Fan vs heatsinked graphics

[Jamsandwich]

Hey all

I think i won't be able to get enough money in time to get the Gigabyte 1G ATI card for $279 AU because the deal ends at the end of the month...though that depends on what components i get first.

I was wondering whether it would be worth it to go for a slightly more expensive version ($314 AU from another ordersite)

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2900

Over this fairly ugly version (the one that's being offered for $279)

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2901&ProductName=GV-R485OC-1GH

What are the benafits of having the heatsink over the fan?

Also is it possible to mount my own cooling fan on the cheaper card on sale? would this be advisable? or should i go into liquid cooling?

EDIT: LOL or i could be stupid and get a Gigabyte or ASUS ATI HD 4870 2G for $749 on sale!

 

[ETSA]

The one with the fan would most likely provide the best cooling. You could mount your own fan or get one of these.

http://www.antec.com/usa/productDetails.php?lan=us&id=75018

 

[Jamsandwich]

Ah ok

I've been looking at replacement VGA fans and i've come across this nice looking cooler

http://www.zalman.co.kr/Eng/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=283

Would this be a good upgrade?

EDIT: just did a lil more reading up on it. It's a fairly new one but it looks freaking awesome and to top it off....it has a red LED fan! ZALMAN FTW!!!

 

[oscaryu1]

If it fits, go for it

Heatsinked w/ no fan GFX's are generally for peopel who want quiet passive machines

 

[Jamsandwich]

Ah ok i see now.

Well i've seen a vid or 2 about my case and the noise it generates from the fans...can't hear anything, i say that's alright for 230mm fans even with all my cooling i say i'd barely notice it