Running a 5870 with Accelero S1 with included VRM sinks

[TidusZ]

I am going to get an accelero S1 rev 2 to replace the stock heatsink since the fan has crapped out. My main concern is whether the included VRM heatsink is good enough if I put a 120 mm fan on the main heatsink. Anyone using an accelero S1 rev 2 with a 5870?

 

[superccs]

Yep, it will work just fine. I have had my accelero on everything from my 8800GT to my 460. The HS plus 120mm is golden.

 

[Makaveli]

I've used that setup on a 4980 and it was only good enough with the fan module attached or a case fan blowing on the accelero.

I'm assuming the 4890 and 5870 have comparable load and heat levels.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

is it a reference 5870?

if it is you might want to consider removing the heatsink and fan/blower shroud from the base plate and keep the base plate installed to the card to cool the VRMs

in my experience it does a far better job cooling (the VRMs actually get their own mini heatpipe built into the base plate

I say this because I almost killed a reference 5850 when I failed to properly cool the VRMs, luckily they do a good job of shutting down if they are pushed to hard.

you also might have to bend a few fins to get it to fit (the double stacked DVI ports can get in the way if I recall correctly)

but once you do complete the mod it would likely mean you could hit 1+GHz speeds if you're willing to supply the volts, the cooling should be more than up to the task.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

I've used that setup on a 4980 and it was only good enough with the fan module attached or a case fan blowing on the accelero.

I'm assuming the 4890 and 5870 have comparable load and heat levels.

he said he's going to attach a 120mm fan to it, which is what I've done on a 8800GT, a 4850 and a 5850 to much success. Only needs 2 zip ties to do it and keeps temps/noise way down.

 

[Makaveli]

he said he's going to attach a 120mm fan to it, which is what I've done on a 8800GT, a 4850 and a 5850 to much success. Only needs 2 zip ties to do it and keeps temps/noise way down.

Then he should be good to go.

120mm fan should be nice and quiet and provide enough air.

 

[KingFatty]

is it a reference 5870?

if it is you might want to consider removing the heatsink and fan/blower shroud from the base plate and keep the base plate installed to the card to cool the VRMs

in my experience it does a far better job cooling (the VRMs actually get their own mini heatpipe built into the base plate

I say this because I almost killed a reference 5850 when I failed to properly cool the VRMs, luckily they do a good job of shutting down if they are pushed to hard.

you also might have to bend a few fins to get it to fit (the double stacked DVI ports can get in the way if I recall correctly)

but once you do complete the mod it would likely mean you could hit 1+GHz speeds if you're willing to supply the volts, the cooling should be more than up to the task.

I don't think this works on the 5870, since it is different than the 5850 - with the 5870 the heatsink/fins are welded to the baseplate, so there is no practical way to keep the stock reference baseplate on the 5870 while using a different heatsink.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

I don't think this works on the 5870, since it is different than the 5850 - with the 5870 the heatsink/fins are welded to the baseplate, so there is no practical way to keep the stock reference baseplate on the 5870 while using a different heatsink.

did not know that, would seem very strange to me if that is the case

 

[TidusZ]

I have the card apart right now and I think it is indeed welded to the baseplate, I was pulling pretty hard on the heatsink and I don't see any screws. The accelero seems to come with ram sinks and a longer heatsink for the VRMs, although it is extremely minimal compared to that $25 one thermalright is selling. I don't really want to spend more than $20 if i can get away with it as this is just a card for my 2nd pc and if I spend 50+ dollars to fix the problem that seems like a bad deal.

 

[KingFatty]

If you are adventurous, you could try getting a hacksaw and cut the baseplate into thirds, where you get rid of the middle section that has the welded heatsink, and use the end sections to cover the VRMs on either end of the card. You'd probably have to use the stick-on heatsinks for the memory chips, but they aren't as performance/heat-critical as the VRMs that will get very hot. But a smaller plate will have less surface area, so maybe use some stick-on heatsinks on top of the plate? I guess at some point you'll have diminshing returns as you add more layers on top of the VRMs, but I guess it also depends on your airflow.

But maybe you can try both configurations and see which does a better job keeping the VRMs cool.