Air cooling dual-9800GX2 configurations
Some of you have expressed interest in seeing my case modifications and cooling configurations for my systems. For those of you who don't know, I'm an avid, long time Folding@Home participant. I run several computers with dual Nvidia 9800GX2 video cards full time, full load. In addition to the dual video cards, each of the systems has a four-core Q6600, CPU, overclocked, running 24/7, processing Folding@Home work units.
The case mods serve aesthetic preferences (to each his own ) as well as provide for better components cooling.
Four GPUs plus one four-core CPU in each case create a lot(!) of heat. Here are the main principles that guide most of my case modification efforts:
1. generous airflow, front to top, front to back
2. application of premium thermal paste on all GPUs and CPUs
3. removal of obstructions that retain heat and inhibit air movement. This includes removing the useless casings on the 9800GX2 video cards and tucking interior cables out of the way whenever possible.
I took the photographs in a rush, sorry if any of them are too "busy" or confusing to you.
Alright enough words, now for some pics....
The case mods serve aesthetic preferences (to each his own ) as well as provide for better components cooling.
Four GPUs plus one four-core CPU in each case create a lot(!) of heat. Here are the main principles that guide most of my case modification efforts:
1. generous airflow, front to top, front to back
2. application of premium thermal paste on all GPUs and CPUs
3. removal of obstructions that retain heat and inhibit air movement. This includes removing the useless casings on the 9800GX2 video cards and tucking interior cables out of the way whenever possible.
I took the photographs in a rush, sorry if any of them are too "busy" or confusing to you.
Alright enough words, now for some pics....
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Modifications:
* duct to channel hot air away from the video cards' side exhaust ports directly to an exit opening in the back of the computer case
* video card exhaust exit port cut into rear of the case
* LED and cold cathode lights
* removed mesh from windowed side panel and installed acrylic panel
* cut out stamped metal rear fan grill
The strange looking gizmos on the four video card DVI ports are "dummy plugs." These are necessary in Vista and Windows 7 for multi-GPU Folding@Home. They are easy to make. The lower right cutout is courtesy of my Dremel, which I am a long way from mastering.
Case: Cooler Master Stacker 830
Modifications:
* intake and exhaust ducts for the dual 9800GX2 video cards
* video card exhaust exit port cut into rear of the case
* LED and cold cathode lights
* removed mesh from windowed side panel and installed acrylic panel
* cut out stamped metal rear fan grills
* installed low-RPM, 140mm as top exhaust fan
* installed two 120mm intake fans in drives cage area
Ha ha, guess what the exhaust duct is fashioned from? Can you read that logo? Ocean Spray.
Case: RocketFish by Lian Li
Modifications:
* intake and exhaust ducts for the dual 9800GX2 vid cards
* additional exhaust fans installed in the back top (port cut) - 2 X 80mm Panaflo fans that had been in my parts bin for close to 7 or 8 years
* extra 120mm intake fans installed in empty bays (front)
* 120mm booster fan installed for RAM effect at the front of the video cards' intake duct
* LED and cold cathode lights
* cut and installed a window in the side panel
* cut intake in bottom of the case underneath the PSU - previous mesh-type ventilation was woefully inadequate for the PSU
* video card exhaust cutout in rear of case (the case came with an integral video card exhaust assembly, but it was not very efficient)
My computers that are not at desktop level are on little stands that I made. Just a few inches off the floor makes a huge difference in lowering the amount of dust and lint they take in.
Last four photos. I need to go to bed!
Great job Leo.
But yes, the irony is pretty good!
It's an honor when the mighty sledge comments in a GPU thread! Thanks.