Improving GPU VRM temps, better fans?

JamesM · 19 Aug 2015 at 10:55

I've got a 980 which I've mounted a MK-26 cooler to -
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-028-PL&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=787

I'm using two Akasa AK-FN072 12cm Piranha fans cooling it at the moment.

Core temps are great whilst gaming, going no higher than 60 degrees even when overclocked slightly however i've been noticing some driver crashes and upon having a gander, the VRM heatsink of the card is very, very warm.

I tried removing the stock VRM heatsink to use the one that came with the MK-26 but it wouldn't budge so i'm stuck with stock.

Can anyone recommend some decent, possibly focus flow fans that will push enough air through the cooler but still have enough umph left to cooler the VRM heatsink better?

I can use 120mm or 140mm and was looking at the Noctua IndustrialPPC fans but at £22 each i'm reluctant to bite the bullet without making sure i've got no other options really.

D1craig · 19 Aug 2015 at 12:28

the placement of the chips on my 970 made me have to use the spare heat sinks that came with it - the spare ones of course and the long thing wouldn't fit.

The heat sinks are so much better than the cards stock ones.

PieEater · 19 Aug 2015 at 15:57

AFAIK the OEM VRM heatsinks are usually held in place with screws, can I assume that you checked this and undid the screws before trying to remove it !?! It would be pretty unusual for them to be bonded in place.

I use Bitfenix 140 Spectre Pro PWM fans with my MK-26 which can spin up to 1800rpm. Noisewise I wouldn't want anything much faster / louder than this. If you're powering your fans from the graphics card header I would also check the power draw of any new fans isn't going to be too much for the card to provide.

You could also look at the rest of your case cooling, getting some cool air flowing over the back of the card may help.

D1craig · 19 Aug 2015 at 22:28

I think the heat sinks getting really hot is just what they do. They seem to absorb the heat surrounding them and then sort it out. I put a hairdryer on them on my gpu to see if it made the stick better. 2 seconds made them untouchable.

C64 · 20 Aug 2015 at 06:03

What vrm temps are you getting ? high ish vrm temps can be perfectly normal.
Anything 85c probably higher and under can be nothing to worry about.

Can the cooler fit either way so the shorter side of the heatsink with less fins is over the vrm side ? you're unlikely to improve cooling much changing from two of those fans zip tied.And maybe you're overclock isn't stable and needs more voltage.