Processor heatsink for use w/ 780i board??

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PanzerKrieg13

Gawd
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Jun 20, 2005
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Ok, so here is the deal. I've got a new Thermalright "XP-90C" with the RM-LGA775 adapter kit, and I've also got a new Silverstone "Nitrogon NT06" heatsink. Problem is, they both won't work with my XFX 780i motherboard.

Why? Because the top row MOSFET cooler and the remaining few parts of the processor power circuitry are in the way. Neither heatsink can rest evenly and properly on the processor. Just my luck.

That said, I need a processor heatsink. But I need something that is CONFIRMED to work with an XFX (or EVGA) 780i reference design motherboard!

The heatsink will need to handle something as hot as a Q6600 (+ overclock), or maybe a cooler E8400/E8500, or a new 45nm Quad (ex. Q9450); depending on what I pick up when the time comes.

I was considering the Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme (TRUE120) as it appears to have compatibility with the 780i motherboards, but I want to explore other options if at all possible.

Thank you,
- Joey
 
bail_w said:
Tuniq-Tower 120?
Click to expand...

That's an option, but only if it is CONFIRMED to work with an XFX (or EVGA) 780i reference design motherboard?? I have no idea if it is. I don't want to spend $50-$60 on heatsink after heatsink and not have them mount correctly and therefore become useless for anything other than a paperweight.

Sorry, just kinda ticked that both heatsinks I have won't work...

- Joey
 
Saw this post over at AnandTech. Thought it may help.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=29&threadid=2154209

I ordered an Ultra 120 Extreme yesterday and my motherboard should be delivered on Wednesday. So, I can let you know then if you like.

Here's a pic
ultra120vy1.jpg
 
dbranger94 said:
Saw this post over at AnandTech. Thought it may help.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=29&threadid=2154209

I ordered an Ultra 120 Extreme yesterday and my motherboard should be delivered on Wednesday. So, I can let you know then if you like.

Here's a pic
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/7161/ultra120vy1.jpg
Click to expand...

Interesting. He chose to go with the stock Intel cooler in the last pictures of the completed rig. In the pictures I spot a TRUE120 and also another TR 120 heatsink, maybe an XP-120 or the SI-128.

I also have the northbridge fan mod, only my fan is 15mm thick while his appears to be 25mm. I'm not too concerned with the clearence between the NB fan and the processor heatsink. I'm more concerned with a heatsink that won't interfer with the top row of MOSFET cooling and additional processor power circuitry components.

I can't tell if a TR 120 would work or not, so yes, please tell me your results.

EDIT:// In the quoted picture, is that an TRUE120? I can't tell exactly. But when I look closer, that looks like what I need.

- Joey
 
I have a 680i, which is basically the same as the 780i as far as layout goes, and have a small case.. Lian Li v1000, so it was extra hard for me to get a good HS. Tuniq no go, a number of others, same, but I am well pleased now with a Thermalright 90i cools to within 1-2 degrees of the 120, and yet is compact. Also, running it with a scythe sflex F ( it accomodates 9 or 12 cm fans )
 
XBarbarian said:
I have a 680i, which is basically the same as the 780i as far as layout goes, and have a small case.. Lian Li v1000, so it was extra hard for me to get a good HS. Tuniq no go, a number of others, same, but I am well pleased now with a Thermalright 90i cools to within 1-2 degrees of the 120, and yet is compact. Also, running it with a scythe sflex F ( it accomodates 9 or 12 cm fans )
Click to expand...

Yeah. The more I examine the design of the newer Thermalright heatsinks, I think they will clear the problem area without issue.

Now the question is, should I go 92mm or 120mm, and which heatsink version????;

Ultima-90 (aka - 90i) w/ 92mm fan (or 120mm)
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/thulforinso7.html

... OR ...

Ultra-120 Extreme (aka TRUE120) w/ 120mm fan (or 92mm)
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/thulex.html


I know a 120mm fan has a better CFM to dBA ratio, but they are also really fucking big!


- Joey
 
The Ultima-90 is really a very good heatsink :) Unless you're an extremist and need the biggest :cool:
 
MisterSparkle said:
The Ultima-90 is really a very good heatsink :) Unless you're an extremist and need the biggest :cool:
Click to expand...

