Cooling (and quieting) my 9800 Pro

[Zucarita9000]

I've recently installed a Radeon 9800 Pro video card in my system and noticed that the case and CPU temps have rised a few degrees. The PSU fan is also spinning faster, wich has caused noise levels to go up.

I was thinking about getting an after market cooler for this baby. My two choices are:

Zalman VF700-AlCu
ATI Silencer 1 (Looks sooo much cooler).

So, which one do you think I should get?

EDIT: It seems that I don't have enough clearance to install Silencer 1, but I'll check it to make sure.

Af for the Zalman hetasink, can I plug the fan to my fan controller and run it at low speed during normal operation and switch to full (12v) speed while playing games?

Would you use Zalman's thermal paste or Artic Silver 5?

 

[tallman45]

If you do not have room for the Silencer then you likely do not have room for the Zalman. I have the Silencer on all my systems, it does an awesome job of exhausting hot/warm GPU air directly out of the case, and is virtually silent.

If you happen to already have AS5 then use it, otherwise use the paste that is included in the kits

 

[jldash]

I have a previous version of the Arctic-Cooling device on my 9800 pro... it is very efficient and quiet enough to use in my HTPC rig.
I bet the newer ones are even better.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: tallman45
If you do not have room for the Silencer then you likely do not have room for the Zalman. I have the Silencer on all my systems, it does an awesome job of exhausting hot/warm GPU air directly out of the case, and is virtually silent.

If you happen to already have AS5 then use it, otherwise use the paste that is included in the kits

Well, I do have room for the Zalman, as the video card is the only card that is installed. I mentioned that I didn't have clearance for the AS1 because of it's heatsink, wich makes the card longer. See this pic here..

 

[tallman45]

I have the 1st gen Rev 2 (9700Pro) and Rev 3 (9800Pro) and they are not longer than either card. I also have my 9800Pro in a SLK3700AMB

Looking at your picture, there certainly looks like there is more than enough room for the Rev 3. I have a new version ordered and cannot comment on it's length yet. that one may be longer than the card.

If you wish I can takes some pics and e-mail them to you

 

[Navid]

If you decide to get the silencer, make sure you get the correct version. The one for the 256M memory card is different than the one for the 128M memory card.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: tallman45
I have the 1st gen Rev 2 (9700Pro) and Rev 3 (9800Pro) and they are not longer than either card. I also have my 9800Pro in a SLK3700AMB

Looking at your picture, there certainly looks like there is more than enough room for the Rev 3. I have a new version ordered and cannot comment on it's length yet. that one may be longer than the card.

If you wish I can takes some pics and e-mail them to you

That would be great.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: Navid
If you decide to get the silencer, make sure you get the correct version. The one for the 256M memory card is different than the one for the 128M memory card.

Thanks, I'll look out for that.

 

[surreal1221]

Make any choice yet? I am also looking into getting some sort of aftermarket cooling device for my 9800 pro.

 

[glorygunk]

Get the silencer. It is quiet and will definitely lower case temps because of the direct exhaust system.

I believe www.svc.com has a coupon code "acsilencer" you can apply for $5 off all models of Arctic Cooling Silencers.

 

[sn8ke]

I recently got a VGA Silencer 3 from newegg for $13.99. One of the best purchases i've ever made. Easy install as well, only problem was the stock heatsink was a bit of a pain. Love it so far. Looks like you have plenty of room.

 

[wisdomtooth]

I'm the happy owner of a 9800 with an Arctic Silencer.. I've heard stories on how some people had grinding noises from their Arctic Silencers or that it doesn't push air. I guess I must be one of the lucky ones whose Arctic Silencer works well.

 

[DeathScytheVT]

I too have a 9800 Pro with an Arctic Silencer, and it's amazing. You don't always feel a lot of air moving out the back, but it definately does a great job of keeping the card cool, and it makes very very little noise.

 

[CraigRT]

I'd go with the sliencer.
I have one on my 6800GT and I love it.. very quiet and does a great job of cooling especially considering the noise level. Also cools the memory.

 

[MDE]

Zalman. I've had both a Silencer and the Zalman on my 6800GT and the Zalman is better.

 

[surreal1221]

better on the 6800gt, but did you use the zalmon on a 9800pro?

 

[Chode Messiah]

zalman cools better, arctic silencer just makes it quiter. 9800pro is a very hot card

 

[Denithor]

I can vouch for the "grinding" noise with the AC Rev3: the fan constantly sounds like it has rocks bouncing around in it. Suckies!

I'm looking for something else now, this just bites completely. It is the loudest thing in my case, although in it's favor it does a good job keeping the card cool and heat out of the case.

 

[Chode Messiah]

get the zalman.It cools better, and it'll match ur heatsink. Also, you may want to consider braiding and ducting the wires to improve airflow.