EVGA 980ti Hybrid cooling/SLI questions

[adambean]

Hey all,

I am setting up this card and curious ... can I change the fan? The power is connected to the GPU, so I'm wondering if the card doesn't control its own fan? I wanted to swap for a Thermaltake Riing, which wouldn't support using the supplied power line from the card.

Further, in the event of someday I move to a SLI configuration... does it have to be the same exact card? If so, that makes me nervous as I may not have an optimal spot for a second radiator with my Enthoo Luxe ...

Thanks

 

[Janus67]

I assume the fan is changable just by removing screws and screwing in a new fan, would be surprising to see otherwise. The fan that connects to the GPU is likely using a PWM connection to let the GPU power it and control the speed as necessary. If you put in a new one that went to a fan header on the motherboard or uses a 4pin molex it should be fine as well.

If you go SLI cards do not have to be the same, as long as they are the same model (980ti + 980ti). Of note, generally the two cards synchronize in SLI (and in AMD's crossfire) to run at the speed of the slower card to not have inconsistencies.

 

[adambean]

Thank you! The fan will be going to a controller, so I'd assume it'll work, but obviously the GPU won't be able to control its speed. Assuming I'm not stupid with OC'ing, it should be fine tho right?

Thanks!

 

[Janus67]

Yeah it should be fine. Generally GPUs don't care whether or not they can tell if a fan is plugged in as long as it is staying cool enough. If they did people would have issues installing water blocks on their GPUs