Can I cut down a Arctic Cooling Accelero S2?

thecoolnessrune

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2005
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Well depending on how much you cut it down it will always affect it's cooling a little bit. Just avoid the heatpipes and you should be fine. How much are you wanting to cut off?
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
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I think if the cooler is too big, it means that it extrudes too far beyond the video card - including the heatpipes. Once you cut into the heatpipes the heatsink will become useless.
 

coolpurplefan

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2006
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Originally posted by: Zap
I think if the cooler is too big, it means that it extrudes too far beyond the video card - including the heatpipes. Once you cut into the heatpipes the heatsink will become useless.

Really? Are you kidding? I'm thinking of cutting it down from 180mm to 140mm. At least, that's what I think I might need to cut it by from what I read on the specs. I might be wrong though. I'm also wondering if I'd need to put the top back on. I don't know how to solder but I might try if I need to.

If not, anyone know of another cheap, smaller passive solution for a Geforce 6600? It's only a backup computer.
 

DerwenArtos12

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2003
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Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
Originally posted by: Zap
I think if the cooler is too big, it means that it extrudes too far beyond the video card - including the heatpipes. Once you cut into the heatpipes the heatsink will become useless.

Really? Are you kidding? I'm thinking of cutting it down from 180mm to 140mm. At least, that's what I think I might need to cut it by from what I read on the specs. I might be wrong though. I'm also wondering if I'd need to put the top back on. I don't know how to solder but I might try if I need to.

If not, anyone know of another cheap, smaller passive solution for a Geforce 6600? It's only a backup computer.

What case is this going in and what direction are you thinking it won't fit?

If you're building in an LC20 like in your sig there shouldn't be any fittiment problems unless the heatsink is getting too close to another card.

Please elaborate for me.
 

coolpurplefan

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2006
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Oh, phew! You might be right. There was a review of the Accelero S2 somewhere where they said that it might not fit in a smaller desktop case (even thought the LC20 is kind large for a desktop). I can tell from the photo in the review that it's inside a desktop case but they didn't say which case they used.

Yeah, it would be in my Silverstone LC20. I kind of wonder if the Scythe Ninja would have fit inside the Silverstone LC20. But, I already ordered the Scythe Mini Ninja since I read on the silentpcreview forums that's like the only one you can use passively in a computer.

From what I read on X-Bitlabs, apparently, the Zalman VNF100 is not as good passive under load as the Accelero S1. Then I read the S2 is inferior to the S1 but I don't know if the S1 is compatible with the Geforce 6600 (PCI-E).

Oh well, I'll try to post results when I receive my parts. I used a Zalman NB47J passive heatsink for the northbridge and a Forton Blue Storm II PSU. I also have Coolermaster 80mm fans inside the case on a fan controller (Nexus NXP-310). I don't expect it to be as quiet as my main rig with the Seasonic S-12 500w.
 

DerwenArtos12

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2003
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Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
Oh, phew! You might be right. There was a review of the Accelero S2 somewhere where they said that it might not fit in a smaller desktop case (even thought the LC20 is kind large for a desktop). I can tell from the photo in the review that it's inside a desktop case but they didn't say which case they used.

Yeah, it would be in my Silverstone LC20. I kind of wonder if the Scythe Ninja would have fit inside the Silverstone LC20. But, I already ordered the Scythe Mini Ninja since I read on the silentpcreview forums that's like the only one you can use passively in a computer.

From what I read on X-Bitlabs, apparently, the Zalman VNF100 is not as good passive under load as the Accelero S1. Then I read the S2 is inferior to the S1 but I don't know if the S1 is compatible with the Geforce 6600 (PCI-E).

Oh well, I'll try to post results when I receive my parts. I used a Zalman NB47J passive heatsink for the northbridge and a Forton Blue Storm II PSU. I also have Coolermaster 80mm fans inside the case on a fan controller (Nexus NXP-310). I don't expect it to be as quiet as my main rig with the Seasonic S-12 500w.

Why didn't you use an s12 in your LC20?? Isn't it going to be a HTPC?
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
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Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
Originally posted by: Zap
I think if the cooler is too big, it means that it extrudes too far beyond the video card - including the heatpipes. Once you cut into the heatpipes the heatsink will become useless.

Really? Are you kidding? I'm thinking of cutting it down from 180mm to 140mm. At least, that's what I think I might need to cut it by from what I read on the specs.

I'm not kidding. Cut the heatpipes and the heatsink will become useless even if you re-seal them.

Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
If not, anyone know of another cheap, smaller passive solution for a Geforce 6600? It's only a backup computer.

