stock X850Xt: stock cooler mod

[pigdos]

Since the Arctic Cooling Silencer 5 rev. 2 doesn't look that much more
capable than the stock X850xt cooling solution I've decided to mod the
existing cooler in such a way that I can reverse all my mods and retain my
warranty.

The first mod is based on First of One's suggestion: to shim the existing
x850xt heatsink to apply more pressure. He suggested a 5mm thermal pad so
that's what I'm planning on using.

Someone on Rage3d suggested removing the GPU spacer that surrounds the GPU:
"I bought TWO X850XTPE's, PCIe versions, and BOTH required pulling the
shims. Simple test, using a straight edge, does the CORE sit BELOW the plane
of the shim? If so the HSF, esp aftermarket ones, wont make good contact
with the core...especially with the THIN proper coating of AS5 that is
correct by design." After what First said about this though I'm really
reluctant to do this as this is also how I destroyed my old 9500 Pro.

My other idea is to use replace the backplate which covers the memory on the
rear of the PCB (on the flipside of the GPU) and replace them w/ramsinks.
I'd use washers to take up the slack from removing the backplate.

I've already removed the slotted slot plate (the plate which you screw into
the PC chassis/case) on the back of the video card to flow more air.

One last question, I've noticed that my x850xt has, more or less the same
memory configuration as my 9500 Pro (the L shape). Would it be possible to
use the stock x850xt cooler on my 9500 Pro? This would give me a great
excuse to buy an Arctic Cooling Silencer 5 rev. 2.

 

[First of One]

Since the Arctic Cooling Silencer 5 rev. 2 doesn't look that much more
capable than the stock X850xt cooling solution I've decided to mod the
existing cooler in such a way that I can reverse all my mods and retain my
warranty.

The stock ATi cooler is quite capable with the fan running at 100% duty
cycle. The problem is it sounds like a leafblower (works on the same
principle...). The ATi Silencer is equal or better than the stock cooler,
and it can be run at full speed all the time with no noise.

Have you seen the X1950XT's cooler?

My other idea is to use replace the backplate which covers the memory on
the rear of the PCB (on the flipside of the GPU) and replace them
w/ramsinks. I'd use washers to take up the slack from removing the
backplate.

RAM cooling is quite overhyped. Unlike the GPU, the RAM chips use
traditional plastic/ceramic packaging; the die isn't exposed. Heat
dissipation occurs primarily through the BGA balls and into the PCB's copper
layers. A simple heatspreader plate is all you need.

One last question, I've noticed that my x850xt has, more or less the same
memory configuration as my 9500 Pro (the L shape). Would it be possible to
use the stock x850xt cooler on my 9500 Pro? This would give me a great
excuse to buy an Arctic Cooling Silencer 5 rev. 2.

L shape? So it has a 256-bit bus? If it looks anything like the 9700
http://www.hardocp.com/images/articles/1034817388VVjlaIkvJO_1_11_l.jpg
Then the X850XT heat sink will interfere with the capacitors next to the RAM
chips.

 

[oldwolf]

I used the AC5rev2 on my x850xt and temps dropped to ~32ish idle up to ~42 -
45ish under 3d load. If I remember rightly, original temps were about 8 - 10
degrees higher ( idle & load) before changing coolers. The noise dropped
markedly too, almost silent.
I play games such as Oblivion, Fear, Q4, Far Cry, etc. I could play quite
comfortably with whatever the game set up. I didnt OC though. (not game
enough I suppose.)
Unfortunately my PC had a hiccup and took out my Hdd, X850, and a gig of
ram, so Im now left to use a 6600GT which isnt quite up to the job of the
newer games.
I would recommend this cooler to anyone.



Since the Arctic Cooling Silencer 5 rev. 2 doesn't look that much more
capable than the stock X850xt cooling solution I've decided to mod the
existing cooler in such a way that I can reverse all my mods and retain my
warranty.

 

[pigdos]

First why does the heatspreader get so hot then? If I play any graphically
intensive games the rear RAM heatspreader gets way too hot to even put your
hand on.

I didn't want to drag out my 9500 Pro (and it looks like I won't have to
now). My 9500 Pro had the RAM all in a row and there's no way I'll be able
to shoehorn the X850xt solution w/all those caps in the way -- unless you
have some *great* ideas First! ;^)

 

[First of One]

The heatspreader dissipates only about 20-30% of the heat generated by the
RAM chips. That 20-30% is enough to heat up the metal plate to
finger-burning temps. A heatspreader there is definitely better than no
heatspreader, but anything more elaborate probably won't be worthwhile.

 

[First of One]

The heatspreader dissipates only about 20-30% of the heat generated by the
RAM chips. That 20-30% is enough to heat up the metal plate to
finger-burning temps. A heatspreader there is definitely better than no
heatspreader, but anything more elaborate probably won't be worthwhile.