The Arctic Accelero R9 290X-Xtreme III

[Bateluer]

OP, can you post some pictures of your experience adding the Extreme III on your 290X? Thats one of the coolers I was looking at for my 290X, but I wasn't planning on going with anything more than what came with the card aside from possibly the Arctic Silver adhesive I have in the fridge. Not sure if its still good though, had it since 2006-2007 or so.

 

[Z15CAM]

I'm in the same boat.

I don't know how many VRM Modules I have to cover with Heatsinks. If you look at the face of a bare R9 290/X card you will see 6 VRM Modules each with a daughter module vertically inline about 3/4 the way across the PCB. I don't know if the daughter modules are at the same height or if they require heatsinks. I also see 2 VRM modules with one daughter module at about 11 o-clock approx 1/8 across the PCB. That makes for any where between 8 and if you include the daughter modules 15 locations to install the Enzotech Mosfet Coolers using the Arctic Silver Adhesive/Ceramique2 Paste 50/50 MIX. Since Enzotech only sells the Copper Mosfet Coolers in Pkgs of 10 you have to buy 2 pkgs to be on the safe side.

There are 16 vRam Chips around the R9 290/X GPU. Enzoteck only sells these BCC9 (BMR-C1L) Low Profile Copper BGA Heatsinks in Pkg's of 8 - So you need to buy 2 Pkgs

Plus a Tube of Artic Silver Adhesive and a tube of Arctic Silver Ceramique2 Paste specifically for the VRM Modules adds up to arround $85 more then the origional R9 290/X - Arctic Accelero Xtreme III combination but I do end up with a fresh supply of Thermal Adhesive and Paste plus a few extra Heatsinks I could use elsewhere.

On a cautionary note. Look at the bottom vRam Chip below the GPU - no doubt a Heatsink will interfere with the Cooler Mounting Bracket, so we have to mod the HS to clear or use a partial one.

 

[3DVagabond]

If you look at the thermal image you can see that those VRM @ 11:00 in the pic do need cooling. It looks like the reference design doesn't do a great job of it either as they are the hottest spot on the board.

I probably don't need to point it out but the 2 pics are inverted so the VRM in question is @ ~7:00 in the thermal image.

(Image from hardware.fr)

 

[Z15CAM]

I should have Titled this thread as :"The Arctic Accelero R9 290X-Xtreme III" May be the OP's can do something about that ; o)

can you post some pictures of your experience adding the Extreme III on your 290X?

That I can do once all my parts come in. I will however install the Card in Reference Dress 1st and run it for awhile to determine Driver compatibility, Tweaks and get a good feel for it, note Bench Performances ...etc before I convert to the Accelero Xtreme III and make the comparison - I'm probably looking at about 3 weeks before I get around to the final conversion and elaborate.

The R9 290X isn't here yet and I'm still on my old trusty Green Gal: a GTX280.

I'm a very patient Bloke but not patient enough to convince me that the AID solution won't be any better then the route I'm taking before considering a Water Block - YAH HEAR ME! - LOL

Plus I got an excellent air breathing Fractal Midi ARC II case packed with 140mm fans and a Carsair H110 that will compliment the Accelero Xtreme III cooling characteristics.

Guess I'm rather Old School, like to tinker and explore matters that interest me to the limit. Only problem is the older I get CRAFT Disease is Cancerous and if you forget that - It's pretty well over.

PS: I bet that Accelero Xtreme III's Thermal Adhesive Glue IS FUJIK Thermal Glue. Even before opening the package, I would say the Arctic Accelero Xtreme III Kit has skimmed somewhat on the quality of parts responsible for cooling the vRam and VRM Modules and more specifically lacks to focus on the Metal Cased VRM Modules. One mod I'm considering is using something like FUJIK Thermal Glue fixing a Copper Strip or Round Hollow Copper tube slotted to fit to the underside fins of the cooler which will contact to the ends of the Enzotech Mosfet Coolers with a strip of Thermal Tape or FUJIK Thermal Glue. It will take some Scribing Skills but I'm an old Boat and Model Airplane Artist. Call it an Air/Copper Conduit Hybrid System to best dissipate heat away from the Metal Cases of the VRM modules. I can't say if not blocking air flow directly above the Mosfet HS is a better solution but my guess - Implementing a Hollow Round Copper Tube to enhance Air Flow and is a Solid Interface to extract Heat from the VRMs - Is the Better and more Efficient Solution for this specific issue yet I can't say if the vibration of the Xtreme III's Extended Fins will hamper such a concept - Perhaps a Spring mechanism or a bracket attached between to the Extended Fins at mid point and to the end of the Video Card in order to keep both Peripherals in Sync thus preventing the contact interface from moving - May be it's a simple as using Tie-Downs - YUK!

