SPCR

I'm getting a Radeon 9600XT for a Mac. It has the stock heatsink but no fan. I'm open to replacing the whole thing, or just putting a good fan on it. This will go in a dual 1.42 G4. Any suggestions as to good - quiet and effective - parts?

Does the card come with a fan on the heatsink? If not, why do you need to add one?

The 9600XT was pretty cool running. My PC version only came with a heatsink the size of it's 60mm fan (which was awful). If you had to, I would think that if you directed some air over the stock heatsink with a slow moving fan, you would be fine.

No fan on this heatsink. Plus it's for a client, so I want to get a sure thing on there.

Also, I have a 9600 Pro that I flashed to XT firmware, and then it would artifact even with a Vantec IceChip on it: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556017158.html - so I think a 9600XT will run hot enough to need a fan.

sm8000 wrote:Also, I have a 9600 Pro that I flashed to XT firmware, and then it would artifact even with a Vantec IceChip on it: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556017158.html - so I think a 9600XT will run hot enough to need a fan.[/url]

Ahh, but the 9600XT was made using a low-k dielectric process, which allows it to run cooler despite having a higher clock speed.

If the card didn't come with a fan, it probably doesn't need one.

I would feel a lot more comfortable putting something on there. If it was for me I'd be okay to try without. But since it's not, I can't afford to take a chance. I have to bring something that works from the start.

If I remember correctly, the Arctic Cooling Accelero S2 is supposedly compatible with the Radeon 9XXX series. I'd look into that if you want an aftermarket cooler.

I've been satisfied with noise level of the AC VGA Silencer Rev. 3. on my ASUS 9600XT (which originally had a noisy little fan, btw). It handles everything I throw at it, but I do not OC. It definitely fits nicely. It does take up an additional PCI slot. You will most likely have to remove the existing fan connector on the 9600XT, a similarly easily process to what Mike did here.

You may have trouble finding one, however, as it is quite old.

I put an Accelero S2 on my 9600XT

I modded an old cpu heatsink I had to fit on my 9600XT. I just bent the fins apart for better airflow and drilled holes to match the holes from the original vga heatsink.
Even though the card wasn't passive originally it works realy well as it is now.
http://img376.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... ontgp2.jpg
Also DIY just feels so much more awesome