Zalman VF700AlCU & AGP 6600GT

[mdahc]

If I'm not going to do any overclocking, is it necessary to put on the VF700's RAM sinks? On Zalman's site, the VF700 is pictured without the RAM sinks on an AGP 6600GT. Also, I've looked at almost all retail AGP and PCIe 6600GT's, and none of the PCIe cards have the memory covered by the GPU heatsink (and the PCIe version's memory runs at a higher frequency), and none of the AGP cards have the memory fully covered (I don't think they're partially covered on purpose...card manufacturers just didn't want to make new heatsinks for the AGP cards, and the memory being covered was just coincidence?). I'm just wondering because I've read complaints about the VF700's RAM sinks being too high to fit under the main GPU heatsink (thus people had to use a dremel tool to file them down). However, I think these people were looking to overclock. I'm just looking to rid myself of noise. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mooncancook]

It's not necessary. But if they fit why not use them? if they don't fit you are not going to have problem without them. They fit in my 6600GT PCI-E, not sure about AGP versions.

 

[mdahc]

From what others say and from just looking at the base of the flower GPU heatsink, I'm positive that they won't fit. Since the RAM chips on the AGP 6600GT's are right below the GPU heatsink's base, the 13mm high RAM sinks are just too tall. I spotted some Vantec copper RAM sinks that are 9mm high, so I guess I could always spend a couple of extra $ on those. On the other hand, I'll probably just leave them off.

BTW, does anyone have any advice on the best way to take off the stock shrouded heatsink on the AGP 6600GT (or any heatsink for that matter with the little plastic pegs that stick through the PCB)? The last heatsink I replace was a northbridge heatsink on an old Abit KR7A, and I had to pull and tug for quite a while with a pair of needle nose pliers. Is this pretty much the only way? Sorry for the noobishality.

 

[mooncancook]

To remove stock heatsink, use a plier (or just your finger) to squeeze on the plastic tips and push slightly to get it disengage from the back of the card. Then the only thing that holds the HSF in place is the thermal paste. just pull it off, and wipe everything clean.

The ramsinks that come with VF700 are very short and they should fit easily under the heatsink.

 

[AristoV300]

If you are not overclocking the stock cooling that come with the card is adequate.

 

[WobbleWobble]

No, you don't need the sinks. They're just helpful if you overclock.

 

[mdahc]

Originally posted by: AristoV300
If you are not overclocking the stock cooling that come with the card is adequate.

Yes, I know that. I want the VF700 to reduce the noise produced by the stock cooler.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

Is this an issue specific to that line of cards?

 

[Jotho]

Originally posted by: mooncancook
To remove stock heatsink, use a plier (or just your finger) to squeeze on the plastic tips and push slightly to get it disengage from the back of the card. Then the only thing that holds the HSF in place is the thermal paste. just pull it off, and wipe everything clean.

Thank you!!! I've been looking for a definitive answer on this procedure all over, and it seems that this is how one would remove the stock HSF. I'm guessing it takes a fair amount of pressure on the push pins to get them to release from the card? Also, would it be better to use the card for awhile and let it heat up or just remove the card and use a blow dryer to heat thermal paste?

 

[mdahc]

Originally posted by: makoto00
Is this an issue specific to that line of cards?

What do you mean?

 

[Reiniku]

Originally posted by: mdahc

Originally posted by: makoto00
Is this an issue specific to that line of cards?

What do you mean?

the 6600gt agp line of cards are structured a bit differently from others due to the pci-e to agp bridge chip, making some issues with aftermarket coolers very apparent

 

[mdahc]

I wanted to know if he was talking about the HIS bridge or whether the RAM sinks wouldn't fit on just AGP 6600GT's, because the problem also extends to AGP 6600 standards and 6200's. But again, if you're not overclocking the card, the RAM sinks shouldn't matter.

 

[mooncancook]

Originally posted by: Jotho

Originally posted by: mooncancook
To remove stock heatsink, use a plier (or just your finger) to squeeze on the plastic tips and push slightly to get it disengage from the back of the card. Then the only thing that holds the HSF in place is the thermal paste. just pull it off, and wipe everything clean.

Thank you!!! I've been looking for a definitive answer on this procedure all over, and it seems that this is how one would remove the stock HSF. I'm guessing it takes a fair amount of pressure on the push pins to get them to release from the card? Also, would it be better to use the card for awhile and let it heat up or just remove the card and use a blow dryer to heat thermal paste?

You don't need to heat up the thermal paste. It's not like thermal tape. Paste doesn't really glue. Removing the stock HSF is easy and doesn't require lots pressure. I did it with my bare fingers. But I don't have experience with the AGP version so I don't know how different it is. I had the Leadtek 6600GT PCI-E.

Anyway, you'll like the cooler as it runs almost silent while cools better than stock. It looks good too, but note that with the space it takes, you want to leave the slot next to it open so it doesn't hinder airflow. P.S. i think the cooler is compatible with all 6600 video cards as stated on the box.

 

[mdahc]

Here's a good explanation of what I'm talking about with the RAM sinks. Note how the guy had to dremel at least one of them to get it to fit under the heatsink.

 

[Reiniku]

Originally posted by: mdahc
Here's a good explanation of what I'm talking about with the RAM sinks. Note how the guy had to dremel at least one of them to get it to fit under the heatsink.

i find the stock cooler on that apollo card very cool looking :b