I haven't received the Card or Accelero Kit yet but considering it to be a regarded Hi-End Generic Air Cooler for Video Cards I expect such and looking froward to working with it. I clearly spend more time on PC's Shuffling Files and Hardware around, Programming, Forum Chatting while Encoding Video in the background then I do Gaming and it may about to change because it's incredible just how far Realistic PC Gaming Technology has advanced - I must look into it.

I'll try and keep you posted on the progress - Thank You All for your interest and instructions: RON
-------------------------------

i7 2700k/ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Gen3/Corsair H110 AIO (running @ .996v/1600Mhz to 1.376v/4600Mhz 24/7 between 36 to 67C), 4 x's 4GB sticks of Samsung MV-3V4G3D-US DDR3 running at 1.34v/1866Mhz 9-9-9-24 1T with 4GB's assigned to a RAMDisk drive to handle Win7 64 Bit Sluff and negate writes to the SSD, Samsung 840 Pro 256 SSD, 2 x's WD5001AALS HDD's in Raid-0, 1 x's WD1002FAEX 1TB, ASUS DRW-24B1ST DVDRW, Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1250 PCIe, 2nd Intel NIC for Dual Networking, XFX 850W Pro Black Black Edition modular PSU, AMD Ref Gigabyte 1000Mhz R9 290X/Accelero Xtreme III, eVGA GTX 280 in reserve for Physic's-X support, Fractal Design ARC Midi R2 case, QX2510 Samsung PLS 2560x1440 res display at 120Hz.

TOTAL Investment on this Platform including 13% HST Tax Plus Shipping is approx $2,534.00 spent over a period of a year.

Aside from Mfgr's 10 to 15% price markup selling to the CDN Market the killer is the 13% HST Tax and cost of shipping in Canada. I pd $3000 for a 386-40 DX in 1994 - LOL.

 

[Bateluer]

I

On a cautionary note. Look at the bottom vRam Chip below the GPU - no doubt a Heatsink will interfere with the Cooler Mounting Bracket, so we have to mod the HS to clear or use a partial one.

I know it is possible to add an Extreme III to a reference 290X because THG did exactly that in their review. They've promised a guide on it shortly, but did note some modification was required.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-r9-290-review-benchmark,3659-19.html


Looks like they used a thermal pad on that lower RAM chip?
http://www.tomshardware.com/gallery/AXIII-05,0101-407832-0-2-3-1-jpg-.html

 

[bgt]

I glued my heatsinks(included with the Accelero Xtreme 7970 + some extra heatsinks) directly to my VRM/Memory chips on my 7950. I use Loctite 315+7386 activator. Never have any heating problems anymore. I always glue any heatsink to the chip if there is a heatpad present. On motherboards also. I know...you cannot RMA it anymore...........but who cares Fixed heatsinks are way better than heatsinks with heatpads. Replacing my 7950 with a 290 soon too.

 

[Gloomy]

Anyone got temp/noise numbers for non-reference cooled Hawaii?

 

[Z15CAM]

I probably don't need to point it out but the 2 pics are inverted so the VRM in question is @ ~7:00 in the thermal image.

Either my monitor or my eye's are screwed or you're cross-eyed. The PIC, NOT 2 PIC's of the R9 290X PCB I linked to, looks good to me and I'm not arguing what you see because I have no rebuttal - LOL

Anyway, I believe, we are on the same plain, NOT "The plane, the plane", in reference to the interest I see in this thread when; for a Few Dollars more, enthusiasts can Best AIB Solutions especially, at this time, when there are No AIB Solutions.

An opportune Window has opened to feed my curiosity an compels me to spend money. Nothing has convinced me differently for barking up the wrong tree concerning Air Cooling a Video Card that apparently can't be Air Cooled.

I'm a Sick Puppy fighting Arthritis, Dimensiona, CRAFT Disease and Old Age but doesn't mean I don't want to be entertained and forbid learning in the process.

 

[Ferzerp]

That's a nice cooler. I have one on one of my 680s. For anyone more concerned with noise than cost and doesn't want to deal with the mess of true water cooling, I like this admittedly overpriced cooler. It far out performs any stock gpu cooler I've ever seen.

Hopefully you do better than I did with the little VRM/RAM sinks...

