How to cool a 6950

GiantMidget · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:27

Just wondered if there was an easy way to cool my 6950 because it's getting quite hot recently and I don't want it to burn out in the coming summer,
Thanks.

stulid · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:40

Add a side fan to the case panel (if theres a place?)

Deception · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:45

Can add a side panel fan, Spot Cool or get a custom cooler.

GiantMidget · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:46

Yeah I have a nzxt phantom and havent gotten a fan for the side panel yet, wasn't sure how much of a difference it would have made.
Do you have any recommendations for fans?
I have gone for a blue lightening theme in the case And wouldn't really want a big red one or something lol

d_brennen · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:48

How hot is hot? You're hot may not be hot hot if ya get me

Wucked · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:49

More fans in your existing case, or a better case. Otherwise you might try either removing the cooler and applying some high quality TIM (a friend recently said this gave him ~10° as the existing TIM was poorly applied at the factory), or an after market cooler.

GiantMidget · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:49

Can get to about 70

Fledge · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:53

A side fan (pulling air out of the case) can make a whole world of difference for graphics cards.

www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-030-SY&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=4 might be what you are looking for - I mean, it's not blue, but it certainly will do the job.

stulid · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:53

A quick look at the Phantom specs says it comes with two 120mm side fans and can also take a 200mm or 230mm fan,

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-006-BX&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1816
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-007-BX&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1816

The above are not illuminated.

d_brennen · 2 Mar 2012 at 10:55

GiantMidget said:
Can get to about 70

That's well within normal. Even in the height of summer it probably won't hit 80c, unless you love Furmark

HecFam · 2 Mar 2012 at 11:02

Put some sunglasses on it, that will make it pretty cool!

GiantMidget · 2 Mar 2012 at 11:03

I dont mind if they arent illuminated just that they dont clash, and should it definitely be taking air out of the case?

stulid · 2 Mar 2012 at 11:12

I would have fitted it blowing in and over the parts, but try both ways and make a note of the temperatures? a bit of research for you

GiantMidget · 2 Mar 2012 at 11:21

okay will do, i will post the results also. i take it the main thing i should be looking for is CFM over other attributes for this fans role?

stulid · 2 Mar 2012 at 11:30

High CFM-=good, the rated db-a is also low at 19-20db

Jet engine at 3m 140
Threshold of pain 130
Rock concert 120
Accelerating motorcycle at 5m 110
Pneumatic hammer at 2m 100
Noisy factory 90
Vacuum cleaner 80
Busy traffic 70
Quiet restaurant 50
Residential area at night 40
Empty movie house 30
Rustling of leaves 20
Human breathing (at 3m) 10

GiantMidget · 2 Mar 2012 at 11:41

Okay, thanks everyone, big help as always

Tealc · 2 Mar 2012 at 11:58

GiantMidget said:
Can get to about 70

Pfffft 70 is only just getting warm. GPUs get hot and you really shouldn't get too worried until they hit 90. Had a card once that did 60 just at idle.

GiantMidget · 2 Mar 2012 at 13:04

Yeah but still, it heats up everything else and makes me sad

Titchy · 2 Mar 2012 at 13:09

As others have said side panel fans with good CFM but 70 is fine for a gfx card , though if you want cooler then get the side fans in !

stulid · 2 Mar 2012 at 13:12

For a reference point,

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/293

Anandtech saw 75C while playing Crysis and 82C under Furmark.