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Thread: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

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    How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    Recently my PowerColor 1950Pro card with an Accelero X2 cooler has started making a horrible rattle noise. I'm not keen on returning it under warranty because I'd have to be without the use of my PC while it gets processed, so I'm considering getting one of these Accelero AC-S1 passive coolers.

    I leave my PC on 24/7, only play games for under a few hours a week and don't overclock, so I'm guessing this will be a good cooler for me.

    I've never changed a graphics card cooler before; can anyone tell me what's involved and if I'd need to buy thermal paste or if the new cooler would come with some?

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    Re: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    no.. they're piss easy to install.. just as long as you dont do silly things and follow the instructions then everything should get sorted fairly quickly..

    Oh.. remember to have some 50/50 H20/Isoprop around..
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    Re: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    The Arctic S1 should come with the MX-1 pre-applied according to reviews, so if you don't have any thermal paste and can't justify buying some just for a GFX card, then it should do fine.

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    Re: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    Quote Originally Posted by TooNice View Post
    The Arctic S1 should come with the MX-1 pre-applied according to reviews, so if you don't have any thermal paste and can't justify buying some just for a GFX card, then it should do fine.
    Thanks, I think I might buy some anyway, just to have some to hand for if I ever neer it... it doesn't go out of date or dry up in the tube or anything like that does it?

    Quote Originally Posted by sawyen View Post
    Oh.. remember to have some 50/50 H20/Isoprop around..
    It's been ages since I had a tube of thermal paste... I'm guessing they are different types of it? - what's the best stuff to buy? and is scan the best place to buy it? or do they charge too much for small things like that? - maybe ebay would be better??? - what brand should I look for?

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    Re: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    Firstly i would remove the current cooler and clean it out completely. I've in the past thought fans had packed up when it was just lots of dust that had accumulated and once cleaned they worked again as new.

    If that is unsuccessful then the S1 isn't difficult to attach.

    Some thermal pastes do settle over time it depends personally i'd just buy it when it is needed.

    Best is subjective MX-1 has good reviews. I have used artic silver ceramique successfully on graphics cards before, it is non conductive and therefore carries less risk of shorting.

    here is a comparison review that might help you.

    MADSHRIMPS - Hardware Reviews ,Crazy Projects, Modding Tutorials and Overclocking

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    Re: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    tbh, they don't make any noticeable difference.. I've tried MX-1, AS5, ACeramique.. they're all within 1-2C.. perhaps on coolers where heat transfer is better some of these better paste would sort of shine..

    I have an HR3-GT and AS5 made 0 difference.. well.. at the level of error of an IR temp reader it is..

    If you can't be bothered with 50/50 isoprop/H2O, there's always the retail solution (Akasa TIM cleaner or the AC cleaning kit).. which well.. sort of the same, just smells better..
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    Re: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    Please remember that by replaceing the cooler on your graphics card you are invalidateing the warranty.

    I'd try to clean it out first, also check that something silly isn't causeing it, like it's a differnt component causeing the sound, or something is getting sucked into the fan

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    Senior Member Andaho's Avatar
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    Re: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    was easy to install, just a little time consuming cleaning off thermal stickers on the ram chips. Very pleased with the Accelero S1 a very nice passive heatsink

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    Re: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    Well, try strapping a 120mm on it.. it flies..

    At least my HR3-GT did.. took the 92mm off and strapped a 120mm on it.. 34C idle, 38C load... on Crysis it gets to 40..

    Should be around the same for the S1...
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    Senior Member Andaho's Avatar
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    Re: How hard is it to install a new VGA cooler?

    I don't play games very often, but if I do notice the temp getting a bit high I will strap a 120mm sharkoon to it - it's nice to have a quiet PC again

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