 

[Z15CAM]

and doesn't want to deal with the mess of true water cooling

The last resort to Water Cooling - YES - Question: Can AIB Mfgr's solutions beat the Enthusiast on Air? I say we score with these R9 290/X offerings from AMD for less then $100 more then then what the Cards worth - Dispensing Woman/Man hours. So what, I'm a sucker for a Challenge. Where's the Proof - Well I'm working on it and enjoying it . Money well worth spent for me , considering Upgrading from a GTX 280.

I missed the whole Walkman and DVD Era because I discovered Lame and found MPG4C32.DLL on a Win98 Gold Disk with a PC. I've no qualms Editing BIOS Flash Firmware as long as I have the Software Tools and can see how the programming is written.

I feed on codes and Flashing Hardware but not before I BachUp Firmware and the OS with a 1.34 MB DOS Utility named GHOST.EXE.

I use DOS Ghost Sys-PREP Win 7/8 Back-Ups on a thumb to save the No End Game.

This does look Pretty but I think Copper HS are more efficient: 3DVagabond - Is this Image OK ;o)

 

[Redvineal]

In summary, regardless of adhesive mixture or tape, it sounds like the general consensus is to get 2 sets of MOS-C1 (modification required) for VRM and 2 sets of BCC9 for vRam from Enzotech?. Is this accurate?

A little bit of digging reveals the MOS-C10 available from Enzotech, which is low profile. Will the bigger foot print of the MOS-C10 (as compared to MOS-C1) pose a problem for the VRM?

 

[Z15CAM]

The vRam chips look to be around 12mm x 15mm making the BCC9's 14(L) mm x 14mm(W) x 9mm(H) just about right. The MOS-C10 has a 10mm x 10mm foot print which is a little small for the vRam but that foot print might just do to cover each VRM and Daughter together - Providing they are the same Height.

The VRM modules appear to be around 5mm x 5mm and not more then 3.5mm x 3.5mm for the daughter modules. I just hope I have the room, without filing, to get them 6.5(L) mm x6.5mm(W) x12mm(H) MOS-C1 Mosfet HS's in there. If I knew for sure the Daughter Modules where the same height as the VRM's I would say something like a 80(L) mm x 6mm(W) x12mm(H) HS would do a nice job covering all the VRM Modules on that section of the card. A single BCC9 might do for the 2 VRM's an daughter at 11 0-clock.


I should know what I'm looking at by the end of the week when my orders come in; but as said, I will be running the card for awhile with the Reference Cooler so I know what I'm up against - Besides I don't want to NIX the Warranty if the Card is NFG to begin with ;o)

 

[3DVagabond]

The vRam chips look to be around 12mm x 15mm making the BCC9's 14(L) mm x 14mm(W) x 9mm(H) just about right. The MOS-C10 has a 10mm x 10mm foot print which is a little small for the vRam but that foot print might just do to cover each VRM and Daughter together - Providing they are the same Height.

The VRM modules appear to be around 5mm x 5mm and not more then 3.5mm x 3.5mm for the daughter modules. I just hope I have the room, without filing, to get them 6.5(L) mm x6.5mm(W) x12mm(H) MOS-C1 Mosfet HS's in there. If I knew for sure the Daughter Modules where the same height as the VRM's I would say something like a 80(L) mm x 6mm(W) x12mm(H) HS would do a nice job covering all the VRM Modules on that section of the card. A single BCC9 might do for the 2 VRM's an daughter at 11 0-clock.


I should know what I'm looking at by the end of the week when my orders come in; but as said, I will be running the card for awhile with the Reference Cooler so I know what I'm up against - Besides I don't want to NIX the Warranty if the Card is NFG to begin with ;o)

Most companies don't void the warranty as long as you return it to them in as purchased condition (reattach the stock cooler) and there's no physical damage.

 

[Bateluer]

The vRam chips look to be around 12mm x 15mm making the BCC9's 14(L) mm x 14mm(W) x 9mm(H) just about right. The MOS-C10 has a 10mm x 10mm foot print which is a little small for the vRam but that foot print might just do to cover each VRM and Daughter together - Providing they are the same Height.

Would the BCC9s 9mm height clear the Extreme III's heat sink? I'm hoping to place an order for 2x packs of BCC9s and the Extreme III when I get home from work tonight.

 

[Z15CAM]

Would the BCC9s 9mm height clear the Extreme III's heat sink?

I may very have the answer to that by the end of the week.

 

[Eymar]

The ram sinks that come with Extreme 3 are around 9mm so I'd say so.

