Accelero S1 w/ 8800GT problems...

[imported_sevenofone]

Hey everyone. I've lurked around for quite a while, but I figured I'd jump in now and see if any of you can give me a hand or some advice...

I have two EVGA E-GeForce 8800GT Superclocked Edition graphics card at 670/1669/970 each running in SLI mode. Each card has an Accelero S1 Rev 1 (card one) and Rev 2 (card two) w/ Turbo Module as well as Enzotech Ramsinks. Various sections of each card have ramsinks as well, such as the voltage regulators and vMem on the back of the card.

Here is the problem...

8800GT - Accelero S1 Rev 1
Idle - 56'c - 57'c
Load - 78'c - 80'c

8800GT - Accelero S1 Rev 2
Idle - 51'c - 53'c
Load - 74'c - 77'c

These temperatures don't seem even remotely accurate to what they should be. These are temperatures that I was getting with the stock cooler on each card. Now, airflow in this (small) case is low, but I did take off the side of the case to help with the airflow. There is also a small 80mm fan in the back for exhaust. Other than that, the case is too small to allow any more fans or anything, but even then, the temperatures should not be that high for a cooler that is supposed to bring those temps, especially the load, down a lot.

I also understand that the overclocked nature of the card (if ever so slightly) will increase the temp, but it shouldn't be sticking around stock cooled temps..

Anyone have any suggestions or advice for this? I'm quite upset over this, given I expected more out of the coolers. Now, I am also computer literate, very much so, but even I can't come up with anything..

Any help would be most appreciated. Specs are in my sig if you need them.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

What case are they in?

 

[error8]

If you also have the turbo modules on the accelero then you have a problem. Probably the heatsinks are not installed properly.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: error8
If you also have the turbo modules on the accelero then you have a problem. Probably the heatsinks are not installed properly.

Could just be a complete lack of airflow to and from that area of the case thats causing the turbo modules to just re-circulate hot air.

You are probably right though. I'm guessing way too much TIM. I've seen people use the whole tube and fry older chips that had no IHS.

 

[Thraxen]

I've actually got the exact same card with an Accelero S1 Rev 2. I've got my card currently clocked higher (700 MHz) and it idles at 41-43 C depending on the room temp. I don't have the turbo module, but I do have a 120mm Nexus fan strapped to it.

I agree with the previous posters. Either there's something wrong with the way you mounted the heatsinks or there's simply not enough airflow. My card idles about 10 C lower than yours and the load temps rarely get out of the 50's... but I've only got a single card with a 120mm fan on it. I'd suggest removing one of the cards and remounting the heatsink. Just make sure you don't use too much thermal paste and tighten it down evenly. If the temps on the card remain about the same then I'd say it's an airflow issue.

You may also consider simply temporarily removing one of the cards and then checking the temps of the single remaining card. That might also give you a clue as to whether it's an airflow issue without having to do any remounting.

 

[EarthwormJim]

Try remounting the heatsink. Just use a small rice sized dab of paste in the center of each core, and let the heatsink do the spreading.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

These sinks do come standard with TIM preapplied, so its pretty hard to screw up an installation (especially to screw it up twice) so this makes me question perhaps the OP didn't clean (or at least properly/thoroughly) the GPU after removing the old heatsinks? Or maybe he applied additional TIM to the GPU after cleaning it which is definitely going to be too much when combined with the TIM that comes preapplied to the heatsink?

What ever it is, I agree that he should remove them, thoroughly/properly clean the GPU and the heatsink base, then remount them carefully while closely following the instructions.

 

[imported_sevenofone]

It isn't a thermal paste issue, as I've used the correct amount. It isn't covered in it, and it isn't lacking. I know how to apply paste. I also don't think its a ramsink problem, as their mounted how they should be, and they are quite fool proof. I cleaned the card very thoroughly as well.

The case is a mid tower. I got it as a gift, so I'm not exactly sure as to the manufacturer, which kind of annoys me. I'll see if taking one of the cards does anything. Thanks for the reply.

EDIT:

Well, I took the bottom (second card) out to see how the first card fairs under stress and I've come to the conclusion of it being a case problem, specifically a lack of airflow under the case where the second card is. There is little room for the cards and the coolers. The space is very small. I need some extra space and airflow in there.

Idle - 38'c - 39'c
Load - 45'c - 45'c (through both rthdribl and ATITool running at the same time)

Interesting. I might need a bigger case... last thing I want is to be buying a bigger case. Poor gift of this case has turned pretty much into my own fun house... any recommendations that aren't going to break the bank?

