Zalman ZM80C-HP w/ ZM-OP1 on Radeon XT

[Reality]

Well. Im in the process of getting a Radeon 9800 XT and i already have the Zalman GPU products (as noted in subject). I was wondering though, after taking a look at the 9800 if it would be best to keep the copper heatsink on there now (which also cover the memory on the card) OR put the Zalman heatsink on there (which dont cover the memory) but dissipating the heat from the Core itself more than the stock heatsink would. Would that make a difference if the Zalman Heatsink didnt cover the memory? Which would be better? I'm open to all opinions and suggestions.

 

[Vapor]

The Zalman is the best aircooling solution for graphics cards currently. If you want even better cooling, lose the silent OP-1 and put a higher RPM case or CPU fan on it.

I'm not sure if it makes contact with the RAM. I'm pretty sure it does (not that heatsinking DDR helps a whole lot).

Maxtor disgraces the six letters that make Matrox.

 

[GeneticWeapon]

<b>Do not</b> remove the stock XT cooler from your card unless your going to go with water/peltier cooling. The stock XT cooler makes excellent contact with the core, and provides cooling for the cards memory, in both front and back of the card. Plus removing it voides your warranty. Dont be silly. Register your new card as soon as you get it also, protect your investment.

<b>My PC</b>
<A HREF="http://server5.uploadit.org/files2/100104-GensPC.jpg" target="_new">http://server5.uploadit.org/files2/100104-GensPC.jpg</A>
<A HREF="http://server5.uploadit.org/files2/100104-pc lightup.jpg" target="_new">http://server5.uploadit.org/files2/100104-pc lightup.jpg</A>

 

[Vapor]

Isn't the Zalman better? I know he'd need to remove the shim (voiding the warranty even more), but the Zalman with a nice fan should be better than stock--getting good contact is feasible. I do see what you're saying by registering his card--it is a big investment, I know I'd be scared silly to lose warranty on $450.

Maxtor disgraces the six letters that make Matrox.