Tristanian wrote:
The problem is that when the card overheats, it downclocks the GPU, and performance becomes really crappy. I'd suggest you try to manage the cables in your case and try to put more fans in it to make sure it is properly ventilated. This is what I will try to do... The problem is that I have some watercooling equipment that I need to manage too (and some cables too). Let's hope this will fix the problem.
As You can see from the images attached, I already did a pretty good (IMHO) cable management. Also, from the pictures, You can see that there are 3 intake fans, and 2 of those are blowing almost directly on my GTX970.
Note: before "what's that under the gpu" question --> under the GPU I put a "lever" to the exact length of the GPU's height from the bottom of the case, just so it doesn't bend even a bit - yes, I know it's pretty normal for those massive cards to bend a little, it's just me who doesn't like that at all 😄 And, FTR, all of the issues mentioned in the first post are present no matter if there is that lever or not.
Tristanian wrote:
wow bro; you did a very good job concerning cable management and ventilation ... Nothing to say there!!! I was going to ask you to test the card without that lever, but you already mentioned that you did that.
I'm saying this because yesterday, I decided to remove my watercooling pump from the case and put it outside because the card was partially touching it. I left the pump outside and the case open just to test if anything changes. I was extremely surprised when I noticed that my temps became normal .... the GPU never reaches that scary 92° under load in Furmark (it was 68 max) . For some reason, GPU won't boost on default values, so I need to tweak it a little bit to reach 1250 or 1300 MHZ.
Now, I think you should forget (at least momentarily) about the noises and coiling ... Try to remove that lever and see if your GPU temperature drops ... I believe that the top of the card (the part with the fans) can move easily with the slightest pressure, which causes the GPU not to contact the part that cools it down; I suggest you leave the card hanging there and check the temps again. if you fix the temps problem (which is the worst in my opinion), then you can focus on the other (relatively minor) problems. Also, using the middle PCI express port will ensure that the card is positioned directly in front of one of the fans that blow air into the case, and closer to the one blowing hot air out of it (which can only be a good thing). I'm not an expert or anything, but this is what I got so far; I need to share it with you, maybe it will help solve your problem.
Just one final (rather stupid) question: How do you measure your VRM temps??? (I read somewhere that it can reach 120 °, and that it's only in danger if it exceeds it ... again, I'm not sure).
Good luck mate.
Thanks for Your suggestions, but, as I stated, all of the problems are present with or without that lever. In first few weeks I didn't even have that lever, and I noticed the problems then.
As for the middle PCI express port, I tried that also, with only about 2 degrees of temperature change - no big deal. Personally I like to put it on the lower PCI to keep the GPU away from CPU cooler - I'm not gaming that often, so I like to keep the CPU temp down.
About that 120°C, it's too much. I read that the safe zone is below 110°C. But the point isn't in the safe zone - it's in the fact that this card is (has to be) silent and cool, and in fact it's none of those if I'm using it for what it's meant to be used (gaming).
And as for the VRM temp, I'm using Aida64. And as You can see, the GPU temp is 42°C (ambient is 21°C) and it's idleing now.