 

[Eymar]

Most companies don't void the warranty as long as you return it to them in as purchased condition (reattach the stock cooler) and there's no physical damage.

Hope that's true as one of my Gigabyte 290x's has the random Black Screen/Freeze problem so probably need to RMA. Problem seems semi widespread so looks like there is a batch of bad cards out ther. Thankfully the thermal glue that came with the Extreme 3 is easy enough to remove(easier to remove during install put a lot of glue then upon removal heat up ram sink with hair dryer, then twist ram sink with pliers), but hard to get clean. Once cleaned up, going to put stock back on and see if issue still remains.

 

[Bateluer]

I may very have the answer to that by the end of the week.

Dang it, I want the parts by the end of the week so I can install it this weekend.

Edit - I just realized I have some ArctiClean cleaner in my fridge, the two stage goop cleaner from Arctic. But its around 5 years old . . . whats the shelf life on that stuff?

 

[blak24]

Guys I live in Italy, and the only heatsinks available to buy are the Zalman ZM-RHS1, which are 12x12x6mm. Would it be OK? The 290 has the same chips as the 290X, which appears to be 12x15 as someone said few posts ago. The height is 6mm instead of the 9mm of the Accelero Xtreme III, but the main problem I think it would be the dimensions (12x12) as I mentioned before. :\

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Rather than epoxies or other semi-permanent attachments have you considered fujipoly?

 

[Stuka87]

Guys I live in Italy, and the only heatsinks available to buy are the Zalman ZM-RHS1, which are 12x12x6mm. Would it be OK? The 290 has the same chips as the 290X, which appears to be 12x15 as someone said few posts ago. The height is 6mm instead of the 9mm of the Accelero Xtreme III, but the main problem I think it would be the dimensions (12x12) as I mentioned before. :\

Most likely will not work as well as the accelero ones. But they certainly could not be worse than stock. They should still pull off a decent amount of heat.

 

[blak24]

EDIT:

Most likely will not work as well as the accelero ones. But they certainly could not be worse than stock. They should still pull off a decent amount of heat.

Yes I was thinking about that. Why do you say that nor the Accelero ones will work? They fits well the memory chips... Or it isn't so?

 

[Z15CAM]

My purchase came in today - HOLY MAN - Between the weight of the R9 290X and Accelero III we're looking at about a 5 LB installation.

In regards to the Arctic Accelero Xtreme III kit - For a $75 product, including its Alu-Heat-Sinks, it reeks with QUALITY. Makes me wonder if the Copper Enzotech HS alternative is worth it.

Wait and see?

--------------------------------

i7 2700k/ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Gen3/Corsair H110 AIO (running @ .996v/1600Mhz to 1.376v/4600Mhz 24/7 between 36 to 67C), 4 x's 4GB sticks of Samsung MV-3V4G3D-US DDR3 running at 1.34v/1866Mhz 9-9-9-24 1T with 4GB's assigned to a RAMDisk drive to handle Win7 64 Bit Sluff and negate writes to the SSD, Samsung 840 Pro 256 SSD, 2 x's WD5001AALS HDD's in Raid-0, 1 x's WD1002FAEX 1TB, ASUS DRW-24B1ST DVDRW, Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1250 PCIe, 2nd Intel NIC for Dual Networking, XFX 850W Pro Black Black Edition modular PSU, AMD Ref Gigabyte 1000Mhz R9 290X/Accelero Xtreme III, eVGA GTX 280 in reserve for Physic's-X support, Fractal Design ARC Midi R2 case, QX2510 Samsung PLS 2560x1440 res display at 120Hz.

TOTAL Investment on this Platform including 13% HST Tax Plus Shipping is approx $2,534.00 spent over a period of a year.

Aside from Mfgr's 10 to 15% price markup selling to the CDN Market the killer is the 13% HST Tax and cost of shipping in Canada. I pd $3000 for a 386-40 DX in 1994 - LOL.

 

[Stuka87]

EDIT:

Yes I was thinking about that. Why do you say that nor the Accelero ones will work? They fits well the memory chips... Or it isn't so?

The accelero ones are larger, so they will cool better. The zalman ones will still function, just not as well as the accelero ones.

 

[Eymar]

My purchase came in today - HOLY MAN - Between the weight of the card and Accelero III we're looking at about a 5 LB installation.

Yeah, I think backplate is needed preventing the back of the PCB from bending due to weight. Very noticeable bend in PCB when trying to put back the stock cooler back on after installing the Accelero.