Question about GPU coolers?

[dima_]

So, recently I got a GTX 970 using MSI's Twin Frozr V cooler. I've been disappointed with the specs it actually has and I was looking to get an R9 290x instead, after I (hopefully maybe) get a refund (lol i doubt it though). But, here's the thing: I thought I'd get the MSI Lightning series R9 290x, which is also an open air cooler. However, I watched Linus's video recently about open air coolers vs blower coolers, and I looked up more about it and I've come to understand (correct me if I'm wrong) that blowers would be better for cases with little room. I've got a very cramped case. It's not exactly small, just a mid tower, but my motherboard supports up to two graphics cards but I can only fit the one I have. Like, I once debated whether to get two R9 290x's or an R9 295x2 and I soon realized I could literally only go with the R9 295x2. So it brings me to this: if I end up getting an R9 290x or some other card, before people talk shit about AMD's reference coolers, would a reference cooler be a wise choice? If my case is that small-ish and cramped, would a blower type do me better instead of blowing hot air around like my open air GPU? Sorry, I'm not very knowledgable on this so I need help to make sure I make a wise decision with the money I decide to spend on whatever GPU I decide on...

[niofalpha]

Why would you downgrade to a 290x... That's my question...

 

And id'e say a 295x2 would be the best.

[CatzRuleZWorld]

Mid tower isn't the kind of small Linus was talking about... He probably meant something like the elite 130, M1, or some other mITX or dual gpu matx.

[SkulD]

So, recently I got a GTX 970 using MSI's Twin Frozr V cooler. I've been disappointed with the specs it actually has and I was looking to get an R9 290x instead, after I (hopefully maybe) get a refund (lol i doubt it though). But, here's the thing: I thought I'd get the MSI Lightning series R9 290x, which is also an open air cooler. However, I watched Linus's video recently about open air coolers vs blower coolers, and I looked up more about it and I've come to understand (correct me if I'm wrong) that blowers would be better for cases with little room. I've got a very cramped case. It's not exactly small, just a mid tower, but my motherboard supports up to two graphics cards but I can only fit the one I have. Like, I once debated whether to get two R9 290x's or an R9 295x2 and I soon realized I could literally only go with the R9 295x2. So it brings me to this: if I end up getting an R9 290x or some other card, before people talk shit about AMD's reference coolers, would a reference cooler be a wise choice? If my case is that small-ish and cramped, would a blower type do me better instead of blowing hot air around like my open air GPU? Sorry, I'm not very knowledgable on this so I need help to make sure I make a wise decision with the money I decide to spend on whatever GPU I decide on...

Can we get a picture of the interior of your case?.

[dima_]

To answer nioalpha's question, I mentioned MSI's Lightning series specifically because it outperforms the 970 I have now. And my interior: http://i.imgur.com/3F59eSq.jpgignore shitty stock CPU cooler.

[SkulD]

To answer nioalpha's question, I mentioned MSI's Lightning series specifically because it outperforms the 970 I have now. And my interior: http://i.imgur.com/3F59eSq.jpgignore shitty stock CPU cooler.

 

I don`t think that your case is small, I`d say that the 290x with an open air cooler will be just fine, but I can`t really see the case fans, but, as long as you have airflow (using intake and exhaust fans) inside the case it will be fine.

 

You can add/ I recommend a side fan for your case (elite 430) to have some positive air pressure, and keep the 290x cooler and quieter, and use the top vents as passive exhaust or just put some fans on them.

 

[R_Golden]

Reference AMD is pretty bad, I'm sure you can find a blower 290x that's not reference.