Is there any real difference here?

[Project_2501]

I'm looking at the Zalman VF700-Cu VGA cooler, and the Fatal1ty FS-V7 VGA cooler.

I want to know if (appearence aside) there's any difference in cooling performance. I had heard that the Fatal1ty piece ran at a higher RPM, and thus game slightly lower temps. However, (referencing Newegg.com) the regualr VF700-Cu is $25, wilst the Fatal1ty version is $50. In your opinion, is it worth the price difference? You should factor in looks while you make your decision.

PS. I have an ATi X850 XT, and would like (will) over clock past PE speeds when I get temps under control.

PSS. I have already looked at the Arctic Cooling Rev. 1 and 2 models, and am unimpressed with both. The first was too imprecise with the base, and the second uses and inferior tape method to compensate for the height discrepencies between the ram chips.

Another question: How do the VGA RAM sinks attach to the RAM chips using the Zalman cooler? Is it a ceramic compound that acts as cement? Or such thermal tape?

Thanks in advance.

 

[qbackin]

It will most definately be a drop in temps. Depends also on your case flow, it affects the Zalman greatly in my exp with many cases. I have used it on many cards... The latest being the 7800GT in my sig.

Idle Stock: 47
Idle Zalman: 42

Load Stock: 62
Load Zalman: 55

IMO not too bad. But also IM[H]O do NOT pay twice the price for a "name" and a higher rpm fan

I will be getting an X800XT with a Zalman on it soon in the new 939 shuttle. I will report back

 

[Project_2501]

Thanks, I was figuring to not pay 2x the price if it didn't reduce temps that much.

And this card is currently in an Antec Super Lanboy, so it has pretty good temps to begin with, the 120 in the front pulling air in to a small case isn't big of a deal. I may actually replace (upgrade) my case with a Lian-Li PC-V1100B. That also has good air-flow, so I don't think it will be a problem.

 

[Ren H]

I have the previous version and the base seems only barely large enough to cover the chipset of my 5900.

Does anyone know if this new version has a larger base?