SLI Cooling

[Spiff]

I described (with pics) some ventilation problems I'm having with my Wavemaster case in this thread: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=918864&page=2&pp=20

I'm also worried that the 1/2 inch gap between my first dual-slot 6800 Ultra card and the second one, and the 1/2" gap between the second Ultra and my Audigy2 ZS aren't conducive to optimal GPU cooling.

I'm reluctant to undertake trying to install a radiator in my already crowded case, so am hoping to avoid water-cooling.

I will probably install a couple 80mm fans in the side cover to bring more cool air into the case, which might force some air between the cards, but dont consider that a 'proper' solution either.

The only remaining option I can find would be a pair of Arctic NV Silencer 5 R2's. They are apparently low CFM and cool about the same as the stock heatsink/fan, but do duct the heat out the back of the case. That would help my case ventilation problem, but I'm not sure it will improve the GPU temp readings I get now with the case side cover off (or maybe the offset location of the Silencers fans would exhibit better air flow than the 'clogged' stock fans?).

My question is: Does anyone know of another higher-CFM option to duct heat off SLI cards out the back of the case? Or just any other feasible option? (I am not particularily concerned about decibel levels).

Thanks.

 

[revenant]

Right off, nifty brace you made for your hyper 6! I made one also, but I think I like your better. As for your heating issue, I am running a very similar setup, different case, but same small SLI gap (MSI and DFI both have the smaller gap) and, well, here's a pic of my solution.



I have a vantec slot cooler under my bottom card, getting a LOT of air going up, and yes, those are 6800GTs with ultra coolers on them... the stock MSI cooler did not work nearly as well as these... anyways, then I have a 120mm fan blowing air in on the side, which gets cool air between the cards, and into the intake for the top card... so it's not sucking only hot air from the top of the other card. But in your case, you might be able to get the same type of air flow with this:

http://www.xoxide.com/3dedge.html

I have not seen on in action ever, but from what you are describing, and what you want to achieve, this might be the ticket... Also, would you be willing to port your side cover? I think that would help a lot... getting cool air in from the side right on the cards... just some thoughts... hope it helps!