Aftermarket GPU coolers

wildman_33 · 8 Dec 2012 at 19:30

I currently have an ASUS GTX 560ti Direct CUII and find it very noisy, it is fast enough for me for the time being but the noise annoys me, my case is already sound dampened so I thought the next step would be to look in to an after market cooler such as this. I have looked at reviews and the figures they claim to get are impressive, has anyone had any experience with them?

Alternatively I was looking at upgrading to maybe a GTX670 although the price doesn't seem worth it when I game at 1080p and could probably get another year out of my 560ti.

Also as my card is a non reference design I'm guessing compatibility may be an issue, are the designs of non reference card usually similar enough that I'd get away with it?

Uncle Petey · 8 Dec 2012 at 20:47

I'm not sure it's compatible, it doesn't list the 560/ti... Future card compatibility could be an issue too.

If it does turn out to be compatible, I have the 79xx version and it's a great, flexible cooler with a couple of caveats.

Firstly, (like most aftermarket vga coolers including Accelero's) VRM cooling is a little lacklustre due to having a much thicker heatsink which makes it harder for air to pass through and retain enough pace to provide good cooling to pcb components.
Like an Accelero, you'll get great core temps though.

Secondly, in it's normal configuration (bottom fans), It'll take up a total of four slots with your GPU.

On the plus side, it comes with high quality VRM/VRAM heatsinks which surpass those provided with Accelero's these days and the thermal glue won't take 5hrs to cure. This glue isn't permanent despite the one unfortunate scare thread you may have come across.

After testing with virtually every fan configuration possible, I've gone with a custom fan setup on mine; 2x92mm fans cable tied to the bottom of the heatsink, 2x120mm fans exhausting from the side (on the bracket) and 1x120mm on the HDD bay blowing onto the VRMs.
If you're into substantially lowering your VRM temps, you need to think about these kind of options. Otherwise, you may as well grab an Accelero as it'll offer about the same core temps and take up less slots in a simple, all in one unit.

It may be cheaper than buying a new card, but if I were you I'd be looking at a decent 7950 unless you're tied to nvidia.

I've probably forgotten a few things, so ask away if you have any questions

doyll · 8 Dec 2012 at 21:12

Can you post a few pics of your beasty please Petey?

I need a K2 lurking at edge of photo fix

wildman_33 · 8 Dec 2012 at 22:53

aah woops must have misread it this one lists it though, I looked at the 7970 ghz edition as it offers a lot of performance for the money, I am however a bit put off by the AMD drivers, I built a friends computer with a 7870 over the summer and we had a lot of problems with the drivers and battlefield 3, I understand this problem is now fixed however who know what may happen with future games.

Uncle Petey · 9 Dec 2012 at 15:24

doyll said:
Can you post a few pics of your beasty please Petey?

I need a K2 lurking at edge of photo fix

Certainly sir.

wildman_33 said:
aah woops must have misread it this one lists it though, I looked at the 7970 ghz edition as it offers a lot of performance for the money, I am however a bit put off by the AMD drivers, I built a friends computer with a 7870 over the summer and we had a lot of problems with the drivers and battlefield 3, I understand this problem is now fixed however who know what may happen with future games.

The MK-26 is another great cooler. It may suffer from the same pcb cooling issues, but it'll sort your core temps and be very low noise just like the Alpenfohn/Accelero.
Check your case clearance as it's quite a wideboy.
My only 'issue' with it is that it doesn't offer the same flexibility as the Alpenfohn.

I'm not sure which drivers you used on your mate's 7870, but I can assure you that the 12.11 drivers kick arse - especially on BF3

doyll · 9 Dec 2012 at 16:15

Okay mate. What breed is that "K2"?
Looks almost Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Stumpy Tail.
My last best friend whom I miss very much

Uncle Petey · 9 Dec 2012 at 16:33

Her dad's a black n white (like a classic cow print) staffy and her mum's a tan coloured terrier mix of god knows what (rescue dog).
She looks like her mum, the rest of the litter look like pitbulls. Go figure...

Sorry to hear you've lost your buddy

I'll probably have a breakdown when her time comes.

doyll · 9 Dec 2012 at 16:42

ACD are nicknamed "velcro dogs" or "shadow dogs" because they are always right there in your "shadow". They instinctively stay in the heel position. Very much one person dogs with rest of immediate family next. Were bred to work livestock in Austrailian Outback. I really need to find myself another or similar dog, a border collie would be good. Kinda hard to find good dogs.

Uncle Petey · 9 Dec 2012 at 16:49

I dunno, I think any dog can be a good dog if it's raised, trained, socialised and entertained properly.
Sure, if you're looking for breed specific traits then you'll have to be a bit more choosy

doyll · 9 Dec 2012 at 16:58

Indeed.
Most people don't treat dogs as dogs. They are not people, they are pack animals and need an Alpha leader. And training, socialization and entertainment/exercise are essential. Without the above even the best dogs / most social breeds can turn bad. Cesar Millan tells it the way it is in his TV series "Dog Whisperer".

Edit: Sorry for hijacking wildman_33

Uncle Petey · 9 Dec 2012 at 17:05

Yep, Cesar knows his business.
If only more dog owners knew what the hell they're doing and paid attention to what this guy has to say.

RetrogamerX · 9 Dec 2012 at 17:11

I have that same RAM Petey. I love it

Uncle Petey · 9 Dec 2012 at 17:31

Yeah, it's always christmas with these things eh?

wildman_33 · 10 Dec 2012 at 15:58

doyll said:
Indeed.
Most people don't treat dogs as dogs. They are not people, they are pack animals and need an Alpha leader. And training, socialization and entertainment/exercise are essential. Without the above even the best dogs / most social breeds can turn bad. Cesar Millan tells it the way it is in his TV series "Dog Whisperer".

Edit: Sorry for hijacking wildman_33

haha its fine, thanks for all the help from everyone went with the MK26 and two gentle typhoon 1850rpm (have these on my H100 and they are great) which will be controlled by my aquaero, well I will be buying it when the damned payment page loads

doyll · 10 Dec 2012 at 17:05

we need pictures when you get it installed!

Tealc · 10 Dec 2012 at 20:10

I rather fancied one of those MK26s and wish they were around when I picked up my Thermalright Shaman. I didn't think someone would actually go larger than that but Prolimatech seemd to have done so.

It's a shame that only one or two of these GPU coolers actually come with a direct to GPU PWM fan hookup. Such a waste of control.

I too would appreciate pics once you get it up an running.

wildman_33 · 10 Dec 2012 at 20:16

doyll said:
we need pictures when you get it installed!

Tealc said:
I rather fancied one of those MK26s and wish they were around when I picked up my Thermalright Shaman. I didn't think someone would actually go larger than that but Prolimatech seemd to have done so.

It's a shame that only one or two of these GPU coolers actually come with a direct to GPU PWM fan hookup. Such a waste of control.

I too would appreciate pics once you get it up an running.

Will do, should really start a project log for my whole system

doyll · 10 Dec 2012 at 20:29

wildman_33 said:
Will do, should really start a project log for my whole system

+1 on the project log.. and give us a link.