3rd Party Air Coolers for a ATI HD3870x2 card?

[delewin]

Hi I am in 2 minds whether to buy an Nvidia 8800GTS 512Mb or an ATI HD3870x2 card.

I will not be running SLI or Crossfire.

The core specs for my new PC are:
Motherboard: Gigabyte CA-X38T-DQ6.
Memory: G.Skill (1Gbx2) PC#-12800, DDR3-1600
CPU: E8400
Power supply: Gigabyte Odin GT 800W for the Nvidia Card or Antec 850W TruePower Quattro (has 8 pin PCIe plug) if I go for the ATI HD3870x2 card.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek HDT-S1283 with a Sunon KD1212PMB1-6A (108CFM)

I want to moderately (safely) overclock both the CPU and graphics card. As this machine will be running 24/7, I want have some safety margin.

I have costed a full (good quality, recommended by this forum) H2O system (CPU, GPU, NB) and it comes out approximately AU$500 more expensive. It would be nice, but like many of you here, I am on a budget and would rather spend my hard earned money on a more powerful graphics card or CPU, etc, than having H2O and nothing to use it on.

My question is: What air coolers are available to suit the ATI HD3870x2 card?

Are there also reviews that have been written to compare these coolers to the stock cooler?

Thank you,

David

[pvtdonuts]

As of now, there are none, other than the OEM one used by GeCube. Those cards do get really hot though, I had one for a few weeks before I returned it for a 8800GT SLI set up. I wonder though, would there be enough clearance for 2 VF900s?

[Waymon3X6]

Go with the 3870x2 first of all - way faster.

Regarding the cooler, you could buy 2 Zalman VF900s, they will fit on the card or you can wait for a "official" cooler to come out as the Zalman is the only one I can thing of that would fit.

[delewin]

Thank you pvtdonuts & Waymon3X6 for both your replies.

I have looked at the Zalman VF900 and it looks like it would work. The base plate is offset to the fan, so it might work. It is very hard to know the exact measurements of the mounting points for the 3870x2.

I have attached the dimension diagram for the Zalman.

If anyone out there that has a 3870x2, could measure the gap across the diagonal mounting points at the back of the card and let us know, I for one, would be very grateful. I have attached an image of the back of the 3870x2 card. You should not have to dismantle the card in any way.

As I only have a 19" screen (1280 x 1024), either card would romp it in. It's the longevity issue. I would be keeping this card (not upgrading) for 3 to 4 years. I do not play a lot of games either and the ones I like are RPG rather than 1st Person shooter style.

Forgot to add previously, I will be running Vista 64 bit Home Premium.

Thank you in advance.

David

[jimmyz]

Approx 59.5 mm or 2.350 inches.

[delewin]

Thank you jimmyz.

Based on your measurement of 59.5 mm, and using the template above, I caclulate that hole #3 will fit perfectly and centre the GPU under the copper plate.

The other potential issues is the orientation of both Heat Sinks so they do not obstruct each other, as well as how effectively they would cool the RAM and other "hot spots".

I would like someone to do a review on this option. (Does anyone here have the ear of a Zalman Rep to see if they would officially consider this as a commercial option.)

Thank you,

David