Heatsink on an XFX 8800gs

[SirJangly]

I don't really enjoy this 100% all the time fan lol. I'd like a better and more quiet cooling option Thanks in advance guys!

 

[AzN]

You might want to do a 7volt mod the fan if you don't want to pay for a heatsink fan but you might lose warranty.

XFX doesn't use a reference 8800gs PCB either. Zalmon VF900 pretty much fits any cards though.

 

[SirJangly]

What does a volt mod do? I'm guessing a new fan/heatsink would be good, because I'm guessing the stock one isn't very good . I am getting 61*C at idle right now.

 

[Hauk]

Oops, nevermind, won't fit

 

[SirJangly]

HUh? tell me lol

 

[Hauk]

I was thinking about an EVGA dual slot cooler that fits the GT's, but missed the pcb size difference with XFX. Couldn't find anything that says it fits the GS other than the Zalman that AZN recommended.

 

[AzN]

Originally posted by: SirJangly
What does a volt mod do? I'm guessing a new fan/heatsink would be good, because I'm guessing the stock one isn't very good . I am getting 61*C at idle right now.

It's where you run your fan @ 7 volts instead of 12volts. Making your fan spin slower. Directions are available if you just google.

 

[SirJangly]

Originally posted by: Azn

Originally posted by: SirJangly
What does a volt mod do? I'm guessing a new fan/heatsink would be good, because I'm guessing the stock one isn't very good . I am getting 61*C at idle right now.

It's where you run your fan @ 7 volts instead of 12volts. Making your fan spin slower. Directions are available if you just google.

Would that make the card run hotter as well?

 

[Hauk]

Yes it would. The first thing to consider is with current drivers, nV should have addressed any fan speed issues. So if the fan is running at 100% even at idle, I'd be looking at case airflow. Plenty of air? How big a case? Can you increase airflow around card if it's currently lacking? You'd be surprised how hot air around card can affect temps, thus keeping fan speed high..

 

[SirJangly]

Originally posted by: SteelSix
Yes it would. The first thing to consider is with current drivers, nV should have addressed any fan speed issues. So if the fan is running at 100% even at idle, I'd be looking at case airflow. Plenty of air? How big a case? Can you increase airflow around card if it's currently lacking? You'd be surprised how hot air around card can affect temps, thus keeping fan speed high..

Ahh well I heard many of the xfx fans are just at 100% all the time. I was thinking about installing a 240mm fan on the side of the comp...how would that do? I'd either buy a fan and install it, or buy a case side with it pre installed...

 

[Hauk]

Ahh, just researched, fixed fan speed with 2-pin connector so now software/bios adjustments are possible. It's 100% or nothing. Disregard comments about case airflow. A little research can go a long way.

Back to what Azn said (credit where it's due), there's a volt mod to the pcb but you may be better off just installing an aftermarket cooler. I'd lean towards something compact considering size of pcb:

Zalman VF700 Copper

Zalman VF700 Alu

Edit: Tip with the ramsinks. The adhesive strip gives a little first time they receive heat, ramsinks have been known to fall off. Solution, apply two at a time then give them some heat from a hairdryer then gently press on them for a couple mintues. Should have no troubles then..

 

[AzN]

I doubt it will run that hot even at 7 volts. Plenty comfortable. My EVGA 8800gs runs @ 50% fan at full overclocked settings.

XFX 8800gs is so cheap anyway. I'm sure you didn't pay too much but buying a zalman could potentially make your investment more with such a cheap card. If you don't want to void your warranty you can stick wires into the fan connector of the xfx card and than do the volts to connector.