 

[poohbear]

the antec 900 is a fantastic case w/ excellent cooling, i've seen it for $70 on sale.

 

[us3rnotfound]

In my Antec Sonata with just a single 120 mm exhaust fan and everything else passively cooled, my Accelero S2 keeps my 8800 GT below 50 at all times.

 

[EarthwormJim]

you can try taking out some of your PCI slot covers to allow more air to escape.

 

[imported_sevenofone]

Yeah, I've taken out some of the PCI slot covers. A cover comes with the Accelero with square holes cut in it for air, so I put both of those on for more airflow. I also put the case on its side and kept the fan in my room on high to keep room temperature relatively cool. With both cards back in the case, the temps under stress are hovering around...

Idle - 55'c
Load - 64'c

Better, but not great. I might need a new case. The Antec 900 looks good as suggested, but I might need a bit more room. I'm thinking of the Antec p182, but that is quite expensive. I just need good cooling and space. Given I listen to music almost constantly unless not playing a game, sound isn't much of an issue. It is nice to have no sound, but no critical.

 

[nycxandy]

Hey, I have a question. When you lay the S1 on the video card, how big of a gap is there between the white spacers and the video card board itself?

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: nycxandy
Hey, I have a question. When you lay the S1 on the video card, how big of a gap is there between the white spacers and the video card board itself?

I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you talking about the 4 white spacers for the screws? The 4 spacers are touching the board directly... I think anyway. I guess I didn't pay very close attention to that. I just lined them up from the other side of the board by looking through the screw holes and then put the screws in. Why do you ask?

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: sevenofone
Yeah, I've taken out some of the PCI slot covers. A cover comes with the Accelero with square holes cut in it for air, so I put both of those on for more airflow. I also put the case on its side and kept the fan in my room on high to keep room temperature relatively cool. With both cards back in the case, the temps under stress are hovering around...

Idle - 55'c
Load - 64'c

Better, but not great. I might need a new case. The Antec 900 looks good as suggested, but I might need a bit more room. I'm thinking of the Antec p182, but that is quite expensive. I just need good cooling and space. Given I listen to music almost constantly unless not playing a game, sound isn't much of an issue. It is nice to have no sound, but no critical.

Th p182 does not have enough airflow in the video card area for SLI IMHO. Some people will disagree but, since you're already having cooling issues and silence is un-important, i would suggest going with somethign that has better airflow. The 900 is surprisingly roomy for a mid-tower case. The Stacker TM01 or 810 would be a great choice if you want a less expensive full tower that has great video card cooling.

 

[nycxandy]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: nycxandy
Hey, I have a question. When you lay the S1 on the video card, how big of a gap is there between the white spacers and the video card board itself?

I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you talking about the 4 white spacers for the screws? The 4 spacers are touching the board directly... I think anyway. I guess I didn't pay very close attention to that. I just lined them up from the other side of the board by looking through the screw holes and then put the screws in. Why do you ask?

I ask this because when I laid the heatsink on top of the video card, there is a 2 mm gap in between the video card pcb and the white spacers. So when I tighten the screws all the way, the video card bends/curves a little because of this.

 

[imported_sevenofone]

Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12

Originally posted by: sevenofone
Yeah, I've taken out some of the PCI slot covers. A cover comes with the Accelero with square holes cut in it for air, so I put both of those on for more airflow. I also put the case on its side and kept the fan in my room on high to keep room temperature relatively cool. With both cards back in the case, the temps under stress are hovering around...

Idle - 55'c
Load - 64'c

Better, but not great. I might need a new case. The Antec 900 looks good as suggested, but I might need a bit more room. I'm thinking of the Antec p182, but that is quite expensive. I just need good cooling and space. Given I listen to music almost constantly unless not playing a game, sound isn't much of an issue. It is nice to have no sound, but no critical.

Th p182 does not have enough airflow in the video card area for SLI IMHO. Some people will disagree but, since you're already having cooling issues and silence is un-important, i would suggest going with somethign that has better airflow. The 900 is surprisingly roomy for a mid-tower case. The Stacker TM01 or 810 would be a great choice if you want a less expensive full tower that has great video card cooling.

The Stacker 810 looks perfect. It is a bit bigger that I need, but given I could fit three 120MM fans in the front of it, it would be perfect for cooling. The only problem that remains is price... but I might have to go with it.

