GTX 980 - Which cooler for SLI?

calza · May 31, 2015

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase 2 x GTX 980 soon to compliment my new monitor. I'd like to know your experiences on which cooling solution works best - Reference or aftermarket? A couple of bits of information about my system first:

Case: Fractal Design R4
Motherboard: ASUS ROG Series MAXIMUS VI HERO (http://www.legitreviews.com/images/reviews/2200/asus-rog-hero-layout-3.jpg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15
Intake Fan: 1 x 140mm front mounted
Exhaust Fan(s):2 x 140mm (one rear, one top)

My biggest consideration is that when not gaming, I can get them as quiet as possible - the benchmark being my case fans on "low" setting. My current r9 280x can achieve this at 20% fan speed. All combined this is near silent and keeps the temp at around 45 degree (two monitors).

Secondly if possible I'd like to consider noise / fan speed while gaming. Currently with my case fans on full, and the r9 280x at 75% they are pretty evenly matched. This keeps the card at 70 degrees max, and the noise still fairly reasonable over all.

Basically I think all my issue revolves around heat dissipation, as more heat = more fan which = more noise?

Happy to shuffle a fan or two around if anything else can be done to keep the noise down.

Advice / opinions much appreciated!

RCFProd · May 31, 2015

For SLI/CF you want reference model GPU's. The blowers are a lot more ideal for airflow in such circumstances.

calza · May 31, 2015

Yeah I was thinking that.

Would you have both reference or one of each?

RCFProd · May 31, 2015

I would take two reference models. Aesthetically a lot more pleasing to look at aswell.

calza · May 31, 2015

Any experience of the noise of the reference cooler at idle?

Also, I see different brands still shap cards out with the reference cooler. Is there any difference between these if the cooler is the same?

RCFProd · May 31, 2015

Pick up the original Nvidia reference models if you can. The blowers are not at all that loud nowadays and I don't think you'll even hear them at idle. Had a reference R9 290 with the H440 case (stock fans) and all I could hear at idle were the case fans. The GTX 980 Reference model is more silent than that aswell.

I suggest this model:

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Video Card ($578.63 @ Amazon)
Total: $578.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-31 17:21 EDT-0400

calza · Jun 1, 2015

I've spotted that one, it's going for more than most 980 model's.

The best I can find is £490 here which is $750!

kwa-e · Jun 1, 2015

Wait for the 980ti, Looks to be near it's release in mid-June.

You might see a good price drop on the 980's aswell.

RCFProd · Jun 1, 2015

It's going to cost you. GTX 980's are expensive in Europe.

calza · Jun 1, 2015

I am planning on waiting a week or two to see if the ti pushes the regular prices down. I don't think a ti on it's own will cut it though, I want high fps (100+) at 1440p and Ultra settings.

What's the opinion on the MSI with reference cooler? It's $150 cheaper, so $300 for two. I get the EVGA runs a bit quicker, but in SLI surely I won't notice the extra clock?

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4gb-msi-gtx-980-4gd5-ocv1-pcie-30-7010mhz-gddr5-gpu-1152mhz-boost-1252mhz-cores-2048-dp-hdmi-dvi

RCFProd · Jun 1, 2015

That will be fine aswell, any reference should be ok atleast. I really would try to find a way to peel those ugly stickers off though not at all a fan of that.

calza · Jun 1, 2015

Ordered, will let you know how I get on.

Thanks for the help.

calza · Jun 4, 2015

So I have these installed now and am playing around.

There seems to be a bit of whir from the fans, not an air whooshing noise but a mechanical whir of the motor perhaps. Doesn't sound very nice or natural. Is this 'normal' ?

kwa-e · Jun 4, 2015

Anything around 75C is normal for the ref coolers, Could go lower but it'd be too noisy.

You should only get worried if it breaches 85c.

calza · Jun 4, 2015

Also, at an idle of 35% fan speed ( a bit loud for my liking) the bottom card is 39 degree and the top one 57 .. is such a gap normal?

kwa-e · Jun 4, 2015

That does seem quite unusual considering those are blower cards, Usually those gaps are only present when using aftermarket solutions unless you have particularly bad airflow.

calza · Jun 4, 2015

I have reasonable cable management, one 140mm intake and two 140mm exhaust fans.

Even now with the fans on 100% it's 54 degrees & 36 degrees.

GTX 980 - Which cooler for SLI?

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