For "smaller" do you mean not sticking up much past the video card? You'll need to find a cooler with the heatpipes behind the card, not above it. For instance this Zalman. That card isn't cheap, but I've gotten good results from a similar unit made by Evercool which used to sell in the $15-20 range. However, it seems to be discontinued. I may still have a spare one in the garage if you're jonesing for one. Another option is the Cooler Master Cool VIVA, which used smaller heatsinks and a single heatpipe. That one was being blown out for $8 at SVC, but unfortunately it seems to be another discontinued item.

Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
I kind of wonder if the Scythe Ninja would have fit inside the Silverstone LC20. But, I already ordered the Scythe Mini Ninja since I read on the silentpcreview forums that's like the only one you can use passively in a computer.

What? I've used two different Ninjas and one Mini Ninja passively. They all work fine. The original Ninjas had closely spaced heatpipes while the Mini and the newer Ninjas have them spaced farther apart for better performance.

Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
I used a Zalman NB47J passive heatsink for the northbridge

I have not had good results with that heatsink (unfortunately still have a couple unused ones left). While they seem to work fine at stock speeds, could never overclock worth a damn with these running passively. This was on Geforce4 series chipsets. I think I tried on three different boards. The passive chipset coolers that I do have good experience with are the Thermaltake units with heatpipes, currently on two different boards (one P965, one P35 chipset) with good results.
 

coolpurplefan

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2006
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BTW, I bought a Fortron for my backup machine since it was cheaper than the Seasonic at teh time.

The Scythe Mini Ninja looks like the right size for my LC20 but now I discovered that the Accelero S2 is about 3mm too tall for my case. It's practically incredible since it's such a small amount. I was thinking perhaps bending the heatpipes so it would fit in by "leaning" it. But, that might just break the heatpipes anyway. So I guess I'll have to return it and buy something else.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I'll be doing some more research to try to find another passive cooler.
 

Jhhnn

IN MEMORIAM
Nov 11, 1999
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Both the mini ninja and the accelero are intended for use in tower cases- at least in passive mode. the orientation of the fins creates a sort of chimney effect when used that way- something that won't happen in the la scala. They're good enough, I suspect, that adding even the wimpiest ultra low noise 80mm fan to each one will serve your purposes...

I think clearance will be the least of your problems.
 

coolpurplefan

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2006
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Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12
What video card was the S2 for?

I have no idea why you ask that question. But, it was for an Asus Geforce 6600 non-GT.
I'd rather not get another video card since I find that video card is good for playing DVDs.

So far, I did something really crazy. I couldn't take off the Mini Ninja once I installed it so I used some tin snips to cut off part of the retention clip that was sticking out. It was the only way I could have the Scythe 80mm fan in the case right next to it. So, with one case fan right next to the CPU and two others right behind it, I think my temperatures will be fine. The only thing I wonder about is if I damaged my CPU by cutting off part of the retention clip while the heatsink was still on the CPU. Of course, once that part flew off, then my heatsink finally got detached. I had to put it back on.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
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Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
Asus Geforce 6600 non-GT.
I'd rather not get another video card since I find that video card is good for playing DVDs.

If you're wanting playback assist, then the newer midrange cards are MUCH better. See this Anandtech article. You can get reasonably priced Geforce 8600 and Radeon 2600 series cards with passive cooling. Doesn't matter whether you go GT/GTS/Pro/XT because they're all the same, differing only in clock speeds. For instance here is a Geforce 8600GT passively cooled for $75 after rebate. There is also a Radeon 2600 Pro by Gigabyte that is a single slot passively cooled card, though it does need decent case cooling or it overheats (I have one in my own HTPC).
 

DerwenArtos12

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2003
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Originally posted by: Zap
Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
Asus Geforce 6600 non-GT.
I'd rather not get another video card since I find that video card is good for playing DVDs.

If you're wanting playback assist, then the newer midrange cards are MUCH better. See this Anandtech article. You can get reasonably priced Geforce 8600 and Radeon 2600 series cards with passive cooling. Doesn't matter whether you go GT/GTS/Pro/XT because they're all the same, differing only in clock speeds. For instance here is a Geforce 8600GT passively cooled for $75 after rebate. There is also a Radeon 2600 Pro by Gigabyte that is a single slot passively cooled card, though it does need decent case cooling or it overheats (I have one in my own HTPC).

If he just needs playback assistance the 6600 is plenty for SDTV but, if going up to HDTV the 8500 is more than likely enough if doing just one stream at a time. It's what I have in my HTPC and I was amaized when I dropped it in. There was a notable IQ bump over my 6600 and my cpu never loads more than 10% when recording or during playback. I'm actually completely ready to go passive on the CPU with my 8500GT already completely passive.
 

coolpurplefan

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Mar 2, 2006
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Just to confirm a couple of things. First, the Scythe 80mm fan that came with the Mini Ninja puts out a weird buzzing sound. I replaced with a Coolermaster blue LED fan and it's much quieter. I tried both on a fan controller at different speeds and the Scythe 80mm fan was still noisier. This is odd since my other computer has a 120mm Scythe and and that one is very silent.

