New build and the inevitable problems

I'm using a Prolimatech Megalehems with an attached Scythe Slipstream. It's dead silent and based on the temps, the PWM alters the fan to 400 RPM which is pretty much the lowest it can go without flat out turning off, so I'd say it's working pretty well. Even telling you all this is pointless though since I'm using an an i5 2500k. You can just say that my processor's TDP is way lower than yours and thus isn't comparable.

That's why I've been "parroting" the website so much as you put it. You've heard of the scientific method right? You have to control all the other variables, otherwise you can't be sure it's actually the cooler thats worse, it could be a variety of other factors that are different. You could be running a louder fan in your air cooled system, you could be running different components, etc. etc.

That's why review sites are so important. Since it's their job, they can devote the time and effort it takes to painstakingly control every element and keep all the variables, aside from the cooler, constant. They can make sure the exact same test bed is used, the exact same case, the exact same fans, the exact same drives, the exact same graphics card, etc. etc. Sure anecdotal evidence is fine to bring up in a forum based on discussion, and is incredibly useful for less explored, niche subjects. But if it is available, a solid, methodical review done with sound procedures should trump that anyday.

Also I don't know why you're trying so hard to discredit my source. It's not some site I googled for 5 seconds and clicked a sponsored result for. It's a site I've been using for years, and is easily the most comprehensive and detail oriented site when it comes to reviewing anything cooling related (also fun fact: The owner of the site was personally asked by Antec to help design their P180 series, so if they were in cahoots with anyone, it'd be Antec). If you can find any other from a reputable site that shows Antec 920 outpacing top tier air coolers such as the the Thermalright HR02 (in push-pull) or the Noctua NH-C14, we can have debate over which source is correct, but otherwise I'd say the burden of proof is still on you.

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Originally Posted by Rart

I'm using a Prolimatech Megalehems with an attached Scythe Slipstream. It's dead silent and based on the temps, the PWM alters the fan to 400 RPM which is pretty much the lowest it can go without flat out turning off, so I'd say it's working pretty well. Even telling you all this is pointless though since I'm using an an i5 2500k. You can just say that my processor's TDP is way lower than yours and thus isn't comparable.

That's why I've been "parroting" the website so much as you put it. You've heard of the scientific method right? You have to control all the other variables, otherwise you can't be sure it's actually the cooler thats worse, it could be a variety of other factors that are different. You could be running a louder fan in your air cooled system, you could be running different components, etc. etc.

That's why review sites are so important. Since it's their job, they can devote the time and effort it takes to painstakingly control every element and keep all the variables, aside from the cooler, constant. They can make sure the exact same test bed is used, the exact same case, the exact same fans, the exact same drives, the exact same graphics card, etc. etc. Sure anecdotal evidence is fine to bring up in a forum based on discussion, and is incredibly useful for less explored, niche subjects. But if it is available, a solid, methodical review done with sound procedures should trump that anyday.

Also I don't know why you're trying so hard to discredit my source. It's not some site I googled for 5 seconds and clicked a sponsored result for. It's a site I've been using for years, and is easily the most comprehensive and detail oriented site when it comes to reviewing anything cooling related (also fun fact: The owner of the site was personally asked by Antec to help design their P180 series, so if they were in cahoots with anyone, it'd be Antec). If you can find any other from a reputable site that shows Antec 920 outpacing top tier air coolers such as the the Thermalright HR02 (in push-pull) or the Noctua NH-C14, we can have debate over which source is correct, but otherwise I'd say the burden of proof is still on you.

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I'm not trying so hard to discredit your source, the arrogance of the 'anecdotal evidence' comments from you since you have absolutely no idea of my background in the computer industry, which includes alot more than 'a couple of builds',is not a good way to enter into a discourse.

As to the Antec 920 outpacing top tier coolers no it is a. now an older discontinued model, and b. based on standard Asetek design hardware with some tweaking so roughly comparable to the Corsair CLC's of the same era, it was a first attempt, a very good first attempt, but is now an obsolete design.

As I have stated more than once (yes I'm quite sure I've repeated myself) Intel themselves recommended liquid cooling for the LGA 2011 processor and released their own closed loop cooling solution, the only solution they provide for the LGA 2011. Now I researched this and found out it was a standard basic Asetek single fan design with a fairly small radiator so is comparable to low end Corsair offerings, after doing research at the time Corsair and Antec products were far ahead and for me for reasons previously stated the Antec h2o 920 was a clear winner.

