Eight Video Card Coolers Tested and Compared

Cooling/VGA & Other Cooling by jmke @ 2007-07-18

In this article we test and compare 8 different VGA coolers from Zalman, Gigabyte, Vantec, Coolermaster, ZEROTherm, Arctic Cooling and Titan. The models range from completely passive no-noise solutions to multi heat pipes equipped cooling monsters. Read on to find out which one(s) offer the best performance/noise balance.

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Gigabyte V-Power: Closer Look and Install

Gigabyte V-Power - Closer Look & Installation

The V-Power features 4 heat pipes which transfer the heat from the base to the aluminum fins which are spread out the length of the VGA card:


Madshrimps (c)


The base is smooth and is large enough to cover the largest of GPUs:

Madshrimps (c)

Madshrimps (c)


Installation is very easy, 4 screws hold the cooler in place and make for a secure fit on the GPU core:

Madshrimps (c)


Depending on the video card length you have to add the extra bit of air duct, in case of the 7900 GT this is not needed.

Madshrimps (c)


Inside the case the V-Power takes up at least 1 PCI slot under the VGA card and possible a second if you don’t want to hinder airflow by placing a PCI card on top of the cooling fan.

Madshrimps (c)


When powered on the LED fan allows for some eye-candy for those with window in their side panel.

Madshrimps (c)

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Comment from agent #2 @ 2007/07/19
Nice article.
Comment from jmke @ 2007/07/19
Thanks; got a correct comment through email that the 7900 GT is quite cool running compared to some mid-range ATI models like the X1900 series. Our next GPU roundup will most likely feature a next gen HD 29xx or NV 88xx series card
Comment from Spanki @ 2007/07/20
Nice work, as usual jmke. I'd been wondering how some of those stacked up against each other - and now I know .

I have a 7900 GS, but I assume the mounting is the same as the GT, just different chips/clockspeeds.
Comment from jmke @ 2007/07/20
if you can post a PCB shot of the 7900 GS we can found out quickly, but I don't think they'll change around mounting of HSF unless needed (like with AGP version of the 6/7 series)
Comment from Spanki @ 2007/07/20
It's this one. I might have to remove the top plate to attach something like the AC S1.
Comment from jmke @ 2007/07/20
yup, seems like stock NVIDIA 7900 GT design, removing the PCI top plate there is needed, but that's but a little bit of screwing work
Comment from jmke @ 2007/07/21
Mounting holes on 8600GT match those on 7900GT, Zalman VF900 fits with same stand offs as the 7900 GT.

Did a testfit on a Sparkle 8600 GT, using no thermal paste, check out the imprint on the V900 base of the G84 core

and then there is the fact that Galaxy and other companies ship the 8600GT/GTS with Zalman VF900 preinstalled
Comment from Rutar @ 2008/01/23
The S1 completely annihilates the stock cooler on my 8800GT, it doesn't even go over 50° now PASSIVE with 653/1713/1904, even the memory gets cooled better.
Comment from jmke @ 2008/01/23
yup, S1 is really excellent value for money, it will take an innovative design and price point to match/beat it
Comment from Subwoofer @ 2008/01/29
intresting

 

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