Anyone actually install the HR-03GTX yet?

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Originally Posted by Retro

Actually the base of the HR-03GTX is fairly flat, with just some very fine machining grooves visible through the nickel plating. But I always lap these heatsinks anyway, it exposes the copper underneath:p:

Now my former TRUE cpu heatsink, that was convex! Took me a while to flatten that sucker. I got damn good temps. with it though. How was your TRUE Black's base? It should be able to handle a Q9650 with ease:D That is a tempting upgrade!

As for the fans, I have a couple Noctua NF-P12 120mm fans just waiting to cool something, so I will probably use those instead of blowing even more money on this crazy project. I know they look weird being flesh-colored with brown blades, but they are good fans and very quiet for the airflow they provide.

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You have to take a before and after pic of the base on that HR-03. Im sure that you'll drop a few degrees by lapping her.

It took forever to lap that thing to a nice and flat base. I had arthritis by the time that I was done, but it was worth it. It should work well with a Q9650, I ran a decent voltage ~1.4 cpu-z and it kept my e8400 very cool. I ordered the q9650 yesterday. I couldnt resist, now I just have to wait. I can't wait to see how she clocks. My e8400 was a C0 and didn't clock too well (solid chip though) so it should be a nice upgrade. I just have to decide if I want to lap it or not, Im sure that I will at some point, just because.

Now I have to wait on the HR-03. I was thinking that if you could install it with the stock backplate it would look much better. Ive allways liked the look of the GTX 260/280 backplates. I have a decent side fan that should work well to keep the chips on the back nice and cool. As long as you have the heatsink facing down the Nocturas shouldn't be too visable. :D If it keeps things quiet it's worth it, too bad Im way past that point my rig sounds like a windtunnel.

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Originally Posted by BababooeyHTJ

You have to take a before and after pic of the base on that HR-03. Im sure that you'll drop a few degrees by lapping her.

It took forever to lap that thing to a nice and flat base. I had arthritis by the time that I was done, but it was worth it. It should work well with a Q9650, I ran a decent voltage ~1.4 cpu-z and it kept my e8400 very cool. I ordered the q9650 yesterday. I couldnt resist, now I just have to wait. I can't wait to see how she clocks. My e8400 was a C0 and didn't clock too well (solid chip though) so it should be a nice upgrade. I just have to decide if I want to lap it or not, Im sure that I will at some point, just because.

Now I have to wait on the HR-03. I was thinking that if you could install it with the stock backplate it would look much better. Ive allways liked the look of the GTX 260/280 backplates. I have a decent side fan that should work well to keep the chips on the back nice and cool. As long as you have the heatsink facing down the Nocturas shouldn't be too visable. :D If it keeps things quiet it's worth it, too bad Im way past that point my rig sounds like a windtunnel.

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The lapping may help a bit with the temps, I just like the copper to be exposed to contact the gpu chip.

Q9650. Wow! They are on sale for $430 this week at my local retailer, but that's a bit too much for my budget. My E8600 is going to have to do for now. But you are going to have a lot of fun with it, here's a thread I just spotted in the Intel section:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=217134

I hope you can run it at 4 grand as well, that sucker will really fly:p:


Fun lapping those TRUE's isn't it? But worth the effort.

I don't know if the HR-03GTX could be installed with the stock back plate, but it would look better than a "naked" card.
Windtunnel? Ah, you have a 1200. It's a nice case though, I would rather put up with a bit of extra fan noise for the excellent cooling it provides. What fans are you running in it?

Still waiting to buy the last few bits for the HR-03GTX. The damn thing is sitting on top of my desk staring at me through it's little windowed box:D

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Originally Posted by Retro

Q9650. Wow! They are on sale for $430 this week at my local retailer, but that's a bit too much for my budget. The E8600 with a good oc is going to have to do for now.

Fun lapping those TRUE's isn't it? But worth the effort.

I don't know if the HR-03GTX could be installed with the stock back plate, but it would look better than a "naked" card.
Windtunnel? Ah, you have a 1200. It's a nice case though, I would rather put up with a bit of extra fan noise for the excellent cooling it provides.

Still waiting to buy the last few bits for the HR-03GTX. The damn thing is sitting on top of my desk staring at me through it's little windowed box:D

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I picked my Q9650 up for $345 shipped from the Egg. It want too bad I sold off my beloved wolfdale and my old 780i that has been sitting in my closet forever. I can't wait untill that thing comes to my door. I can't wait to clock a new chip.

I replaced all of the tri-cools on my 1200 with those 1900rpm slipstreams they're not too bad but the high speed 120x38mm ultra kazes on my True put it over the top. I my just swap them all out for some yate loons one day. All in all I love that case though.

