Situation:
VGA Silencer + R9800XT = ?
First off, let's get the video card out of the way.
I have a BBA Radeon 9800 Pro 256 MB which is identical to the 9800 XT in every respect, except that it has a different stock HSF, and is clocked lower to 380/340, core/memory. I flashed it to a full XT running at 412/365.
The VGA Silencer fan header was modified to have the three pin plug required for the 9800XT boards. It is installed using Arctic Silver Ceramique for the TIM. I am using a revision 3 unit.
The result:
TOO HOT!
![Evil or Very Mad :evil:](./images/smilies/icon_evil.gif)
I've been stressing it with RTHDRIBL, and although the temperatures are really high, I have yet to see any artifacts.
Even with it switched to "high", the card is BURNING to the touch. Overdrive tab reports 77 C. It does, however drop nearly 4 C when I open up the side of my case.
This is still roughly 13 C higher than my modified Globalwin WBK38 heatsink with a 5 V 60mm NMB fan (silent). With the Globalwin heatsink bolted to the card, the actual PCB was never burning hot.
Conclusion:
VGA Silencer + R9800XT = POOR COOLING
Suggestion:
For air cooling, modify a decent CPU heatsink, and put your desired quiet fan on it. This defeats the benefits of the VGA Silencer's DHES, however, provides a MUCH more comfortable GPU temperature.