This is the third time I have written further paragraphs in response only to have them disappear and be replaced by the last auto save point so I'm not going to try for a fourth.

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Originally Posted by Aby

Idoleyes' use case involves playing games (even though I find it hard to visualize him playing games).

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Not to say that you lack keen powers of observation but I'm essentially playing one now.

Anyway I think Shakespeare put it best.
"All the world's a game
And all the men and women merely tiny pixel thingies
Waiting for the inevitable hard drive crash".

Shakespeare was sage like that and that's why I admire her so much.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

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Originally Posted by Aby

Idoleyes' use case involves playing games (even though I find it hard to visualize him playing games).

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Not to say that you lack keen powers of observation but I'm essentially playing one now.

Anyway I think Shakespeare put it best.
"All the world's a game
And all the men and women merely tiny pixel thingies
Waiting for the inevitable hard drive crash".

Shakespeare was sage like that and that's why I admire her so much.

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You have been pulling quotes from all over the place and updating it for the new millennium. What are you so up-an-up about?

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

It's not just an "assassin" but it's a freaking "storm assassin" which is obviously way better in the same way that super models are better than run of the mill models because some ghey guy decided to simply add the super.

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Actually it would just make it a specialized assassin, and a more proper analogy would be a hand model. However, it's better than a hand model counterpart because it assassinates hurricanes and typhoons and shit. So, like, a labia model.

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Originally Posted by Artemis

I'm not trying so hard to discredit your source, the arrogance of the 'anecdotal evidence' comments from you since you have absolutely no idea of my background in the computer industry, which includes alot more than 'a couple of builds',is not a good way to enter into a discourse.

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Then talk more about how your experience in the industry has led you to the conclusion that these closed looped water coolers are undoubtedly better then these top tier air coolers. What have you done/tested with comparable setups to come to that conclusion.

All you've been saying in this thread is "hey I made some builds, of wildly varying configurations, but in my experience, the water cooler is better". You're asking me to believe you over a website that's sole job has been to compare these types of coolers for well over a decade with very little actual data to back up your claims.

If I sound arrogant by saying "anecdotal evidence", I apologize, as that was not my intention. It's not a reflection of my opinion of you, at all. But based on what you've said in this thread and my knowledge of the English language what you've given is just that, anecdotal evidence. I would say that to anyone, no matter what their computer background.

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As to the Antec 920 outpacing top tier coolers no it is a. now an older discontinued model, and b. based on standard Asetek design hardware with some tweaking so roughly comparable to the Corsair CLC's of the same era, it was a first attempt, a very good first attempt, but is now an obsolete design.

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The Antec 920 isn't discontinued. It's still being sold, and is still Antec's top tier model for water cooling.

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As I have stated more than once (yes I'm quite sure I've repeated myself) Intel themselves recommended liquid cooling for the LGA 2011 processor and released their own closed loop cooling solution, the only solution they provide for the LGA 2011. Now I researched this and found out it was a standard basic Asetek single fan design with a fairly small radiator so is comparable to low end Corsair offerings, after doing research at the time Corsair and Antec products were far ahead and for me for reasons previously stated the Antec h2o 920 was a clear winner.

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Yes you have stated that multiple times, and I haven't exactly responded to it cause I didn't find it particularly relevant to the argument. It's like saying "EA recommends AMD GPUs for BF4, so AMD is better". It doesn't exactly show me that water coolers are better.

Cawk much, rart? I asked Art about his reasoning behind using the large amount of RAM* because he is the one countless members have turned to regarding machine builds, troubleshooting, networking, etc... for years now. He has always either known the answer(s) off the top of his head, or posted where to find the info. Always.

Now you want to challenge him on his home turf with "knowledge" gained from an enthusiast builder site. Do you seriously expect to win here with your 5-page "in-depth" article on the Sucknado®?


*Which was answered easily- he followed the manufacturer's suggestion, then added to that amount because he is doing a large amount of encoding with that machine. Under his needs, with the hardware involved, it makes sense, And, if Art says there is a significant improvement, I would bet money on it. He is neither an uneducated kid, nor an "enthusiast" looking to blow money unnecessarily.

For fucks sake.

This is what a forum is for.

Discussing shit.