Everything in my rig is black. The board, my 280, the True, even the inside of the case and I put in a couple of red ccls so the backplate would look sweet with the HR-03.

Ireally can't wait to see what you do with the 280. You have to moniter temps and run furmark. Thats what I want to see.

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Originally Posted by BababooeyHTJ

I picked my Q9650 up for $345 shipped from the Egg. It want too bad I sold off my beloved wolfdale and my old 780i that has been sitting in my closet forever. I can't wait untill that thing comes to my door. I can't wait to clock a new chip.

I replaced all of the tri-cools on my 1200 with those 1900rpm slipstreams they're not too bad but the high speed 120x38mm ultra kazes on my True put it over the top. I my just swap them all out for some yate loons one day. All in all I love that case though.

Everything in my rig is black. The board, my 280, the True, even the inside of the case and I put in a couple of red ccls so the backplate would look sweet with the HR-03.

Ireally can't wait to see what you do with the 280. You have to moniter temps and run furmark. Thats what I want to see.

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Good price! I think I paid that much for my 8400 CO when I bought it over a year ago! It's still purring away at 4000MHz in a friend's comp.:p:

That's a nice selection of fans. But it's always a compromise between noise and airflow isn't it? Noctuas on my heatsinks and some cheap blue-glowie Coolermaster 120's in my case. Nothing fancy but they work.

All black theme, eh? Well, it looks like you are going to have to wait for the Thermalright "Black Edition" of the HR-03GTX then:D

I do plan on running some comparisons on the temp. differences between stock and HR-03-ized version. I may run ATITool and Rdribble or whatever it's called instead of Furball this time though due to Thermalright's concerns about it!

You should post some shots in the case section:up:

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Originally Posted by Retro

Good price! I think I paid that much for my 8400 CO when I bought it over a year ago! It's still purring away at 4000MHz in a friend's comp.:p:

That's a nice selection of fans. But it's always a compromise between noise and airflow isn't it? Noctuas on my heatsinks and some cheap blue-glowie Coolermaster 120's in my case. Nothing fancy but they work.

All black theme, eh? Well, it looks like you are going to have to wait for the Thermalright "Black Edition" of the HR-03GTX then:D

I do plan on running some comparisons on the temp. differences between stock and HR-03-ized version. I may run ATITool and Rdribble or whatever it's called instead of Furball this time though due to Thermalright's concerns about it!

You should post some shots in the case section:up:

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Spray paint will work fine with that heatsink. :D Ill use a metallic spray to help with thermal conductivity. But seriously I think that the backplate would help me stick with my theme. I may post some pics once I get my PCP+C 750w back from an RMA. Im using a butchered BFG800w right now. :shakes:

Thats cool I cant wait to see your comparisons. I really just wanna see how well how the copper sinks fair vs the stock heatsink. I haven't been able to find any similar comparison. :up:

I'm looking on the sideline in this topic. :)

Any updates?

Update:
I have nearly finished the HR-03GTX. But I have to order some thermal adhesive for the Enzotech mosfet sinks as the vrm chips are very tiny and the included thermal tape won't work.

I'm not going to use my Noctua fans for the card as I am using both on my Noctua cpu cooler. So I also have to order two 120mm fans tonite. Thinking of getting a couple Skythe Kaze Slip Stream Jyuni (where do they get these names:rolleyes:) either the 1200 or 1600 rpm model.

That's all I need to complete the project. Two 120mm fans strapped together side by side fit nicely over the card. But I will probably have to strap them to the heatsink as the included wire clips are only designed to work with one fan.

Should have the fans and "glue" by Friday or Monday so the card will be finished by next week:cool:

How about some pics, you owe us at least that!!

:p:

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Originally Posted by Jsunn

How about some pics, you owe us at least that!!

:p:

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I'll upload some later tonite:D

Snapped a few quick shots, still not quite finished but you get the idea:

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...Picture001.jpg
I just plopped the mosfet sinks on loose to show what they will look like.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...Picture003.jpg
Back of the card.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...Picture004.jpg
Two old dusty fans zip-tied on. Shows what the airflow potential will be with two good 120's installed.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...Picture007.jpg
Had the mobo out for some work. Note that the card is sagging a bit but it is fine when bolted into the case.

The project was not an easy one, and it cost a fair bit of dough, but the cooling results should be worth it. I had to drill out the mounts on the Enzotech nb sink for it to fit properly. Also had to use low-profile ram sinks in areas where clearance was tight.
Looking forward to getting this thing done next week:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by YukonTrooper

So the SilenX option is worse than the stock cooler? Weaksauce.

