Seems to be a common problem on all reference design coolers for the 7900GT.
The fan is a small 40mm barrel type and the heatsink doesn't even cover the ram sinks.
Certain manufacturers have improved on reference design and have come up with solutions that are both quieter and include cooling the ram.
There isn't much aftermarket choice at present, I beleive zalman the AC both have products but they are not that widely available and besides, I found a work around!
Like many users on a constant upgrade path I purchased an Actic Cooler NV5 rev3 for a 6800GT I had in my system about a year ago.
That AC NV5 rev3 fits on the 6800/7800 series but with a little bit of modification is a very effective cooler on the 7900GT as well!
All that is needed is to remove about 12mm from the exhaust end of the plastic ducting shrowed and a notch of plastic ducting that happens to interfere with the fan plug on the cards PCB.
The mod takes less than 10minutes and when fitted the NV5 rev3 runs almost silently and with working temps several degrees lower than with the stock cooler, plus the ram gets cooled as well.
Just though this info may prove useful to someone.
Cheers
Martin
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Participate and help others.
The fan is a small 40mm barrel type and the heatsink doesn't even cover the ram sinks.
Certain manufacturers have improved on reference design and have come up with solutions that are both quieter and include cooling the ram.
There isn't much aftermarket choice at present, I beleive zalman the AC both have products but they are not that widely available and besides, I found a work around!
Like many users on a constant upgrade path I purchased an Actic Cooler NV5 rev3 for a 6800GT I had in my system about a year ago.
That AC NV5 rev3 fits on the 6800/7800 series but with a little bit of modification is a very effective cooler on the 7900GT as well!
All that is needed is to remove about 12mm from the exhaust end of the plastic ducting shrowed and a notch of plastic ducting that happens to interfere with the fan plug on the cards PCB.
The mod takes less than 10minutes and when fitted the NV5 rev3 runs almost silently and with working temps several degrees lower than with the stock cooler, plus the ram gets cooled as well.
Just though this info may prove useful to someone.
Cheers
Martin
We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.