R9 290 Custom Cooler

[lopri]

What's out there? I like the card but I can't stand the reference fan's noise. I thought I could get used to it but it's getting worse, it seems. I am looking for a quick and easy fix. If possible,

1) I do not want to go through selling it and replacing it with a new one
2) Water cooling is not an option
3) I would like to avoid cutting and milling, etc. Screws are fine. I can deal with them.

Last time I installed an aftermarket cooler for a graphics card I used a Zalman VF900 or something which required two screws. Obviously R9 290 needs a much beefier cooler, but I would like to keep it simple as possible. (again, preferably screws only)

 

[lopri]

Oh and I would like to spend no more than $70~80 tops.

 

[fleshconsumed]

http://www.overclock.net/t/1203636/official-amd-ati-gpu-mod-club-aka-the-red-mod/0_100

You don't even have to buy a bracket, just four sets of 2x20mm screws and nuts from homedepot/menards. Drill four 2.5mm holes in the AIO mounting bracket, strap a 92mm fan using elastic string to the right side of the card and you're good to go. Optional upgrades include proper bracket if you're not OK with DIY solution, and better fans for the radiator. My 290 runs at 65-70 degrees tops with two Scythe GT AP14 in push pull config full speed (still pretty quiet for full load). I would not recommend zip ties though if you go DIY route. Proper bracket or bolt through DIY.

 

[lehtv]

Oh and I would like to spend no more than $70~80 tops.

http://www.arctic.ac/eu_en/productfinder/gpu/index/?id=250
http://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-Acceler...ccelero+xtreme $80

Beware though, it'll take up 3 expansion slots.

 

[lopri]

@lehtv: That looks like what doctor ordered. Thank you.
@fleshconsumed: I remember seeing those somewhere. Very intriguing solution. I will read up on it. Thank you.

 

[Theguynextdoor]

http://www.overclock.net/t/1203636/official-amd-ati-gpu-mod-club-aka-the-red-mod/0_100

You don't even have to buy a bracket, just four sets of 2x20mm screws and nuts from homedepot/menards. Drill four 2.5mm holes in the AIO mounting bracket, strap a 92mm fan using elastic string to the right side of the card and you're good to go. Optional upgrades include proper bracket if you're not OK with DIY solution, and better fans for the radiator. My 290 runs at 65-70 degrees tops with two Scythe GT AP14 in push pull config full speed (still pretty quiet for full load). I would not recommend zip ties though if you go DIY route. Proper bracket or bolt through DIY.

The only problem with that solution is there is nothing cooling the rest of the card. At least put on some HS's for the memory and voltage controller.

 

[fleshconsumed]

The only problem with that solution is there is nothing cooling the rest of the card. At least put on some HS's for the memory and voltage controller.

Yeah there is - there is 92mm fan tied to the end of the card, plenty to cool the VRMs.

 

[Automaticman]

The not-so-DIY version of that would be the NZXT Kraken G10:

http://www.nzxt.com/product/detail/138-kraken-g10-gpu-bracket.html

The bracket has mounts for both the cpu cooler and a fan for the VRMs.

I have heard very good things about the arctic cooling piece that lehtv linked as well.