I'm passionate about technology, and Artemis and I have differing opinions on a topic. So just because Artemis is some magical guru of technology, I should just sit on my ass and blindly believe everything he says, rather than actually trying to engage in a debate, which is, you know, what a forum is for?

I saw your post on ERB. Do you know why people don't post here anymore? It's cause in every section aside from the NZB section, 90% of the posts and threads have devolved into nothing more than sarcastic remarks between the clique of FST and newer members will have no idea what the fuck is going on, and no meaningful discussions can ever be made.

I joined this forum specifically cause it wasn't a gigantic fucking circlejerk like the majority of other filesharing sites. Now it doesn't even seem that different. I challenge Artemis on what he says an I all get are remarks that I'm "arrogant" and a "cawk" for not blindly trusting him and bringing up my own opinion.

It seems pretty clear from the way the thread is going that no one is actually interested in having a lively debate about how these hardware parts will affect performance. Even idol who originally brought up the topic refuses to reply in even the most basic of manners into how he'll actually be using this computer. I guess I'll fuck off now so you guys can continue exchanging sarcastic banter with eachother rather then actually discussing hardware and I won't upset the balance. Hey, if that's what you guys joined the forum for, more power to you. Who am I to say how you use this forum. All I know is that's not what I joined the forum so I'll just find somewhere else to go.

:lol::happy: So my opinion on your efforts to go head-to-head with the multi-decade experienced professional on his area of expertise is not allowed?

It is good to have you back, Rart. I mean that sincerely. This is an uphill battle, though.

Where the hell did I say your opinion wasn't allowed? Your opinion is always allowed. I never said it wasn't. I just disagree with it.

All I'm saying is that your opinion goes against the very reason I joined this forum. Just because he's experienced means I shouldn't try to engage in a debate over things I'm passionate about, in god forbid a forum of all places, where the description of the forum is "Discuss everything related to Software and Hardware"?

Even if I haven't been particularly active recently due to time constraints, I have lurked the forum quite frequently. It's indicative of the general trend this forum has taken, and the deterioration of the quality of posts on the forum. Almost every thread outside of the NZB forum eventually devolves into pointless drivel and sarcastic banter impossible for new members to understand, and you guys wonder why there isn't as much activity as there used to be. Sorry for trying to bring some discussion into this site. If this is the mindset that even established members such as yourself take, I don't particularly have any motivation to contribute to the site anymore. Clearly the main members of the forum have different goals in mind of what they want to get out of the site, and that's fine. It's just different from mine, so I don't really see a point in continuing to frequent the forum.

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Originally Posted by Rart

Your opinion is always allowed. I never said it wasn't. I just disagree with it.

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You're allowed to live,I just disagree with it.

All of you bitches are worrying too much about noise. Try to keep your cpu temps within 25 °C of room temp without having to spend a lot of money and cutting a hole in your case. Everything makes noise, refrigerators, air conditioners, shitty background programming that the significant other watches, and even the 12-year-old girl whose cries for help have been insulated by layers of duct tape can still make a ruckus.

Get passionate about something else besides noise reduction. Are you going to spend the rest of your lives sound proofing everything? Spend some time in the quietest room on earth, where you can listen to all the movements in your body, then tell me about your noise issues. On second thought, it would still be boring, so cancel that reservation.

P.S. I didn't actually read most of it, so if I am by chance off context, get in line for a lick of my balls. Yeah, my balls, my floppy, noisy balls.

It's a personal preference really but noise wasn't one of the main reason I advocate for air cooling over cheap liquid cooling. After all most coolers will pretty much sound the same if you attach a good solid fan to it rather than a shitty one more concerned with flashy LEDs and having the highest max rpm (ie the type Idol would buy).

I think it's certainly worth keeping in mind for GPUs though as they can produce a lot more heat. Buy a reference design AMD 290 or 290X and you'll have your own personal blow dryer with you everytime you turn on your computer.

Raise your hand if you object to being blown.

Attachment 139124

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

I'm thinking about building a new PC too as I'm starting to get some of those annoying "Won't run on your computer" notices.

As I basically only use the computer's power for games from what I've read probably going with the i5 7670k...

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I don't think Intel makes a 7670. Do you mean the i5-4670K? If so, I'd definitely support the decision to grab that CPU with the idea of gaming in mind. It's a beast.

