I have an ATI X1800XT, and it runs very hot.  
 
I removed the stock cooler and replaced it with a Zalman VF700-ALCU (nice and quiet), and I've experimented with overclocking it, but the VPU went up to ridiculous temperatures (110C)
 
So I've put it back to stock speed,  and yet it still peaks at 96C when playing Oblivion for a long time. This seems really hot to me!
 
Does anyone have any advice? I'm using decent thermal paste, and have applied it thinly, and the cooler is screwed on tight (I've been building my own PCs for years).
 
Thanks in advance

WEird... you sure you only applied a small bit of Thermal paste?
 
Also make sure it's sitting properly. You should be able to tighten the screws all the way down. Slowly of course.
 
I have that cooler on an x1800XT and it idles around 35C loading at ~ 55C.

Hi,
My case has a really good airflow and my cpu is watercooled, my x1800xt ---> 65C/90C  idle/load with the maximum OC ATI overdrive is allowing me to do.
 
I didnt watercool the the Radeon because I was sure it was going to void my warranty. Have you guys voided your warranty to get this new cooler?  
 
and have you been able to overclock higher outside the catalyst control center with this cooler?
 
thx!

wusy - I don't know what temp it was before, as I replaced the stock cooler immediately - it was soooo loud!! But I see where you're coming from, I'll look at this if I can't sort the problem out.
 
ElMoIsEviL - good advice, I'll try reseating it to see if I can get better results. It's definitely worth trying I guess.
 
OrionMan - I expect I have voided the warranty, yes - but the noise from the stock cooler really pissed me off I usually sell my gfx cards on after a year anyway, and have never had one die on me yet (dammit shouldn't tempt fate like that, seeing as this one is running so hot).
 
The card definitely wants to be overclocked, as just like OrionMan I can take it right up to the ATI Overdrive maximum (690 GPU / 800 Memory) with no problems at all - just got to sort this heat problem out!
 
One thing I did notice was that when the GPU is very hot the Zalman's fins weren't burning hot, just very warm - if it was doing a proper job, it should surely be hotter than that?
 
Maybe a drastic option could be to lower the voltage on the card - would that cool it down / do any damage?
 
Anyway, thx for feedback all. I'll keep you updated on my woes ...

Reseat it first
I'm sure that reducing the voltage is not the right way to handle your problem.
It will only bring instabillity.
 
Let me know if you are able to get better temps and a more silent setup
Is your card built by ATI? Because it is the case of my card and its not that loud.
 
I must admit that the card may become louder after half an hour in a game but nothing I can't tolerate...  For the price ill keep my warranty for now

I'd just like to report back that all is OK now
 
I reseated the cooler, and I also took the side of the case off, and now the peak temp is about 80 degrees. I'll get a case fan to help airflow in the case before putting it back on.
 
Thx again all for your help.