8400GS cooling options

[graysky]

I have an MSI GeForce 8400GS (PCI-E 2.0 x16) that runs a little on the hot side for my tastes. I'd like to remove the stock HS and replace it w/ something more efficient. It seems like a number of people are recommending the Zalman series of product, particularly the ZF-700 or ZF-900. I only paid $25 for the card, so I can't justify a $35 HS (the ZF-900) so I'm thinking pretty hard about the ZF-700.

1) Is there anyone here using this cooler on this card? The Zalman website doesn't show the 8400GS as a compatible card, but then again, it doesn't look like it's been updated in a while either.

2) Do you have this card and are you cooling it w/ something else that's doing a good job? What is it (manufacture/part) so I can check it out.

Thanks all!

 

[error8]

Can't you just strap a fan on that heatsink? Remove the MSI logo for better airflow and add a fan on that black thingy. It would be much cheaper this way.

 

[graysky]

True... I did this w/ another card I had a while ago.

 

[bluemax]

Originally posted by: error8
Can't you just strap a fan on that heatsink? Remove the MSI logo for better airflow and add a fan on that black thingy. It would be much cheaper this way.

I've done this sort of hackjob too - worked very well.

 

[OCGuy]

How hot is it running?

 

[Binky]

Originally posted by: bluemax

Originally posted by: error8
Can't you just strap a fan on that heatsink? Remove the MSI logo for better airflow and add a fan on that black thingy. It would be much cheaper this way.

I've done this sort of hackjob too - worked very well.

Hey now, that's exactly what I'd do (and I've done it). I think you just insulted every super-fantastic "mod" I've ever done! Are you calling me a hack?!?!? :shocked:

Edit to answer OP's question - The Accelero S1 is the only VGA cooler that I've used that far exceeded my expectations. If you have the room, try one. Forget about their "turbo" module and just strap any slow fan to with with zip ties, duct tape, or old shoelaces.

 

[betasub]

Those 8400s get hot? Your case airflow should keep it plenty cool - although if you have it jammed into a tiny HTPC, it's understandable that there isn't a lot of airflow. Does it even have a sensor so you can monitor core temps?

 

[graysky]

Idle: 55C and Load: 71C. Yeah, I know these chips are designed to run in the 70s but I'm sure a more efficient cooler can dump 15C off each of those numbers and I'm compuslive like that. I'll try the fan/ziptie mod and then consider either a ZF700 or a Accelero S1v2.

 

[error8]

IMO, you can't justify buying a cooler for that card, since it's so damn cheap. 71 C at load is very low, I had the impression you we're braking 80s or more. That temperature is nothing to worry about, but if you like it to be very cool, then try the fan trick. I guess that one 80mm fan can easily be strapped on that heatsink. Maybe a 92mm one could also fit.