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when is SilenX ever an option, and ever beating anything, ive seen rosewill coolers perform better then silenx

Is it possible, that you can use the included HSI heatsink that comes along the HR-03 GTX, on the GTX285?

Retro: So you removed the thermal tape from the enzotech mosfet, and then bought some thermal adhesive? In that case, which kind of thermal adhesive did you buy?
And why won't the thermal tape on the enzotech mosfet not work? I thought they used the same good thermal tape as on the enzotech ram heatsink?

Wow! That is an intense looking setup! Have you fired it up yet to see how the temps look?

Nice Job!

-J

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Originally Posted by wendigo4700

Is it possible, that you can use the included HSI heatsink that comes along the HR-03 GTX, on the GTX285?

Retro: So you removed the thermal tape from the enzotech mosfet, and then bought some thermal adhesive? In that case, which kind of thermal adhesive did you buy?
And why won't the thermal tape on the enzotech mosfet not work? I thought they used the same good thermal tape as on the enzotech ram heatsink?

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Have a look at the installation photos on the Thermalright site for the HR-03 GTX. I just did, the kit should include an hsi sink that fits the 285. I think:confused:

To clarify the thermal tape/thermal adhesive situation:
My original intention was to just use thermal tape where needed. Thermal adhesive, being permanent, voids your warranty on the card. I have read that it can be diluted a bit with thermal compound to make the sink removable, but I haven't tried that yet.

So, I used the included thermal tape on all my ram sinks, it works well, especially Enzotech's, they use a good grade of 3M tape. I really clean the ram chips well though, including a light buffing with 2000 grit sandpaper.

As for the vrm's, they are very tiny, too small for thermal tape to stick to, not enough contact area. So I have to use thermal adhesive for them. I ordered some Arctic Silver Alumina Thermal Adhesive. It is safer to use then the silver based version on this area of the card as it's less conductive.

Edit: Didn't have to use Thermal Adhesive. The included tape on the sinks bonded well after some heating:D

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Originally Posted by Jsunn

Wow! That is an intense looking setup! Have you fired it up yet to see how the temps look?

Nice Job!

-J

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Thank-you, to the guy who started this fine thread:)
I havent fired it up yet for a few reasons:
First, the VRM sinks aren't attached yet until I get my Thermal Adhesive.
The fans I have to install are also on their way, the ones in the photo are just for demo.
Once I get the stuff, I can finish the card and install it along with the mobo.
Then I will post results:cool:
Edit: Adhesive? We don't need no stinking adhesive:D

Damn. I'm too afraid of using such thermal adhesive. And besides that, I'll propaly never get them off. And as you say, it will remove warranty. So no enzotech mosfet for me on the VRM :'(

I guess I'll just have to wait for thermalright to release their VRM heatsink version for GTX285.

That looks pretty nice. But it looks like its bending your card.

Its warping due to heat, that is why some manufacturers install a support bar along the top when they use custom coolers (my 8800GT has it)

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Originally Posted by wendigo4700

Damn. I'm too afraid of using such thermal adhesive. And besides that, I'll propaly never get them off. And as you say, it will remove warranty. So no enzotech mosfet for me on the VRM :'(
I guess I'll just have to wait for thermalright to release their VRM heatsink version for GTX285.

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Yes, it's best to avoid using adhesive unless you are prepared to keep your card forever:D The HR-03 GTX is supposed to be compatible with the GTX285 as well, check it out! You could always use Thermalright's supplied sinks for the vrm's.

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Originally Posted by jollyjoker

That looks pretty nice. But it looks like its bending your card.

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Thanks! There is some bending going on there, but keep in mind the card is not bolted into a pci-e slot, it's just clipped loosely into the un-mounted motherboard, sitting on top of a cardboard box:D

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Originally Posted by LuckyNV

Its warping due to heat, that is why some manufacturers install a support bar along the top when they use custom coolers (my 8800GT has it)

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Yes, that's a good idea, the HR-03's sometimes do tend to bend the card somewhat. I may rig up a support bracket for it if needed. All of that copper isn't helping either:rolleyes:

I have heard of people using super glue (yeah super glue) in just the corners of the memory with some thermal compound in the middle. Im not sure if that would work with the vrms or not. :shrug:

Would thermal tape work for the enzotech southbridge sink?

It looks good. :up: I can't wait to see this thing in action. Good work!

