Arctic Accelero Xtreme IV for 390x

[Componentgirl90]

I have an XFX 390x DD and I have had issues with random accelerating fans when idle (probably VRM related) and also now the Core is reaching 93 degrees celcius under load.

I am thinking of buying the artic cooler xtreme IV. Would this be sufficient or would I have to buy extra heatsinks? I have heard stories of cards catching fire with coolers like these because parts of the cards are not cooled.

I have built PCs but this somewhat more advanced. Are there guides for these sorts of things? How would I know where to put the thermal pads etc?

 

[D1craig]

I can't say what you will need but the components needing thermal pads will already have some on just put the new ones in the same place. Probably will need replacing when removing the cooler though.

 

[varkanoid]

I fitted one to a 290 once. It does not come with any heatsinks for the RAM or VRM's. It relies on the massive back heatstink to move heat away from these componets but I didnt like that idea so bought some RAM heatsinks and the Gelid 290 VRM heatsink kit (from the US) which did the trick. However this cooler is MASSIVE so make sure you have enough space behind and infront of your GPU card.

I used this https://www.overclockers.co.uk/akasa-ak-tt12-80-thermal-adhesive-tape-th-001-ak.html with the RAM/VRM heatsinks. The GPU will run perfectly well without RAM/VRM heatsinks however to be sure I added them.
OCUK dont seem to sell them anymore but if you google RAM heatsinks you will find them. If you cant find a long VRM heatsink you can always uses several of the RAM ones inline and just use a junior hacksaw to reduce them in size if they are too big. Its very easy to do. Results in temp decrease are great too. Usually knocks off 10-15c

Circled in red where you can put the heatsinks. Chips round CPU are RAM. Small inline are VRM.

 

[Confused Stu]

My Accelero Hybrid II-120's I had fitted to my 290's used the same heatsink set up, and I found it actually cooled very well. Looking at reviews for your card, you've actually got heatsinks on the VRM area and a plate over the RAM already:
https://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/xfx_r9_390x_double_dissipation_review,5.html
While the Accelero should be sufficient on it's own, I would be tempted to leave the standard heatsinks and plate in place when you put the Accelero on. Together with the rear cooler, I'd be amazed if you have problems with heat.

As Varkanoid said, you do have to make sure you have space around your GPU. The backplate extends slightly further than 1 PCI-width, so I couldn't use the PCI-E slot immediately above my GPU, and it slightly fouled my (huge) Silver Arrow CPU cooler too, so I dropped to a Phanteks 120mm cooler instead. On an old 7970, I had the original Xtreme cooler, and that required about 3 PCI-widths below the GPU, so I'd expect the cooler on this to require the same. If you've got the space then the coolers are awesome - very quiet and very cool. However, if you're running any other cards in your PCI/PCI/E slots, you may have issues!

 

[Componentgirl90]

Thanks for these answers, they are very helpful just what I was looking for.

I might try just buying the Xtreme cooler and using that chunky heatsink if it will run fine and won't catch fire. It seems to be the same length as the DD cooler but I think i have enough space in the other directions.

I just need to extend the life of the GPU a bit and the card 100% needs something done to it now.

Edit: I have been trying to resolve random acceleration of the fans from idle for a long time. I have assumed this is related to cooling of the VRM (because this is what some other GPU enthusiasts have told me) although I don't know for sure. I think its worth getting the cooler anyway to reduce the core temperature (with its new thermal paste and better cooler). Additionally I would like to apply new thermal pads to cool the VRMs as these may be worn.