Passive pci-e x16 graphics card

Originally I had onboard graphics geforce 6150 which at Christmas changed to PoV 8400 gs 256mb ddr2, nothing wrong with it, basically I use the pc to watch drama and movies etc, sometimes gaming.

My main concern is to reduce the noise of my pc - only way to describe current state of noise level is if you combine a washing machine, motorcycle with a broken exhaust, helicopter and a tractor. Anyway you get the idea.

My first step is to change pc case from aspire x-qpack to antec sonata III - awaiting delivery from amazon. I was suggested by a sale advisor in pcworld (but he didn't actually want to sell me anything cos he said you could get them cheaper elsewhere) going for a graphic card that was passive. So now I would like some recommendations, things to remember:

Budget: around £50 but am willing to go upto £80 for something really decent.
O/s: Win xp
Memory: 512mb +
Maker: would prefer a known make that totally reliable.

So the 8400gs serves your purposes OK you just want a passive card?

Or do you want a better gaming card?

I have one of these and it's great :)

If the GS was really enough though, something like this will probably serve.

How does an X1650 compare to the 8400 ? There are loads around available cheap and passive. I'm using one as a stop gap at the moment (Asus X1650 pro).

Would be more helpful if you could let us know what monitor / resolution you use and what sorts of games you use.

pc monitor is an old dell (box) 1024x768 I also connect upto my 23in Philips flatscreen I can't remember the resolution of hand as I have lent it to a family member to watch tv.

I was using the 8400 gs as a stop gap (only paid like £20 for it) so wanted something better for when I upgrade in the next couple of months to a decent motherboard and maybe vista. That's why was thinking 512mb +

Is it worth getting passive cooling or try and find an ultra silence fan graphics card?

I'd recommend getting the fastest card you can for your budget, then just slapping a good 3rd party passive cooler on it.

I'm able to passively cool my 8800GTS 512 with an Arctic Cooling Accelero S1, even with a moderate OC.

Well yeah if you really need it you might find an ATi HD3850pro 512mb + and accelero (which is £15) for £80 all in but it will be hard.

If you are patient it may go on scans today only for around £65 again as it has a couple of times.

Other than that you can get passive 8600GT's and ATi HD3650's in budget but quite honestly at 1024 x 768 you don't need much power behind it or 512mb. The 8500GT is what I went for when I had a similar budget and needs to you.

My money would probably be going towards something like this 8600 GT on offer at aria

nVidia GeForce 8600GT 256MB DDR3 PCI-E - Aria Technology

Less than £40 try it with the stock cooler if it is still to loud for you then get a passive after market cooler for ~£15

It should be more than sufficient for what you want to do at that resolution.