Thermalright HR-03 + 8800GT

[LuckyNV]

Had enough with the poor reference cooler so decided to fit my Thermalright HR-03 non-rev.A left over from my X1900XTX.
http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_pa...r_hr03reva.htm
I bought the HR-03 very early on, the only thing missing is the 2 mounting holes in the middle of the bracket.
Compatibility

I have taken pics, but they are on a camera that I can't find my cable... I'll need to transplant to my other cam. I have a feeling the quality is bad since I never used this cam before. I'll update later.

Temps - I paper recorded some temps, due to rushing writing I can't decipher my own handwriting so some temps are missing [rolleyes]

Case - CM690 with 140mm side panel Yate Loon low speed fan.
RT- 25C
Reference cooler @29% - effectively silent, but poor cooling
Idle GPU 55C / AMB 42C / MEM 45C

3DM06 - GPU 91C
Supreme Commander Forged Alliance (high details, 1280x1024) - GPU upto 95C
Team Fortress 2 (high details, no HDR, 1280x1024) - GPU upto 72C

HR-03 with no-name <1700rpm 120mm fan @5V (I estimate about 800rpm, but essentially inaudible)
Idle GPU 42C/ AMB 36C / MEM 34C

Supreme Commander Forged Alliance - GPU 54C / AMB 44C / MEM 46C
Team Fortress 2 - GPU 50C / AMD 41C / MEM 42C

If you're wondering why Ambient is less, its most likely due to direct PCB airflow from the 120mm fan.

I am going to run some games and 3DMark06 again, with Everest temp logging enabled.

[LuckyNV]

here are some pics, many didn't come out clear enough to use, my poor cam skills
Resampled from 1600x1200 source, I can upload and hotlink if anyone wants.

Back of the card, reference cooler held on by 12 short spring loaded screws, rather loosely fastened I might add, they are in the bag there.


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Front of the card, reference cooler off.
GPU TIM was dry and flaky.
RAM pads were almost in pieces and very greasy, the VRM pads are pretty much intact
Fan connector was a PITA to remove.


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Cleaned with Boots surgical spirit and cotton buds.
I suggest using a cotton bud for the RAM/VRM and GPU separately, you can see I stained the far left RAM chips, its clean but just surface stained
You can see the GPU PCB is also stained, that won't come out, stock TIM is very strange stuff.
Might be wise to note down the RAM chip info for whatever purpose, mine are Qimonda 1ns.


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RAM and VRM sinks attached.
Copper BGA RAM sinks from Enzotech (the flash makes them an odd colour)
The grey sinks are from the Thermalright HR-03
The black one is reused from my dead R9800Pro
Card is hanging off the side for a reason see next pic


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In place of the little black heatsink in the previous pic I originally tried to use this black heatsink instead, but it wouldn't fit well, so rather than waste it, I selected a random IC on the back [rofl]
It is by Coolermaster, 8 in packet, says "Little Chipset Cooler" I kid you not. (very cheap like £1.13)


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HR-03 mounted, I realise its wonky
120mm fan mounted by stock HR-03 clips.


I did take some inside shots, but either too blurry or flash city, I'll update with inside shots later.

Tips with mounting small BGA or VRM sinks.
Take absolute care the surface is CLEAN, use pure removal substances like Isopropyl or surgical alcohol (I think mine was a mix of methanol and ethanol).
Things like Akasa remover or anything that smells of lemon is citrus based and can leave a thin layer of residue. Also nail varnish remover isn't pure, it contains many components like dyes and fragrances that will leave a residue.
Note they are fine for CPU cleaning, but not RAM/VRM.
When placing the heatsink, apply firm but gentle downward force and hold for at least 10 seconds. If it slides, then you are not applying downward force obviously.
If you remove your thumb and the heatsink comes with it, your surface is not clean, but also possible it just stuck with your thumb, what I did was use the plastic covering from the thermal pad as a layer to press down on, see the blue squares in the 2nd last picture.

[kup]

Interesting stuff. I'll post some comparisons on my 3870 when my HT-03GT arrives. I'm pretty sure this will give me the 1GHz Core I'm chasing!

[Warrior1]

Interesting stuff. I'll post some comparisons on my 3870 when my HT-03GT arrives. I'm pretty sure this will give me the 1GHz Core I'm chasing!

How high do u reach now?

[kup]

How high do u reach now?

972MHz on the stock cooler. Next jump is 999MHz and then 1018MHz because of the funky dividers on the 3800 range... [thumbdown]

[LuckyNV]

bump, pics added

I'm going to re-do my temps on a spread sheet with nice coloured boxes when I can be bothered

[JonnyManc]

To compare to the old 03 and the 03GT:

Using a Redwing 92mm fan (Flow Rate: 36CFM - 1500RPM- Noise level: 19.0dBA).........37'c idle / 47'c load with card at 675/1750/1950.
Only 2'c higher when I go to 700/1750/2000

My load temps when done using ATITOOL's artifact scanner for 30mins.

[kup]

GeCube 3870 X-Turbo O.C. Edition

• Stock - 65c 100% GPU Load @ 918MHz
• HR-03 GT w/ 120mm fan - 35c 100% GPU Load @ 945MHz (so far)...
  

Used to need 1.5v for 945MHz, now only using 1.38-9v and it's cooler and far more stable!

I'll post some pics in a bit...

[Meaker]

GeCube 3870 X-Turbo O.C. Edition

• Stock - 65c 100% GPU Load @ 918MHz
• HR-03 GT w/ 120mm fan - 35c 100% GPU Load @ 945MHz (so far)...

Used to need 1.5v for 945MHz, now only using 1.38-9v and it's cooler and far more stable!

I'll post some pics in a bit...

Pencil mod?

[kup]

Pencil mod?

Indeed. Once Maplin hurry up with my order I'll be hard modding it with a switch and overvolting safety measures.