If the PC will genuinely be used primarily for internets and gaming, 8GB is likely still enough RAM, though you'll obviously want/need newer sticks for the motherboard you choose. I chose to go with 32 gigs as I use PS CS6 and Premiere Pro a lot and there's a pretty solid benefit there. If you don't regularly run something that would utilize the additional RAM, skip it. You can also go back and buy another 8GB stick later on if you feel your needs have changed.

As for cases, the Cosmos 2 seems like the definition of overkill. I guess if you just like it then fair enough, but otherwise why get a case that can hold thirteen hard drives and 4-way SLI? Not to mention it's size alone. That Level 10 case looks like a dusting nightmare.

I love the Fractal R4 case I picked. My runner-up was the Corsair 550D. I even gave serious consideration to the Silverstone FT03. I suppose a lot of what you decide on these days depends on whether you care about cable management or not. It was important to me but if you don't care at all, then I'd prob just reuse the case you already have. After you take everything out of it, take it outside and give it a real good dusting with some wet rags and compressed air and shine it up again before you start putting new parts back in.

The SSD will almost certainly be the most noticeable change. Sometimes when I install small apps and such, I sit and wait for them to show up on the screen after double clicking them, only to realize a few moments later that they installed so fast, I literally didn't even see anything on the screen. Excellent technology. I patiently watched Slickdeals.net for a few weeks until I saw a price I liked on the Samsung EVO. Great drive.

As stated, I grabbed the EVGA 760GTX Superclocked card. I thought it was the best bang for the buck but if you're going to be doing some considerable gaming you may end up going a bit better than that.

There's a gillion motherboards to choose from. If you're focused on gaming I'd say any of the Z77 or Z87 boards would be a good fit. They have a wide range of prices so you'll have to look at what you want. The Sabertooth I purchased certainly has more than what I needed but I also really liked the look of it so I was willing to shill out a bit more than I prob should have. I'm very happy with it tho and the BIOS on it is exceptional.

As for the H100i, I'm ...sorta happy with it. It does it's job really well and that's the important part. It makes more noise than I'd like but it isn't quite what I'd call "loud". It likes to rev up for like 1 sec every few minutes or so for seemingly no apparent reason. It's a fairly popular thing to swap out the fans with Noctua fans to silence it, but I'm not ready to let go of my all black interior just yet. Unless you're planning to overclock or just want the look of the H100i, the stock cooler should be OK. I knew I'd be overclocking and that's why I went with it. I'm at 4.5GHz and staying very cool.

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Originally Posted by Skiz

It's a fairly popular thing to swap out the fans with Noctua fans to silence it, but I'm not ready to let go of my all black interior just yet.

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The Scythe Slipstreams are pretty solid fans that are completely black.

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Originally Posted by Rart

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Originally Posted by Skiz

It's a fairly popular thing to swap out the fans with Noctua fans to silence it, but I'm not ready to let go of my all black interior just yet.

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The Scythe Slipstreams are pretty solid fans that are completely black.

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There's a few different choices out there that I've found. Some quite pricey. Scythe Gentle Typhoons, (you also mentioned the Slipstreams which I hadn't seen before, so thanks) Noiseblocker eLoops, Noctua NF, GELID Solutions. The Antec TrueQuiet Pro 120 Low is supposed to be the best but I don't think they attach the right way to work with the H100i. Noctua is also supposed to have a line of black fans sometime here in Q1, so I'm being patient for those.

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Originally Posted by Skiz

I don't think Intel makes a 7670. Do you mean the i5-4670K? If so, I'd definitely support the decision to grab that CPU with the idea of gaming in mind. It's a beast.

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I could blame the mistake on my own stupidity but we both know that it's really the nerd's fault for not giving tech things proper normal names like Harold and Esmeralda.

Anyway please ignore my flip answers and know that everyone with the obvious exclusion of Rart , has my sincere thanks.
Now please forgive me as I'm just going to ignore all advise sage or rart-like and just get two of anything that is really expensive and pray to the God of mammon that it's fits together and/or works.
Although let's be real and I will be well satisfied if it simply looks cool and impresses people who don't know anything.:)

I'm also going to attach baseball cards to the fins of the fans like you do on the spokes of a bike wheel so I can dream I'm riding an Indian motorcycle and not having a conversation on Twitter with a 12 year old who's pretending to be 27.
I assume this is what Steve McQueen would do in the same situation.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

Attachment 139124

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Attachment 139310

Actually I reread what Rart had to say about the Antec 920 CLC's but he is wrong. They are not the current top model at all, the current models are the 650, 950 and the 1250 CLC's any H20 920's still lurking around are old stock.

