Nebel

So I'm running 8800GT 512mb in SLI. One is Gigabyte and second is EVGA.

At the moment of typing, Card #1 is at 73 celsius, and #2 at 57. As soon as I start a game, The Witcher for example, Card #1 sometimes goes to a whooping 108 degrees and usualy doesn't fall lower than 95. And after some time my computer would lock up.
The second card doesn't seem to have any issues, It never goes over 80.

I have checked the fans. They are cleared of dust, both cards running at 100%.

I have 1 intake and 2 exhaust case fans.

I have updated both motherboard and card bios.

PCI-E frequency in bios is set to 100mhz.

It doesn't matter what card is in #1 slot, it will always be over 100 celsius, while slot #2 is at normal temps.

While PCI-E #1 card gets very hot in SLI mode, it has normal temps when running with only 1 card.

Temps screen:
http://i41.tinypic.com/2agnsk9.jpg

Cards:
http://i39.tinypic.com/2rps76v.jpg

So anyone knows why is PCI-E #1 so damn hot?
And in case I don't solve this, I will have to buy a new vga cooler... any suggestions for something that is available in EU?

corky dorkelson

Well, it is hot from the heat radiating up from the bottom card. You can either get a side panel fan to blow cool outside air over the cards, or you can rig an exhaust fan near the back of the case.

But your best bet is an aftermarket cooler for the top card at least. If you are serious about getting one, we can find you the best option for your budget.

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Nebel

Heh, well yeah, I'd rather not have one card die.
Anyway, I'm not interested in the cheapest option (unless it's really good), but nothing extremely expensive since I will use these cards only until DX11 cards are released, I just want something that will keep my card cool enough not to lock up when stressed.

However I'm thinking this might be some hardware problem, since most people with SLI don't need to upgrade their fans or anything, as far as I know. And I think my case cooling isn't bad, since it has 2 exhaust and 1 intake fan.

corky dorkelson

For now, just buy another 120mm fan and rig it up to blow across the top card. I bet that will keep you from locking up.

But the thing about multi-GPU setups is that there are usually no exhaust fans anywhere near the cards themselves. Heat buildup is a problem for a lot of cases in the bottom-back corner. That is why the temps go up and up and up. I have seen people take out all extra slot covers and rig up a 80mm fan to blow air out the extra slots. Sometimes this can have a huge effect on temps.

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Nebel

I'll see if I can dig some old cpu fans and stick it above first card or something. There is a big exhaust fan above first card, and one exhaust fan on the side door (I added that one). Guess I should add another intake fan.
I'm using Xaser V case.

Lord Xeb

That is way too hot man. Go and get some new coolers or clean the heat sinks on them.

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dr4gon

Nothing should be above 100°C on your computer!

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Vlasov_581

yea see if you can mount a 120mm.....can try using zip ties to mount the fan so it blows directly at the cards

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almighty15

Not enough for SLI

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