cooling my pc

Arndur

Ok so now I think my 8500GT was locking up becuase it was too hot. It sat at around 86-88F while my 7200GT sits at around 79-82F. On a different fourm someone said that running over 85F could cause problems so I would like both someone to confirm that and to give some advice on what to do to cool it. I could possibely buy one of the newer cards with built in fan. Here is my case. Also how do I know if the fan controller is working becuase I can not tell any change in speed.

CleffyII

Thats kinda hot.  I got my Vid Card down to 45C from 85C rescently with a couple simple things.  1st I had it in Crossfire, but my Crossfire was offering no benefit so I removed 1 of the cards.  The second thing I did is removed any obstructions to air-flow to my graphics card.  Particularly Hard Drives.  Then I cleaned the air-filters from dust.  I would recommend getting a fan an putting it at that bottom vent to increase air-flow, maybe also putting a vent in the slot underneath your video card.  A big problem with passive cooled single-slot cards is they have no where for the heat to go after air is flowing across them.

Its probably not your heat thats the cause of this since VGA cards can operate up to 120C, they are designed to operate hot and use the materials to operate at high temps.  Its probably more related to the defective G84/86 chips.

Arndur

What cards use the G84/86 chip and would I be pretty safe adding a extra fan and going with something like a 3870?

CleffyII

The G84 Chipset includes the 8500.  The defect occurs particularly more often with higher temps, which is why its afflicted mostly notebook cards.

The HD3870 will show a notable improvement in performance as well as operating temperature and wattage.  However, it requires  PCI-e 6pin electrical connector from the PSU.    If your willing to spend the money on it, it can be a worthwhile investment.

Lasastard

Just wanted to point out that the OP used the Fahrenheit scale, while the reply was referring to Celsius. So 88 °F are a little over 30° C, while the 45°C translates into 113°F

Just to avoid confusion...

Arndur

Yeah thats when I reaslied it couldn't be my heat if it can go 120C. Are there cards that the G84/86 aren't in that dont require a 6 pin connector. I dont know if I can get both the card and power supply atm as mine doesnt have a 6 pin.

Abrahmm

OP can you clarify whether you meant to put those temps in Celsius or if those are indeed F temps? I would have trouble believing you could get that low of temps if those are really supposed to be F.

 

Anyways, assuming they are actually C, I had the same issue with my 8800GTS. I originally threw it into my Dell which had no air movement. The card would idle around 70*C and jump to 82*C under load. This is too hot. Basically I just bought 2 80mm fans and stuck them on the side panel blowing directly onto the card. The load temps dropped to 47*C and ran much better.

CleffyII

Psh ya.  The 8500 was actually a pretty horrible performer of a card that is barely competitive with a 6600 thats 2 generations older.

You can buy an HD3450 for $20 after mail in rebate that will perform better.

Vint4ge

Originally posted by CleffyII


Psh ya.  The 8500 was actually a pretty horrible performer of a card that is barely competitive with a 6600 thats 2 generations older.
You can buy an HD3450 for $20 after mail in rebate that will perform better.

 

Lol $20 bucks for a better card. Win imo.

Iphaltuus

Seconded.