Also the Scythe Mini Ninja lowered my CPU temperatures (compared to my Zalman 7000) a bit even though I did add another case fan so it's not a totally fair comparison.

I'm still trying to find a passive cooler which will fit in my case for my video card.
 

DerwenArtos12

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Apr 7, 2003
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Sorry for kinda threadjacking you there. Check out the Zalman VNF-100. Could be tight but, should fit. I've got one passively cooling my 8500GT and it's running about 10C lower idle than stock.
 

coolpurplefan

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Mar 2, 2006
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Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12
Sorry for kinda threadjacking you there. Check out the Zalman VNF-100. Could be tight but, should fit. I've got one passively cooling my 8500GT and it's running about 10C lower idle than stock.

Thanks for the tip but I thought it might interfere with the Zalman NB47J northbridge heatsink. I didn't think it would fit so I ordered the Thermalright V2 which I believe would fit my Silverstone LC20.

I also wanted to add that I read on some site that the heatpipes contain a liquid or gas. And I suppose that just cutting into the heatpipes might ruin the Accelero S2.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
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Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12
Oh yeah, cut the heatpipes and it's a paperweight.

Guess you didn't read the rest of the thread as this has been mentioned numerous times.
 

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
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Zap is, of course, correct. The heatpipe will become useless the second you break the seal. The working fluid will escape and its over, it will be useless.

Depending on your funds, get a new case, or use an alternative cooler (probably wont be as good, but you have to get the best based on your constraints) :/
 

DerwenArtos12

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2003
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Originally posted by: Zap
Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12
Oh yeah, cut the heatpipes and it's a paperweight.

Guess you didn't read the rest of the thread as this has been mentioned numerous times.

No, I did, I believe i even stated it earlier in this thread, I was just re-affirming it for him as in the post directly before mine it finally clicked for him.
 

coolpurplefan

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Mar 2, 2006
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Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12
Oh yeah, cut the heatpipes and it's a paperweight. What motherboard will you be using?

Uh, I don't remember what it's called exactly again. I think it's the Asus K8N4E-Deluxe. In any case, it has an Athlon 3700+ (2.4 GHz) and 1GB of HyperX RAM. So, with the Geforce 6600 it's not bad for a backup. I think the Thermalright V2 I ordered will probably be just fine. I don't need to have something heavy duty on the 6600 since I likely won't be gaming on that machine (just playing movies).

By teh way, I didn't ignore when people said the Accelero S2 is going to be useless if I cut the heatpipes. I just don't understand when people don't bother to explain it. I'm not blaming you, I just don't understand if there's no explanation.

 

DerwenArtos12

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2003
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Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12
Oh yeah, cut the heatpipes and it's a paperweight. What motherboard will you be using?

Uh, I don't remember what it's called exactly again. I think it's the Asus K8N4E-Deluxe. In any case, it has an Athlon 3700+ (2.4 GHz) and 1GB of HyperX RAM. So, with the Geforce 6600 it's not bad for a backup. I think the Thermalright V2 I ordered will probably be just fine. I don't need to have something heavy duty on the 6600 since I likely won't be gaming on that machine (just playing movies).

By teh way, I didn't ignore when people said the Accelero S2 is going to be useless if I cut the heatpipes. I just don't understand when people don't bother to explain it. I'm not blaming you, I just don't understand if there's no explanation.

Ok, sorry about that. Heatpipes are more than just metal rods for the heat to travel across, they are as they sound, pipes. Depending on the manufacturer of the pipe itself they can be filled with vaious liquids or gases that use convection to sweep the heat away to a cooler part of the heatpipe. Cutting them breaks the hermedic seal and ruins their designed ablility to use convection to transfer the heat. I really think you're going to be ok with the S2.
 

mcv

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Jan 14, 2008
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Originally posted by: Zap
Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
I kind of wonder if the Scythe Ninja would have fit inside the Silverstone LC20. But, I already ordered the Scythe Mini Ninja since I read on the silentpcreview forums that's like the only one you can use passively in a computer.

What? I've used two different Ninjas and one Mini Ninja passively. They all work fine. The original Ninjas had closely spaced heatpipes while the Mini and the newer Ninjas have them spaced farther apart for better performance.

I thought I'd read at SPCR that the Ninja Mini had closely spaced fins for better active cooling, and the regular Ninja had widely spaced fins for better passive cooling.

As I understood, closely spaced is better for active cooling because of the larger surface area (and because of the fan, you've got plenty of airflow anyway), whereas widely space is better for passive cooling because it allows better airflow.