4870 Waterblock Options

[dnottis]

We did some further investigation about cooling the Vitec inductors and confirm that operating temp range is -40 to 125C.

These do get hot, and it is perfectly normal. The amount of ventilation provided by the stock cooling solution (the component is located under the fan inlet) is equivalent or less than that described by several posters in this thread.

According to our informed sources, there is simply no need to sink these components, and required cooling is none other than a mild air circulation around the card.

the crashes reported in this thread are occuring for other reasons. software? overclock ?

Thats not exactly true. I have been working with people at ATI and have gotten alot of information - albeit I haven't "fixed" the issue yet. There is absolutely a need to have sinks on the VRM hardware and in fact large heat sinks. I used the MCR21s from the GTX from the VRMs and was told that they are too small to cool them. Even with active airflow it may not be enough, they suggest blocking the entire area. The Vitec and Pulse chips may not need additional cooling but will need airflow.

Another piece of information that was critical is that the 4870 without the stock cooler will allow the GPU to draw more current. Apparently this is tied in with the 3 pin header of the stock fan.

Im not sure how much more I can share at this time, as I do have more particulars about the circuitry of the HD4870 - there is also a VRM regulator that I want to try and sink and see what effect this has (VT1165MF). You can find it's location in the link below.

http://en.expreview.com/2008/06/24/f...and-hd-4850/4/


The latest beta build of Everest 1455 will show diode and VRM temps. get it here - http://www.9down.com/EVEREST-Ultimat...55-Beta-29037/

With the VRMs, Vitec and pulse chips sinked AND a 120mm fan blowing over the area when I run Furmark the VRM temp in Everest 1455 beta shows the VRM spiking to 125C and then I get a black screen - thermal shutdown.

I'm awaiting replies on a few emails I have out with ATI and have an RMA number just in case. I have no issues in games but I really want to know where the VRM temp in Everest is coming from so I can sink that chip and see if this is in fact the problem. Others claim it's a power issue which I fail to believe in my case as I'm using a quad rail 1000 watt PSU.