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Originally Posted by BababooeyHTJ

I have heard of people using super glue (yeah super glue) in just the corners of the memory with some thermal compound in the middle. Im not sure if that would work with the vrms or not. :shrug

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I've did that for the memory on my 8800GT and it worked great. I had no trouble removing the sinks either, just gave them a little twist and they came right off. I used very little glue though, I dipped a toothpick in the glue then touched the tip to the corners of the ram chips. Ram chips are a lot bigger than VRMs though.

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Originally Posted by BababooeyHTJ

I have heard of people using super glue (yeah super glue) in just the corners of the memory with some thermal compound in the middle. Im not sure if that would work with the vrms or not. :shrug:

Would thermal tape work for the enzotech southbridge sink?

It looks good. :up: I can't wait to see this thing in action. Good work!

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I've heard that too, but those vrm's are so tiny it would be too difficult for my shaky hands! Would work fine for the ram chips though. But the supplied thermal tape is fine for the ram chips if you really clean them well (and buffing them lightly with 2000 grit always works for me:D).

I wouldn't want to try using only thermal tape on the Enzotech sink, it's quite big and heavy for that but the built-in mounting tabs work with the card's holes if you file them out a bit. I used some MX-2 on the chip.

Thanks for the compliment:) I was a bit unhappy with the drooping of the card but it isn't too bad and can be braced if necessary.

My retailer didn't ship the fans and thermal adhesive yet but I should have it next week. Another glitch is that I am waiting for a new bios chip for my P5Q-Pro because I screwed it up trying to flash one of Ket's final modded bioses:(
Hopefully that will get here soon, I've waited a couple weeks so far.

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Originally Posted by Oats

I've did that for the memory on my 8800GT and it worked great. I had no trouble removing the sinks either, just gave them a little twist and they came right off. I used very little glue though, I dipped a toothpick in the glue then touched the tip to the corners of the ram chips. Ram chips are a lot bigger than VRMs though.

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Exactly:D

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Originally Posted by Retro

I've heard that too, but those vrm's are so tiny it would be too difficult for my shaky hands! Would work fine for the ram chips though. But the supplied thermal tape is fine for the ram chips if you really clean them well (and buffing them lightly with 2000 grit always works for me:D).

I wouldn't want to try using only thermal tape on the Enzotech sink, it's quite big and heavy for that but the built-in mounting tabs work with the card's holes if you file them out a bit. I used some MX-2 on the chip.

Thanks for the compliment:) I was a bit unhappy with the drooping of the card but it isn't too bad and can be braced if necessary.

My retailer didn't ship the fans and thermal adhesive yet but I should have it next week. Another glitch is that I am waiting for a new bios chip for my P5Q-Pro because I screwed it up trying to flash one of Ket's final modded bioses:(
Hopefully that will get here soon, I've waited a couple weeks so far.


Exactly:D

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How many boards does that make now? :ROTF: (sorry) His bios's have taken out quite a few boards here. Im so glad I went with the Deluxe. The dual socketed bios chips was a big selling point for me.

Once its in a pci-e slot and bolted to a board I would be willing to bet it will straighten right out. How much would you figure that card weighs now?

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Originally Posted by BababooeyHTJ

How many boards does that make now? :ROTF: (sorry) His bios's have taken out quite a few boards here. Im so glad I went with the Deluxe. The dual socketed bios chips was a big selling point for me.

Once its in a pci-e slot and bolted to a board I would be willing to bet it will straighten right out. How much would you figure that card weighs now?

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Yep, that's why I like socketed bios chips:p:
I don't mean to blame Ket for it since I am the one who made the decision to flash to that bios, and he did warn me of the risk. Speaking of the Deluxe, I had one before my Pro. Damn good board and having two "socketed" bios chips was great. I sold it to a friend who was in a panic because his Gigabyte board was getting flakey and eventually died. And yes, I flashed the Deluxe successfully to Ket's M1406:p:
I was going to buy another Deluxe but they are over $100 more than the Pro at my retailer who always has the Pro's on sale but never the Deluxe. Needed to save a few bucks for something else I was scheming on doing, I think it was some screwball idea I had for a videocard heatsink:ROTF:

Good question about the card weight. I don't have a very accurate scale other than a bathroom scale so I can't say for sure. I know the TR HR-03GTX weight is listed at 410 grams, less the fan(s), and the GX280 weight would have to be less whatever the stock cooler weighs, then there is the weight of all the individual Enzotech sinks.............
Maybe I will try to borrow a good scale for that some day:D

Im not bashing Ket. Im using one of his bioses now (1702m). Seems to work good. It's crazy you can get a M2F for $50 more than a Deluxe now. I can't beleve they are selling for so much now.

I may have to do this myself with my 280 before summer rolls along. I can't wait to see how this works out. I can deal with my temps now but when it gets hotter out, I don't know.