Quieting XFX GT240 512MB GDDR5 gfx in Silverstone SG05 case

ilovejedd · Post by **ilovejedd** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:43 am

Unlike many here, I probably have a higher tolerance for noise but the fan on this video card is just too much. It's so loud that it drowns out all other noise from the system - including the stock Intel cooler (either Delta or Foxconn, I forgot exactly).

I usually go with onboard video or passive video cards (e.g. HD3450, HD4550) but I needed something VDPAU-capable and relatively more powerful while maintaining fairly low power consumption. This card seemed like it might fit the bill until I turned the system on. I have no idea why none of the reviews I've read have complained about the noise.

Anyway, I'm looking for alternative coolers and few list the GT240 as compatible, not to mention I'm a bit concerned about size given the SG05's space constraints.

Do you guys think a Zalman VNF100 would be enough to cool this card? If not, what others do you recommend? I was looking at the Scythe Musashi but it's too long for my case (9" max). Also, since the case can only accomodate Mini-DTX form factor, the cooler cannot exceed two expansion slots. Would most aftermarket GPU coolers fit within those constraints?

Thanks!

Ragnarok · Post by **Ragnarok** » Tue May 04, 2010 5:47 am

http://www.arctic-cooling.com/catalog/p ... 2_&mID=256

This think is deadly quiet on my radeon 4770. even at full speed, but my PC is quiet not dead silent.

if you have room the the passively cooled accelero should do the trick

ilovejedd · Post by **ilovejedd** » Tue May 04, 2010 6:53 am

Ragnarok wrote:http://www.arctic-cooling.com/catalog/p ... 2_&mID=256

This think is deadly quiet on my radeon 4770. even at full speed, but my PC is quiet not dead silent.

if you have room the the passively cooled accelero should do the trick

Thank you very much for the tip! The pricing is very attractive too. I'm not looking for absolute silence. Reasonably quiet is more than good enough for me and looks like the Accelero L2 Pro would fit the bill nicely.

Parappaman · Post by **Parappaman** » Tue May 04, 2010 11:05 am

Beware the cooler's height! On the SG-05 it might not fit, as it takes two extra slots: if the side panel is flush with the second PCI bracket, then this cooler is not an option. If you can find a VNF100 for cheap, it surely will be enough for this low power card.

ilovejedd · Post by **ilovejedd** » Tue May 04, 2010 11:36 am

Parappaman wrote:Beware the cooler's height! On the SG-05 it might not fit, as it takes two extra slots: if the side panel is flush with the second PCI bracket, then this cooler is not an option. If you can find a VNF100 for cheap, it surely will be enough for this low power card.

It does seem to be flush with the second expansion bracket. Do you mean Accelero L2 Pro would block up to three slots?

ilovejedd · Post by **ilovejedd** » Tue May 04, 2010 11:47 am

I just checked the VNF100 and it doesn't seem as if it's going to work. The CPU cooler is in very close proximity with the PCIe slot on the motherboard I'm using. Choosing a CPU cooler that will fit without blocking the PCIe slot is already a bit of a chore. Right now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the SCSK-1100 will work. It seems like the VNF100 also has part of the heatsink in the back so it seems doubtful that it'll work.

Parappaman · Post by **Parappaman** » Tue May 04, 2010 12:09 pm

Then you could try a VF900 or VF1000, they surely fit and can be relatively quiet when paired with their Fanmate.

SebRad · Post by **SebRad** » Thu May 13, 2010 2:24 am

Hi, I 2nd the Zalmans as a possible choice. I used a VF900 on a HD4670 with good results.
As the GT240 isn't a high power card the smaller / cheaper VF700 might also work well.
Regards, Seb