it covered... supposed to be really damned loud though, water might not be a bad idea

I do plan to run the fans through a thermaltake control panel though.

[SaulTurnedPaul]

Originally posted by grover
Hey, I was going to order this card tonight too! Makes me feel better someone else thought it was the best thing going on right now! I was just gonna aircool it- looks like they've got it covered... supposed to be really damned loud though, water might not be a bad idea

I do plan to run the fans through a thermaltake control panel though.

Water... methinks you'll never switch to air. Of course, then what happens if this card gets bit by the corrosion bug just like all those fine cards who came before it?