Ok. I misread the Antec site and stand corrected.

That wasn't really the focus of my post though and I still stand by everything I said unless you can provide any sort of data to the contrary.

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Originally Posted by Skiz

-Fractal R4 (Titanium w/ window)
-Asus Sabertooth Z87
-Intel i7-4770K
-Corsair H100i cooler
-32GB DDR3 2400 1866 GSkill Sniper Gaming Series
-EVGA GTX760 Superclocked
-Samsung SSD EVO 500GB
-Corsair AX760 fully modular PSU
-Windows 8.1 Pro-64

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I settled on The Fractal Arc XL and probably going with the Asus Maximus VI Hero, Corsair Hydro 105 and a EVGA GTX 780 'cause I can currently get a good deal on one.
Now I'm only ruminating on the memory and although I get the basics of speed/latency trade-offs I'm a little worried about getting anything that isn't native 1.5v. :unsure:

I would hold back for a couple of weeks on the purchase of the graphics card. NVidia are about to release the next series this month, so a, the price on the existing 'top of the line' 780 will drop, or b you will find a very nice introductory offer on the new card that cannot resist.....

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

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Originally Posted by Skiz

-Fractal R4 (Titanium w/ window)
-Asus Sabertooth Z87
-Intel i7-4770K
-Corsair H100i cooler
-32GB DDR3 2400 1866 GSkill Sniper Gaming Series
-EVGA GTX760 Superclocked
-Samsung SSD EVO 500GB
-Corsair AX760 fully modular PSU
-Windows 8.1 Pro-64

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I settled on The Fractal Arc XL and probably going with the Asus Maximus VI Hero, Corsair Hydro 105 and a EVGA GTX 780 'cause I can currently get a good deal on one.
Now I'm only ruminating on the memory and although I get the basics of speed/latency trade-offs I'm a little worried about getting anything that isn't native 1.5v. :unsure:

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Solid choices.

As for memory, if your board has an issue with it, the BIOS would tell you, you would get a beep code, and with the case of that and other newer priceir boards, when you try and input dangerous settings, the LED warning light turns red. Most RAM speeds are advertised and labeled based upon their XMP profiles and most XMP profiles for i5 and i7 RAM is 1.65. Almost certainly you'll be able to run 1.65V RAM even if it initially posts at 1.5V. Insert one stick at a time and check your BIOS clock speeds. If it's on XMP Auto, or whatever your boards comparable setting is, you should be fine.

All that said, don't worry about voltage as much as how much and what speed.

Thanks.

I'm thinking towards the same Snipers that you got ( Sorry but fairly cheap/good for 16GB) or the 2133hx Ripjaw Z(less cheap/infinitesimally better).
Also didn't mention but obviously a SSD as supposedly,that would be the most noticeable upgrade.

Honestly though all I'm really looking to do is build something in around $2000 that will be in the ballpark of semi-relevant for the next 4-5 years and all the over-thinking on my part is sort of silly.

That build will be very relevant for longer than that. All you should need is to swap out GPUs every 2 years and you'll be good for quite some time.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

I settled on The Fractal Arc XL and probably going with the Asus Maximus VI Hero, Corsair Hydro 105 and a EVGA GTX 780 'cause I can currently get a good deal on one.
Now I'm only ruminating on the memory and although I get the basics of speed/latency trade-offs I'm a little worried about getting anything that isn't native 1.5v. :unsure:

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Are you planning on using an E-ATX motherboard at some point in the future? Otherwise the Fractal Arc XL is pretty... large unless you need the size for a specific reason (tons of hdds/pcie cards etc). The Fractal R4 that Skiz uses is a really solid case otherwise that's cheaper and more compact.

Also RAM speeds are essentially irrelevant. Get whatever's on sale when you purchase your parts. The money you save from buying cheaper RAM will get you way, way, more performance if you invest it into a better GPU, SSD, or CPU.

Also I second what art said as well. Unless you're getting a really really good deal on that GTX 780 or you absolutely need your PC now, I would recommend waiting for the new Nvidia cards to come out before purchasing a GPU.

