can i replace the hsf on my Gainward GF4 w/ something quieter?

[Sunny129]

i recently got a Gainward GF4 PowerPack! Ultra/650. it is noticeably the loudest component in my system. now i haven't opened my case back up to see how the hsf is attached, so my first question is: can it be removed easily? if so, where can i find a quieter hsf? and do they make hsf's specifically for a GF4 Ti4200, or does one fit all GF4's? i would just use the hsf that came on my GF2 since it makes almost no noise, but i dont know if it would fit the GF4, and even if it did, i don't know how to take it off. its on a Hercules 3D Prophet II Pro. it has a sh!tty thermal pad under it, so its not attached adhesively, but i have no idea how to deal w/ the two plastic pins that hold it down. please somebody point me in the right direction.

thanks...eric

 

[AnAndAustin]

I'd strongly rec leaving the HSF well alone, a GF2 HSF is very unlikely to do the job. Either sell the card on or RMA it, if it's good perf and low heat/noise you want the Rad9000/PRO are certainly the best currently on the market.

 

[fastman]

I just put this cooler on my GF4 4200, easy as pie. Yes one size fits all, use some good thermal paste Artic Silver II or III. The plasic pins, pinch the back sides and the old cooler should come right off.

 

[AnAndAustin]

Cool, but do bear in mind you'll completely invalidate your warranty even if the card dies from an unrelated manu defect. If the HSF you put on doesn't adequately cool the card you will could experience crashes (leading to HD corruption) or else simply fry the card. You should be fine but there are no guarantees, I'd suggest getting a Rad9000pro, perf isn't quite as good but these suckers should run fine at stock speeds without any fan at all, so even the lowest powered and quietest fan should cool it more than enough. Of course the choice is yours, I'm just trying to make you aware of the risks and gamble it would involve.

 

[Sunny129]

Originally posted by: fastman
I just put this cooler on my GF4 4200, easy as pie. Yes one size fits all, use some good thermal paste Artic Silver II or III. The plasic pins, pinch the back sides and the old cooler should come right off.

i noticed the hsf you put on your Ti4200 is from thermaltake. what brand Ti4200 do you have, and is your new hsf significantly quieter than the one that came on the card when you got it?