 

[crice]

Originally posted by: nycxandy

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: nycxandy
Hey, I have a question. When you lay the S1 on the video card, how big of a gap is there between the white spacers and the video card board itself?

I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you talking about the 4 white spacers for the screws? The 4 spacers are touching the board directly... I think anyway. I guess I didn't pay very close attention to that. I just lined them up from the other side of the board by looking through the screw holes and then put the screws in. Why do you ask?

I ask this because when I laid the heatsink on top of the video card, there is a 2 mm gap in between the video card pcb and the white spacers. So when I tighten the screws all the way, the video card bends/curves a little because of this.

I have the same problem.

Any solutions?

 

[msarp]

I have a P182 and my evga 8800GT SSC .
I have the Accelero S1 Rev2 and Cooling Kit by iandh and it runs Passive w/ temps idling @ 49 c w/ abient room temp of 78 F.
Not to bad!

 

[crice]

Originally posted by: msarp
I have a P182 and my evga 8800GT SSC .
I have the Accelero S1 Rev2 and Cooling Kit by iandh and it runs Passive w/ temps idling @ 49 c w/ abient room temp of 78 F.
Not to bad!

When you installed your S1, did the mounting arms touch the PCB?

 

[aigomorla]

yeah this is the only problem i had with the accerlero.

Well another is the fact i couldnt get my sli bracket over.


The turbo module fixes this issue, however i just grab'd some spare air sinks i had and threw them on.

Just try to squeeze an active fan in there.

 

[crice]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
yeah this is the only problem i had with the accerlero.

Well another is the fact i couldnt get my sli bracket over.


The turbo module fixes this issue, however i just grab'd some spare air sinks i had and threw them on.

Just try to squeeze an active fan in there.

Which problem are you referring to?

 

[msarp]

no

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: crice

Originally posted by: aigomorla
yeah this is the only problem i had with the accerlero.

Well another is the fact i couldnt get my sli bracket over.


The turbo module fixes this issue, however i just grab'd some spare air sinks i had and threw them on.

Just try to squeeze an active fan in there.

Which problem are you referring to?

the fact that when you sli, and the gap gets tight, the cooler BLOWS hardcore.

And also that i had to buy a SLI extension bridge to slip it over.

But all that got too hectic so i just threw back on my old VF900 i had laying around for emergencys.

 

[Cirap]

hello. I registered just to post this. your problem seems to be largely solved by other means, if am correct?

anyways, I just wanted to comment on something I reacted on:

(and sorry if I resurrected an old dead thread, but hey! maybe this post can help others in the future?)

These temperatures don't seem even remotely accurate to what they should be. These are temperatures that I was getting with the stock cooler on each card. Now, airflow in this (small) case is low, but I did take off the side of the case to help with the airflow. There is also a small 80mm fan in the back for exhaust. Other than that, the case is too small to allow any more fans or anything, but even then, the temperatures should not be that high for a cooler that is supposed to bring those temps, especially the load, down a lot.

removing the side of the case will not help with the airflow for a passively cooled accelero-fitted card. since it has no own fan, it will rely completely on case airflow to move hot air away from the heatsink fins. To accomplish this you must have more exhaust fans than intakes (which is usually accomplished by the PSU fan and rear exhaust fan, versus the more common single (or none at all) front intake. When more air is exhausted, a negative air pressure will be induced, which will make the case suck air from the outside to the inside of the case through all those little vent holes. If you plug up all big holes (like unused side and front fan intakes) holes, but leave the opening for the PCI/E slots open, where the ribbed PCI cover bracket goes, all this air will be sucked through there, through the heatsink along the length of the card, out the otherside and then rise up to finally be exhausted agan. If you have the case side open, any extra air that goes into the case will go straight to the fans, which of course will only end up cooling the CPU and PSU a little extra, and some will even get immediately exhausted without doing any good through the rear exhaust fan.

When I installed my Accelero S2 passively a couple of months ago, I learned this.

After initial install I booted the computer with the side open just to confirm the heatsink was installed properly. during load I would reach temperatures around 80*C which made me scratch my head, because I'd seen reviews talking about 55*C during load. But since the temps were still lower than the stock cooler, I was fine with it (stock cooler reached 93*C during CoD4... God knows what Crysis would've done to it!).

So I put the side panel back on. Temps suddenly dropped to about 60*C during load. that's when I realized what was going on. I plugged up the 120mm unused hole in the side of my case, and temps went down to about 55*C during load

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at least that's the general idea. the final results will vary from case to case of course