I need a large case because from what I understand of stuff(that being basicatly a loot),besides being a more humane way of operating ,free-range tends to produce better product.

Also I have read about that rat study and I'm afraid if I pack the components in too tightly them may begin to eat each other.:mellow:

Btw I'm pretty sure in terms of actual "need", I don't actually need a computer,so fuck off.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

Btw I'm pretty sure in terms of actual "need", I don't actually need a computer,so fuck off.

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Well I'm pretty sure you work in the escort business and your frontend is online cause you're too fucking grotesque to get any money after people see your face so...

I think you do kind of need it. Otherwise there's no one to hire you to be their bitch for a night. And other than being someone's bitch you have no comprehension of how to maintain a living.

Unbelievably,when angered,you make even less sense than you normally do.:)

It's ok. For those with limited comprehension I've provided a translation.

Spoiler: Show

You're a manwhore.

Compliment doesn't match the context

Got my new compewter built, more or less ( still have to swap form HDDs and tweak some settings and other minor stuff) . So basically as it turned out.....

Fractual Arc XL case -big but still a little smaller than the old HAF X so basically,fuck you.
Asus Maximus VI Hero motherboard
2X8 GB GSkill Ripjaws X 1866 - mostly because it was on clearance
GeForce GTX 760 SC ACX - waiting for the unknown is dumb and if worst comes to worse this didn't take a huge chunk of the wallet.Kind of debated between this and the MSI but in the end,Evga software turned the tide.
Samsung Evo 250 SSD
Seagate 3 TB HDD
Seasonic Platium 860w psu - which I already had
Corsair Hydro series 105i which I got on major discount (1/3 off)

To Runt.The cooler on idle is almost silent except for the pump running and the cpu is reading a frosty 26C.Haven't installed any games yet so I can't tell you how loud/hot it will get when the fans get wound up.

Everything went together easily even for a inexperienced person like me except for the videocard which took a bit of time to slot in for some reason.

I'll probably put a picture up of the whole thing when I feel like it have some more time.

The cpu is running at 16C now (true story and OCed to 4.2) but only because it's freezing in my house. :)

Looks good.

The wait for the graphics card recommendation was largely because you were considering the higher end 780, which as you mentioned is a bigger investment and new cards were just around the corner that could potentially be a lot better. In general though new generations start at the high end and trickle their way down so if you're getting a 760 there's really wasn't a point in waiting.

Also I'm not saying that pre assembled liquid coolers are bad per se, just that high end air coolers are better. If your water cooler works for you and you like it, go for it.

Spoiler: Show

Also I know you are super ghey and like flashy and pretty things and what not and a water cooler certainly gives your case a cleaner look so you install more brightly colored lights to look at and adore

PS: You should also definitely consider looking at this software if you haven't already. Will make your SSD a lot faster by caching certain data to RAM.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

The cpu is running at 16C now (true story and OCed to 4.2) but only because it's freezing in my house. :)

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That sounds... a little iffy. I don't think you could realistically get that temperature unless you're cooling your CPU with liquid nitrogen or something. I think one of your sensors/whatever monitoring software you're using is a little bit off. In general CPU temp monitors get inaccurate at lower temps but it's still a good sign cause it means its at that low threshold area.

Already installed along with a bunch of other stuff that I don't understand and probably won't use.:)

My cpu is now running at 16C somewhat OCed because it's freezing in my house.:mellow:

Also the ROG board is like aces,whatever that means.

The best part though is it's red.

Like really red.

Cherry maybe but flashier.

I've been planning a partial upgrade myself, keeping my current board but ditching the case and either getting a Fractal or a CoolerMaster Silencio and the new i4930 cpu and a new GPU to replace the GTX 560 Ti but I also really like the looks of this kit : http://shop.xs-pc.com/xsp/XSPC-RaySt...Kit_31714.html to keep everything cool, with the added plus of expandability at a later date.

Earlier in the thread I recommended AMD GPUs as they (had) better value per dollar if you were willing to sacrifice in the noise/cooling department.

That is no longer the case. The cryptocurrency mining craze has caused the price of the 280X and above AMD cards nearly double, currently around a 90 percent increase at the moment over the MSRP.

The lower end 270X was less affected, but still has a 50% price hike over the MSRP.

And here I thought mining wasn't profitable anymore...