I think I will probably opt for saving $10 and using something smaller by going with the Ultima-90 and a good Scythe or Panaflo fan. Sounds like a plan to me.

- Joey
 
I also ordered a 60mm fan for the northbridge cooler.

I am a Panaflo nut, but went with a Delta this time.

Panaflo - FBA06T12L
60x60x15mm
3200rpm
24dB
12cfm

Delta - EFB0612LA
60x60x10mm
3000rpm
24.5dB
13.42cfm

Similar specs, but the Delta was thinner and moves more air.
 
Yeah, I typically use nothing but Panaflo, or at least try to. But I went with some 60mm x 60mm x 15mm fan I found at Fry's. It moves about 15CFM while being under 30dBA, so I can't complain. It moves a lot more air with less noise than the stock cooler. I still think it's inadequate, but until an aftermarket heatsink is released specifically for the 780i board, I'll stick with the replaced fan. Plus it looks cooler.

I also used some copper heatsinks on the heatsink itself and around heatsink. I followed the lead of these guys here; http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=213483&mpage=1&key= Might look funny, but it increases surface area and helps cool better.

I'll get a picture of my take on the modified cooling posted in a minute...

EDIT:// Pictures;





- Joey
 
dbranger94 said:
Here are the pics as promised!

http://i31.tinypic.com/spwwuw.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/ke6jrd.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/6jlo5s.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/2lm6qh3.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/2q87qts.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/2nsaxsg.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/ojqi5l.jpg

I set the heatsink on the board both ways for you guys. I won't be building this PC until the wknd. I'm not 100% on everything yet, but the preliminary fit seem to indicate that it should clear everything. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Awesome pictures. That looks perfect for clearance issues.

#1. The heatsink is a TRUE120 correct?

#2. Any pictures of an overall? I'd like to see the size of the heatsink overall compared to the board overall. Basically what it looks like (in detail) with a TRUE120 on the board.

Once again, awesome pictures. You did a good job for seeing detail. I'll have to throw my camera on the tri-pod here soon and get some more pictures up. I've got a few more things to do and hopefully pick a TRUE120 or Ultima-90 this weekend, have it early next week.

Thanks,
- Joey
 
"#1. The heatsink is a TRUE120 correct?"
That is correct.

"#2. Any pictures of an overall? I'd like to see the size of the heatsink overall compared to the board overall. Basically what it looks like (in detail) with a TRUE120 on the board."
I'll see what I can do.

As for its size, it is rather large. This worried me at first, especially when you mount a 120mm fan along with it. The comforting part of this though, is its mounting solution. The supplied brackets are much thicker and stiffer than I expected. Another wonderful product from Thermalright.
 
dbranger94 said:
Here are some pics for a size comparison between the TRUE120 and EVGA 780i.

http://i25.tinypic.com/2ro0rv7.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/2gw8jep.jpg

I'll take some more pics when I have it permanantly mounted with the fan on it. And with the 60mm nb fan and memory installed as well.
Click to expand...

You're great man. Thank you so much. I've yet to decide on which heatsink I'm going with, but your pictures are helping me a lot. I'm just worried about the weight stress on the board brought about by the TRUE120. I might go one smaller and pick up an Ultima90. Also $10 cheaper.

But at any rate, I look forward to seeing a few more pictures. I'd like to see what it all looks like as a whole.

Thanks again.
 
i have the 780i, and the ultima 90 fits on it with a 60x25mm fan on the spp heatsink, without touching. this will also fit in an upside-down mb or btx case. the ultra 120 also fits on this board, but i didnt have a fan on my spp then. but the ultra 120 would have to be mounted horizontally in an upside down mb or btx case.
 
I actually picked up a Zalman CNPS9700 NT at my local Fry's on Friday morning. It took a bit to get it mounted securely, but I did it and I'm very satisfied. It fits nicely and should cool sufficiently. Plus it looks really cool. The base of the Zalman is beautiful, it can literally double as mirror. I also added a 60mm x 60mm x 25mm Panaflo to the northbridge blowing air onto the Zalman. Figure that's better than having it blow on my 9600GT's.

BTW: Thanks for your help and the pictures. If the Zalman doesn't work, I will definitely pick up a TRUE120.
 
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