Akron Posted January 21, 2004 Posted January 21, 2004 Hello, I really need some help on choosing an efficient cooling system for my Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB. I am not planning on overclocking, at least for now. However, I don't trust the stock heatsink and fan because I live in Malta and it gets quite hot in the summer, outside temps even reaching 35 degrees celsius (in some terrible cases even 40). I have an outtake case fan at the rear. My options are really between the Zalman heatpipe cooler and the Vantec Iceberq 4. I don't mind noise (although the iceberq doesnt make much) and as such I would prefer the Iceberq. Much much smaller and more conveniant. However, I just want to know if it will be safe enough and if there is any real performance advantage in using the Zalman. I really need a quick answer ..thank you very much :) Akron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paranoid Posted January 21, 2004 Posted January 21, 2004 I got better results with the Iceberq4 than I did with the Zalman. It is very effecient, and very quiet. The Zalman is OK, but in my opinion the Iceberq4 is better. It is usually cheaper too. Use some Ceramique or AS3 instead of the included compound for better results. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akron Posted January 21, 2004 Posted January 21, 2004 Thanks I will use Arctic Silver 5..is that good? How much better is the Iceberq compared to stock then? Approximately... Any more testimonials? I would like more opinions if possible Keith P.S. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paranoid Posted January 21, 2004 Posted January 21, 2004 Arctic Silver 5 is even better. The Iceberq4 helped me overclock my core speed another 20MHz. I got 594 with stock cooling, and 614 with the Iceberq4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akron Posted January 21, 2004 Posted January 21, 2004 Thanks I bought the Iceberq off e-bay. I thought long about the Zalman + the additional fan attached to it but well, there are too many disadvantages (big, heavy, a bit complicated to install) etc and well, if the Iceberq performs as well or even better then I get that. I just hope the harsh summer doesn't melt everything down...I''ll make sure the air flow is good when summer arrives. I'm not overclocking so the Iceberq should do the job. Question: any tips for better air flow? Intake fan? Are slot coolers worth the money anyway? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTSticky Posted January 21, 2004 Posted January 21, 2004 However, I don't trust the stock heatsink and fan because I live in Malta and it gets quite hot in the summer Take a look at the Vantec fan card or another solution that moves a lot of air. As the temperature difference between your components and the air temperature decreases (I.E. they get closer together because it gets hotter in the summer or whatever) you need more airflow to get the same cooling. Overcool now and you won't have to make any adjustments when it gets hotter. Wait till you "figure out you need more cooling" and it could cost you a component to figure it out You might also consider cutting a hole in the side and mounting a fan over the CPU/Video card. A nice quiet 92mm one should do nicely and will keep the air moving without too much noise. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akron Posted January 22, 2004 Posted January 22, 2004 (edited) Thanks... Another question: Do these slot coolers consume a lot of power? I have a 300W PSU and I got the Radeon 9800 Pro 128, a DVD-RW and a CD-ROM attached to it directly. The monitor has its own cable plugged independent of the computer. And well, any guides on how to *perfectly* add a side fan? Also, intake or exhaust? I have an exhaust case fan at the rear already. Thanks Edited January 22, 2004 by Akron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paranoid Posted January 22, 2004 Posted January 22, 2004 You might want to get a bigger PSU (400+ watts) Here is a guide for a fan hole Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akron Posted January 22, 2004 Posted January 22, 2004 I see. I've researched a bit and well, a side case fan near the GPU would probably be a better option than a slot cooler. Well, intake or exhaust? And any other good tips would be really appreciated Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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