GTX 480 SLI + Antec 620's Mod

Rage19420 · Oct 12, 2011

I was inspired by cravinmild here on OCN to use a traditional CPU cooler on a GPU. http://www.overclock.net/nvidia-cooling/1086286-complete-build-log-zotac-560ti-corsair.html

So I decided to stuff two Antec 620's into my EVO case to cool my reference ZOTAC GTX 480's. It wasn't easy....but props to cravinmild for his help!

I wasn't able to get complete photos throughout the mod, But i did have a chance to take some today.

UPDATE: See here for IHS removal

First off the only thing removed is four screws that hold on the heatsink on the GTX 480 as shown here: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1258/3/

Then mount the cooler with zip ties

Now there is no way the Rad is going to reach the front of the case so I had to stack 2 fans in series + and shroud to give me space.

Both cards stuffed into the case

The Rads had to me rotated to fit

Mounted and secured

Done!

Have to say that it makes a huge difference not listening to the fans on these cards. I now have a virtually silent rig.

Updated benchies w/Heaven 2.5

Latest set of benchies after I removed the IHS and strapped straight to the GPU Die!
Worklog here: http://www.overclock.net/forum/newestpost/1173936

Lows at 32c
Peaks at 47c

******UPDATED******

Successful 900/1800/2200 Overclock with a couple a cheap $59 Antec 620's with temps topped out at 49c and the VRM Temps via fans sensor at 47c

cravinmild · Oct 13, 2011

Fantastic stuff. Nice to see it worked out for you.

After doing these mods i cant go back to old school GPUs fans, far too loud.
Good pics, shows your gpu mod well, lol i didnt know you were going to do both of your cards cards.

Thanks for posting and lets see your benchies and overclocks.

Rage19420 · Oct 13, 2011

Final bench!

superj1977 · Oct 13, 2011

Is that piccy after you mounted the water cooler? im asking cos i see a temp hitting 79 degrees.

Rage19420 · Oct 13, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by superj1977;15284825
Is that piccy after you mounted the water cooler? im asking cos i see a temp hitting 79 degrees.

Yep, I noticed that to. Top one peaked at 79, bottom at 73. I did have them dialed in within 1c of each other but took the top one out to take the pictures of the mod. I have to try to reseat again and or possible tube crimping that is causing it.

It was with a modest overclock of 825/1650/2100 as well.

Best part was....no fan noise!

Rage19420 · Oct 13, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by cravinmild;15284120
Fantastic stuff. Nice to see it worked out for you.

After doing these mods i cant go back to old school GPUs fans, far too loud.
Good pics, shows your gpu mod well, lol i didnt know you were going to do both of your cards cards.

Thanks for posting and lets see your benchies and overclocks.

Thanks, yeah I decided to do both after getting a second card from a chap here on OCN. $225 for a second card, same model as my first. Microcenter had the 620's on sale for $59 each.

Snowmen · Oct 13, 2011

What's cooling the VRMs/Memory though? Nice mod!

Rage19420 · Oct 13, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowmen;15284989
What's cooling the VRMs/Memory though? Nice mod!

The stock fan is still connected and working to cool the VRM's. They also act as good alarms in case something happens with the 620's. At 100% rpms those things are like sirens. lol

Rage19420 · Oct 13, 2011

I wish there was more room between the cards because in the process of bending the tube at the base, i popped off a screw head that is on the side of the assembly.

CrazzyRussian · Oct 13, 2011

That sucks man. Perhaps switching the tubing for the top GPU cooler would help with temps, seeing as the 90 degree angle things are hurting temps. You'll also be able to extend your coolers farther so it a win-win situation

windfire · Oct 13, 2011

Good mod (+rep).

Feedback:
1) Have you tried doing a cross tying up of the zip ties? Perhaps this method will offer better contact pressure? See pic 1.

2) Is pic 2 below shows the current airflow? If so, the H50 is not going to be very happy.
Using the side panel fan as intake to feed air (for thermal dilution) to the H50 push fan might alleviate its unhappiness a little.

An alternate airflow pattern is shown in pic 3. This setup involves using PCI slot extractors/fans to remove those hot air.

Rage19420 · Oct 13, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by windfire;15285674
Good mod (+rep).

Feedback:
1) Have you tried doing a cross tying up of the zip ties? Perhaps this method will offer better contact pressure? See pic 1.

2) Is pic 2 below shows the current airflow? If so, the H50 is not going to be very happy.
Using the side panel fan as intake to feed air (for thermal dilution) to the H50 push fan might alleviate its unhappiness a little.

An alternate airflow pattern is shown in pic 3. This setup involves using PCI slot extractors/fans to remove those hot air.

Thanks for the info!
The airflow is as in PIC 2.
The CPU typically peaks out at 55-57c at 3.6ghz OC stressed.
There is a side fan on the Tempest EVO as well.

mannyfc · Oct 13, 2011

this is really cool no 900 core????

Rage19420 · Oct 13, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by mannyfc;15286307
this is really cool no 900 core????

Farthest I got stable was 850. I haven't really pushed it pass that. Im only running an 850 watt PSU so im a bit nervous to push it more without a bigger PSU.

BigCactus · Oct 18, 2011

Really like this mod. Too bad about the fitting incident or whatever. I really don't like towers in general but that's a really nice case op.

adjas · Oct 18, 2011

that looks terrific, love the zip-ties

Rage19420 · Oct 18, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCactus;15350379
Really like this mod. Too bad about the fitting incident or whatever. I really don't like towers in general but that's a really nice case op.

Thanks! Yeah the case is pretty cool. I'm always tearing into it. lol

Rage19420 · Oct 18, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by adjas;15351484
that looks terrific, love the zip-ties

They seem to work well. In would be happier with mod if the fittings were different so I could keep the gpu cover on. Would make for a much cleaner look.

Anth0789 · Oct 18, 2011

Great mod!

I would of never thought it would actually work nice work!

shnur · Oct 19, 2011

Amazing!
So amazing, it was featured on the Antec fb page. Congrats

Rage19420 · Oct 19, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by shnur;15360690
Amazing!
So amazing, it was featured on the Antec fb page. Congrats

Nice!

tombom · Oct 19, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by shnur;15360690
Amazing!
So amazing, it was featured on the Antec fb page. Congrats

I was just about to post this

Rage19420 · Oct 19, 2011

Many thanks for them posting it!

Anth0789 · Oct 19, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by shnur;15360690
Amazing!
So amazing, it was featured on the Antec fb page. Congrats

Your right!
http://www.facebook.com/AntecInc?sk=wall

Congrats!

mystikalrush · Oct 19, 2011

wow this is an amazing concept, i just got my 920 for my cpu, i may pick up a 620 now for my gtx 570! How are you powering the pump though, with that fan controler or would even a 3pin on the motherboard suffice?

Rage19420 · Oct 19, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by mystikalrush;15364141
wow this is an amazing concept, i just got my 920 for my cpu, i may pick up a 620 now for my gtx 570! How are you powering the pump though, with that fan controler or would even a 3pin on the motherboard suffice?

I have them pumps plugged straight to the psu via an adapter so they are always running at 100%.

The fans are plugged into fan header on the motherboard and controlled via speedfan. They are set at 50% in the bios and I increase when needed for gaming, etc.

GTX 480 SLI + Antec 620's Mod

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