I'm having temperature issues with 2 460s in SLI

[cardshark828]

A couple of days ago I got another GTX 460 to run in SLI with the 460 which I already owned. Since installing the card, I am finding that the top card inevitably hits 100c when gaming. When I have the fan speed on the card set to 100%, it still hits 100c. I believe this is an airflow issue rather than a problem with the cards, as when I run either card alone they run at normal temperatures. I have the cards installed in the dark blue PCI-E 2.0 slots on the board. There is another white PCI-E slot at the bottom of the board, but neither card will fit in it as my PSU obstructs it. I have a Coolermaster HAF 922 with only the 3 case fans that come pre-installed with the case. There is room for 2 extra fans at the side and bottom.

Is it likely that adding extra fans would be enough to keep the temperature down on the top card, or should I really be looking at getting a new, bigger case like the HAF-X? It's a pity about the temperatures, as I'm very satisifed with the performance increase compared to a single 460.

Thanks guys for any advice you can offer.

 

[Zap]

If you don't mind the noise, you can direct more air to the card. Start by sticking a fan on top of the top card, blowing down on the PCB. It should be good for a couple degrees difference.

 

[mnewsham]

I would add a side 120mm fan with high CFM. Since that should be right around where the GPU's are, make sure you have outtake fans as well.

 

[Madcatatlas]

Granted that 2 cards in SLI/Crossfire can heat up pretty good, but it does as you yourself point out, probably have more to do with bad airflow in your case.

Very happy with my HAF 922 case!

 

[Gikaseixas]

Def. revise your case airflow. Your case is really good in cooling stuff. Get another fan for you side panel

 

[Seero]

A couple of days ago I got another GTX 460 to run in SLI with the 460 which I already owned. Since installing the card, I am finding that the top card inevitably hits 100c when gaming. When I have the fan speed on the card set to 100%, it still hits 100c. I believe this is an airflow issue rather than a problem with the cards, as when I run either card alone they run at normal temperatures. I have the cards installed in the dark blue PCI-E 2.0 slots on the board. There is another white PCI-E slot at the bottom of the board, but neither card will fit in it as my PSU obstructs it. I have a Coolermaster HAF 922 with only the 3 case fans that come pre-installed with the case. There is room for 2 extra fans at the side and bottom.

Is it likely that adding extra fans would be enough to keep the temperature down on the top card, or should I really be looking at getting a new, bigger case like the HAF-X? It's a pity about the temperatures, as I'm very satisifed with the performance increase compared to a single 460.

Thanks guys for any advice you can offer.

It isn't the case or fan, it is the space between the 2 cards. There are a good several threads about temps on SLI where the 2 cards are put back to back, which shouldn't be.

PSU can't be in the way for the 3rd slot unless you are concern about PSU blocking the intake of the 2nd card. I use HAF-932 and don't have any problem putting the 2nd 460 at the 3rd slot.

You should be able to mount PSU at the top of the case instead of bottom.

As a reference both of my cards reaches 70 degree under heavy load and never breaks 75c after hours of burning with OC.

 

[T101]

With 2 x 470 I _need_ a sidepanel fan to blow air over the cards. Also I need to keep the room where I am in cool and ventilated. Since my computer easily goes through the air in the room quickly and heats it up. I spent a lot of time trying to improve the case airflow, only to realize I had to improve the airflow in the room

 

[Gikaseixas]

It isn't the case or fan

believe me it helps. The side fan blows air directly to the cards. Room temperature also plays a role here.

 

[Seero]

believe me it helps. The side fan blows air directly to the cards. Room temperature also plays a role here.

Yes, extra fan and room temp helps, but that isn't the root cause of the problem. 460 GTX uses a Axial fan, which is not suppose to be put back to back with another card, doing so is equivalent to blocking the intake. Cards that are meant to be used back to back use Centrifugal fan, which a extra fan helps a lot.

 

[razaice]

I don't think your card should hit that kind of temperature. I have the same case with 2 gtx 460s, and the highest temp I've ever seen them get to is 70c, and that was only once on a hot day. What temp does your other card get to? I would maybe try to get the top one replaced, or maybe reverse them and see if the result is different.

 

[Jacky60]

rig a 120mm fan real close to the gap between the cards. I've used cable ties to do this as the gpu fans have trouble sucking enough air in through that tiny gap. It will take 5 mins but be more effective than a fan 20cm away. You can suspend it from one of the power leads as the fan weighs very little. Make sure you get decent airflow fans as i bought 4 really sucking 120mm fans then had to replace them all with decent akasa fans so don't just buy the cheapest as they push very little air.

 

[Gikaseixas]

Yes, extra fan and room temp helps, but that isn't the root cause of the problem. 460 GTX uses a Axial fan, which is not suppose to be put back to back with another card, doing so is equivalent to blocking the intake. Cards that are meant to be used back to back use Centrifugal fan, which a extra fan helps a lot.

I'm fully aware of that, however you're implying that cards with axial fans are not designed for multiple card solutions...

Note that axial fans are very common. I still say that an extra fan blowing fresh air directly onto the card will help. He has a case with that option, why not explore it???