Question AIO Cooler for GPU?

[dave_the_nerd]

Looking for an easy-to-install AIO cooler for my 1660Ti. Heat isn't an issue, I'm just looking to eliminate noise. The CPU fan is quiet enough, but the GPU fans kick in when I so much as look at Steam, and with Baldurs Gate 3 and Starfield out now, I'm over it. I've had a couple of Corsair H-series AIO coolers on my CPUs in the past, and liked them a lot.

I have an nCase M1, so I can handle a 240mm radiator, but I'd prefer a 120mm for space and ease of installation reasons. I definitely want to migrate the cooling setup to the next GPU, but for cost and case size reasons I'd stick with the midrange cards. (<=150w TDP, <= $350).

Advice/options are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Fanatical Meat]

No suggestion posting for updates. I have a 1660ti myself.

 

[Brainonska511]

What about software control over the fan? Turning off the zero-fan setting and reducing the fan speeds at temps below some "normal" value. I tried this for a bit with my RX 6600 and AMD's control panel and it wasn't a bad way to keep it much quieter during desktop use (and reduce the typical idling temperatures that could have triggered the fan turning on in the first place). The only reason I stopped bothering was a) more frequent use of headphones, and b) for some reason, the control panel likes to reset when you restart the computer, requiring the reloading of the profile.

 

[AntonioHG]

Before buying an AIO, if you have spare fans laying around, consider stripping the fan(s) off the card's heatsink along with the shroud, mount fans in the bottom of your case (120mm fans might fit) and run them off your motherboard.

In the past, I had the Morpheus Raijintek along with slim Noctua fans when I had an Ncase M1. Since you're not struggling with temps, removing the shroud and adding your own fans could solve your issue without spending money.

Having owned the NZXT Kraken G10, I can't recommend something like that since it was super easy to break your GPU's die.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

What about software control over the fan? Turning off the zero-fan setting and reducing the fan speeds at temps below some "normal" value. I tried this for a bit with my RX 6600 and AMD's control panel and it wasn't a bad way to keep it much quieter during desktop use (and reduce the typical idling temperatures that could have triggered the fan turning on in the first place). The only reason I stopped bothering was a) more frequent use of headphones, and b) for some reason, the control panel likes to reset when you restart the computer, requiring the reloading of the profile.

It seems like those features were removed from the nVidia control panel at some point. In order to try this, I did install MSI Afterburner, and with a 100mhz underclock and 80% power limit set, it actually stays pretty quiet. I can still hear it but it's not a vacuum cleaner anymore. Max temp I saw was 56C.

I'd still be interested in trying water cooling but this was good advice.

 

[Brainonska511]

It seems like those features were removed from the nVidia control panel at some point. In order to try this, I did install MSI Afterburner, and with a 100mhz underclock and 80% power limit set, it actually stays pretty quiet. I can still hear it but it's not a vacuum cleaner anymore. Max temp I saw was 56C.

I'd still be interested in trying water cooling but this was good advice.

Yeah, those zero-RPM settings are both a blessing and a curse. The biggest issue is the higher idle temps you can get, so then when you're doing mundane things, temps can wander passed the fan-on setpoint, and you hear that bothersome noise that you would probably not notice when immersed in a game .

 

[aigomorla]

You want to put about a 130 dollar cooler, on a probably 130 dollar video card (today's value).

I really do not think its worth it. I mean there are options, but i don't think its worth it or the headache.
I don't think its even worth it on a 3060/3070/4070.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

You want to put about a 130 dollar cooler, on a probably 130 dollar video card (today's value).

I really do not think its worth it. I mean there are options, but i don't think its worth it or the headache.
I don't think its even worth it on a 3060/3070/4070.

That’s sort of what I expected. I’m not OP

 

[dave_the_nerd]

You want to put about a 130 dollar cooler, on a probably 130 dollar video card (today's value).

I really do not think its worth it. I mean there are options, but i don't think its worth it or the headache.
I don't think its even worth it on a 3060/3070/4070.

From a strict performace per dollar standpoint, you're absolutely correct.

But I am, however, willing to spend an additional $130 to make my computer basically dead silent, independent of the value of my GPU.

 

[aigomorla]

Welp... GG then..

I won't walk away from someone who asks for help.

https://www.newegg.com/p/2YM-0019-00038

That might work.... It says its 10xx compatible, which should include the 1660, as its basically a rehashed 1060 on almost the same pcb.

• The GPU Water Cooler is compatible with RTX 20XX Series/AMD VEGA 56/64 Series/GTX 10XX Series /900 Series/AMD RX 200/300 Series/GTX 1600 Series

But it has 3 fans and a pump on the unit, so i don't really know how much quieter it will be overall.
And its 99 dollars

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Oh heck, thanks! How did I not find that earlier?!