Hey all,
To start, my specific card is the PowerColor AX7970 3GBD5-2DHV3 Radeon HD 7970 3GB 384-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16, seen
here. I want to use the Arctic Accelero Xtreme IV 280(X), seen
here. Arctic's old model made for the 7970 is discontinued, so I called them and asked and they said that this cooling unit is compatible with HD7970s with the standard PCB. I looked around, and I can't find anywhere if my specific HD7970 is the "standard" PCB, and whether this cooling unit will fit my card without a problem. I tried calling PowerColor directly, and the second I mentioned an aftermarket cooling unit, they refused to talk to me any further, saying they do not support aftermarket coolers whatsoever. Any chance anyone has any experience using these two items together, or at least any experience using the Arctic cooler? I don't want to get it only to run into major issues, because after taking a quick look at this installation instructions, it looks like it's going to be a doozy. PowerColor offered to replace the one on my card for $60, but I don't want to wait for months if I can pay a few dollars more and get it right away, and a better one at that.
Also, if anyone has ANY experience at all replacing the cooling units on GFX cards, any tips/pointers would be appreciated. This is ground I have not traveled before. Thanks!
Tim