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Noise output of the graphics card is measured using the fan speed percentage associated with each of the temperature recordings displayed on the previous page. In order to focus solely on the noise output by the graphics card in question, we disconnect all fans from the test system so that the only moving parts are relating to the graphics card.
The NZXT Phantom 630's side panel is removed in order for us to focus specifically on the graphics card's noise emissions. We also place the acoustic measurement equipment very close to the graphics card (around 10 cm away from it) in order to better detect noise differences between each graphics card. This is also a scenario that will be similar to a user who has their system sat on the desk directly next to where they are sitting.
The background noise level sits around 37 dBA without the test computer running.
With the same cooler as used on the RX Vega64 operating at the same fan speeds due to temperature throttling, it is no surprise that the Vega56 is equally loud in its ‘Turbo' power state.
When idling, the card is basically inaudible. However, heavy load will push the GPU to 75°C and the cooler will spool as high as 2400 RPM (48%) accordingly. At this point, the card becomes loud and somewhat unpleasant. But its noise output certainly won't break through headphones being used by a gamer (you may just annoy people sat nearby).
Expect AIB partner cards to offer superior cooling solutions with lower noise outputs.
If… this Vega56 could be had not (as now) this blower edition, could be bought in the market without the profiteering inflicted on it… And this is the biggest, if there were 1440p monitors with FreeSync and those weren’t marked-up well beyond the mainstream 1440p. Only then might this have viable appeal.
At this time plunking down the “overage” to move into such upgrade levels of hardware is not a move many should be looking toward. 1440p feels almost past its’ prime or seems bowled-over by a more robust infusion of 4K. So you you’ll be ahead to hold and wait, entry 4K is not that far off with close to a similar cash out-lay of such inflated hardware.
I wish reviewers would stop benching GTA5. It’s ancient and no longer graphically demanding but most importantly, it doesn’t seem to be optimized at all for AMD cards.
As for the power profiles, if the 56 is anything like the 64, the ‘balanced’ mode should only effect performance by 5% but reduce power consumption by 10-30W.
People127s
Office66s
But GTA5 is a really popular game still, and prospective buyers want to see how the card performs on a game they play.
And @LukeHill are you going to reduce the rating of this card after it was revealed that AMD’s introductory price was nowhere near the actual price, thus making the 56 not so much of a great deal for price/performance?
I’m an AMD fan and plan on buying a Vega 56 Monday (Aug 28) if possible. I still play it so it matters to me. I am aware GTAV does significantly worse on AMD though, which is exactly why it won’t deter me from purchasing Vega.