Strange temperature 'problem' with GeForce 6800 Ultra

[Delitus]

Okay, yesterday I installed the NV Silencer 5 for my GeForce 6800 Ultra... it's great and all, since it is much more quieter than the stock cooler. But I have one problem which is somewhat worrying me, and it is with the temps.
When I turn my computer on, the core temperature begins to rise from 60C while it is idling (in Windows), and the rising stops at 70C. Now the strange part - when I run some intense benchmarks (eg. AquaMark3), the temps go DOWN. The card was idling at 70C for the whole day, but after running a few benchmarks, the temp started dropping - and now the card is idling at a healthy 60C.
What's up with this?

 

[Xed]

those temps still seem a bit high, you sure you installed it properly?

 

[Delitus]

I'm pretty sure that I have, since I applied the paste and the GPU and memory are making good contact with the copper plate. But even if I had installed it incorrectly, why would the temps be going down isntead of up when running graphic-intensive apps? It should be the other way around, shouldn't it?

Still confused...

 

[Koyanisquatsi]

what drivers are you using?

 

[Delitus]

I'm using 71.84 Forceware drivers.

 

[Fenuxx]

I would guess that what's happening is that when in Windows, the fan is running at a low speed, as to minimize noise. The card isn't doing anything "serious" so therefore, the fan doesn't have to kick in. However, once the card starts doing something (in your case, AquaMark), then the fan spins up, keeping the temps in line. It is strange, but the more I think about it, the more what I have said makes sense. I have the Silencer as well (for my 6800GT), and when playing games\benchmarking, the fan spins up, but as soon as I quit, the fan spins down. It isn't that noticable, mind you, but I still can hear it (the machine is sitting right next to my monitor). Those temps are perfectly within operating specs, so you shouldn't have to worry much about that either.

Also, a suggestion. From what it sounds like, you used the thermal paste thats included with the NV5, right? I would suggest picking up some Arctic Silver 5 from your local 'puter store, and applying it on the GPU. However, DO NOT APPLY THE ARCTIC SILVER ON THE MEMORY. AS5 is somewhat conductive, and if some spills off onto the PCB, onto the signal traces, you could fry your card. Use the paste that comes with the NV5 for that. Hope this helps.