Gigabyte EP35-DS3R GPU and Sapphire AMD 7970

dynamitebox

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Jun 9, 2012
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Hello Everyone,

This is my first post on tom's hardware so I apologize in advance for any errors (missing info, etc.) on my part regarding this post.

I just bought a reference Sapphire AMD 7970 to be installed on my existing Gigabyte EP35-DS3R motherboard (replacing my previous card which was an old ATI X1900).

However, the motherboard (EP35-DS3R) has a small heatsink on the intel chipset (ICH9R I believe) that is directly below the PCI-E slot for the graphics card. With the 7970 being too large (due to the expansive plastic cover which contains the cooling fan), when properly seated the 7970's plastic body seems to be in contact with the mobo's chipset heatsink (which can run hot).

I'm afraid that this could damage the card so I wanted to ask whether this arrangement is safe or not? (both for the mobo and for the 7970)

Thanks for your help,

CPU: Intel Q6600 (Stock)
Mobo: Gigabyte EP35-DS3R
GPU: Sapphire AMD 7970
RAM: 2x 2GB DDR2
PSU: 750W PSU
 

panwala95

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Sep 23, 2011
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it ll be safe but if you are really worried just buy a sponge and kind of use it as a platform for the edge of gfx card to sit on thus avoiding direct contact.
hope it helps
cheers!
 

AdioKIP

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Jul 10, 2008
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Eventually with all the heat from the chipset an in the case wouldnt a sponge simply dry out, become brittle and possibly catch flame?
 

dynamitebox

Honorable
Jun 9, 2012
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10,510
Thanks guys for your replies, I decided not to risk it as I don't want to damage either the mobo or the gfx card.

I'll be getting a new motherboard soon to replace the one I have.