[Charr]

I have vmodded the core of my 7900GT a while back, and to so I got a Thermaltake ND1 for it. It works well, at 1.5v vcore under full load it remains under 60C. However, I was disappointed with the memory because it only gets upto 830. With a quick pencil mod, I increased vmem from 1.9v to 2.18v. The performance gain was about 100MHz, but the problem is, the card is now very hot!!! The sheer heat output from the memory chips increased the core temp to nearly 90 under load!. Also, the entire PCB of the card became hot enough to cause discomfort when touching. I took the mod down before returning the card to active duty again.

However, I think the problem is the crappy thermal pads Thermaltake included with the cooler. I have some Seiksu 5760, but that is way too thin for this application. Can I use thermal paste to bridge the distance instead (AS Ceramique)?

[bryan_d]

Ouch,

Even with 4 less pipes and 1 less shader, my 7900GS running 725 MHz Core and 830MHz Mem, does not break 50C. I have mine volt modded to 1.5V too.

I think your problem might be associated more with high ambient temperatures along with very poor air flow.

Post a picture of you case innards.

Also note, that cooling the back side mosfets and controllers allowed my 7900GS to reach 725/830. Here is a picture:



I would not suggest bridging the gap with TIM, because when the temps rise that stuff will probably just ooze away. Best bet would be to dismantle the whole cooler, and lap the face... I know that is a great amount of surface but it may allow your pads to perform more effectively.

Or buy the Acellero S1!

Good luck,

bryan d

PS - That Silencer wannabe of a cooler was crud on my book from day one.

[Charr]

I do have good airflow, all of my hardware is packed into a Stacker 832 with 8x 70CFM YLs keeping everything cool. I also have the VRMs on the back cooled with heatsinks as well. I still believe it is a combonation the crappy thermalpads and some lights I had pointed on the card when doing work (and 4x 120MM not blowing on it at the time). I took off the vmem, put the side fan panel back on, and took the 2x 20w lights off, and it is back down 48C under load.

Is the 7900GS a G71? If so, I'll check out cooling more of the back, as I only have 3 heatsinks near the bottom of the card.

The cooler is OK. The only reason wy I didn't get an S1 is because I would have to remove my side panel fans for it to fit, and I didn't want to do that.

I have everything all nice and clean on the inside:

[bryan_d]

Yes the 7900GS is based of the same G71 core as the 7950GT and GTX variations as well.



These were verified with my IR thermometer, and the memory related chip gets the hottest out of all the components on the card.

Even with your space limitations, the S1 can have its plastic sides removed with no ill effects which reduce its width about 1CM.

Either way good luck,

bryan d

PS - Unless your pc savvy friends are over, ditch the lights.

[Charr]

Originally Posted by bryan_d

PS - Unless your pc savvy friends are over, ditch the lights.

They aren't case lights, they are desk lights

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(i5...px?SKU=3215092

And out of all the chips on the back, I only had the memory ones sinked so far.

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

[bryan_d]

Originally Posted by Charr

They aren't case lights, they are desk lights

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(i5...px?SKU=3215092

And out of all the chips on the back, I only had the memory ones sinked so far.

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

Ouch! Your lamps have that much of an effect on your case temps? Do you hold breath when you overclock? Just jokes, but I bet your ambient temperatures are pretty high; do you have your central air on the "winter with just boxers" setting?

Post a pic of your overall desk and arrangement. I know my little sisters PC can drop 10C by just simply sliding it foward so that the PC overhangs to grab fresh air.

bryan d