Accelero X2

[Hawklord]

Just ordered one of these to replace the stock cooler on my Powercolour X1800XT 512. I was wondering what thermal paste would be the most efficient? Would it be better to use some AS5 or the paste supplied with the cooler. I assume the paste that comes with the cooler may be best as it's specifically designed for the job but thought I'd ask you guys for your thoughs.

Also please could those who are using one of these coolers also give me an idea of what increase in ambient case temps I can expect (the cooler doesn't exhaust hot air out the pci slot like the stock cooler). I'm cooling my CPU with a ninja passively at the moment so may have to look at trying to get more efficient airflow to keep case temps down.

My case temps are usually around 32deg but have been as high as 35deg in this hot weather so I'd like to know how this Accelero X2 will impact temps.

Looking forward to a quieter PC though I must admit.

Why they can't supply a cool and quiet cooling solution in the first place with the more expensive higher end cards is beyond me

anyways thanks for any pointers.

 

[Hawklord]

Mine arrived about two hours ago and was easily fitted without any issues thankfully
It's certainly a lot quieter than the stock cooler and cannot be heard over my case fans even under load.
My temps are much better too with this cooler :-

Stock Accelero
Max GPU 89 75
Min GPU 59 45
Avg GPU 75 57

The X1800's environmental temps are up a few deg though with a max of 59 deg (stock was 55deg).
I have also noticed my case temps rise by about 3 deg peaking @38deg after about a half hour bf2 session and my cpu temp has risen about the same peaking @55deg (cpu is X2 4200+ @2.75GHz running passively with a ninja)
I have a spare 120mm fan that I'll probably use to lower the cpu and possibly the case temps too.

Overall I pretty pleased with the results of this cooler for the relatively low outlay (£14 if you shop around) and is worth a purchase imo.

I just wish higher end card manufacturers gave you as equally good stock coolers in the first place mind

 

[Hawklord]

Well all that matters to me is that the X2 is quieter and cooler than the stock cooler and only cost me £14 for the privalage.
I used the thermal paste that came pre-applied with the cooler would I see an improvement if I replaced it with as5?
I went for the X2 because it was supposed to be quieter and cooler than the stock cooler (which it is) and gave all this for relatively little outlay.
Obviously if your looking for a cooler and don't mind paying extra them I'm sure the vf900 is the choice for you but it seems there's conflicting reports as to which is best.
Which ever you buy I'm sure you'll be happy with it's performance