View Full Version : Arctic Cooling Silencer NV 5 Review
monkeydust
02-16-05, 06:52 AM
Did you mean to type NV 6's? The NV 5 is not intended for use on the 6600GT.
No, the NV5 for my 6800GT's.
911medic
02-16-05, 09:28 AM
Hmm, interesting. I may try to contact Arctic Cooling and see if they can clarify some of these questions.I'm just curious if the Rev. 2 has improvements other than the new backplate to fit dual-DVI cards (which doesn't affect me), and the reduced weight (which I'm not too concerned about). If my Rev. 1 has the old/weak screws, that does possibly affect me. It would be nice to know how to identify the new, stronger screws. Thanks for the review, and if you find out more info, please let us know!
@monkeydust: Ah ok, somehow I read 6[b]00 in your sig by mistake. :) That's disappointing that the NV 5's didn't fit. I thought there were some others here using NV 5's in an SLI setup. It was a tight squeeeze but they did fit IIRC.
@911medic: I'll see what I can find out and will report back here with any insight.
monkeydust
02-16-05, 02:23 PM
Nah, it was close, but it wouldn't quite fit. The screws on the bottom of the top card were resting against the plastic top of the bottom card and prevented it from sitting in the slot straight. It may work on some SLI systems, but not on my DFI. The space between cards may be slightly less on this model.
Nah, it was close, but it wouldn't quite fit. The screws on the bottom of the top card were resting against the plastic top of the bottom card and prevented it from sitting in the slot straight. It may work on some SLI systems, but not on my DFI. The space between cards may be slightly less on this model.
It would be nice if Arctic Cooling listed a compatability guide for SLI motherboards. They have that height map drawing so it's better than nothing. People aren't realistically going to measure before ordering though becuase it's difficult to know if your measurement is correct or not. (where to measure from exactly, etc).
celebrindal
02-17-05, 05:13 PM
You mention in a couple of spots that the cooling would be far better for a 6800GT. My question is that I noticed in your pics you were using a BFG card, would that comment about way better temps apply for a BFG6800GT or one from a standard supplier. (i'm assuming BFG would have put a on a better fan on a card that is overclocked)
Thanks.
You mention in a couple of spots that the cooling would be far better for a 6800GT. My question is that I noticed in your pics you were using a BFG card, would that comment about way better temps apply for a BFG6800GT or one from a standard supplier. (i'm assuming BFG would have put a on a better fan on a card that is overclocked)
Thanks.
Excellent question. My references to cooling being better on a 6800GT was assuming the stock NVIDIA HSF. BFG has since offered a better HSF which is of their own design, has two fans, etc. This was based on my observation of the few NV 5 reviews out there of which all use a 6800GT but I think all were compared against the stock NVIDIA HSF. So, I would still expect the NV 5 to offer better cooling on the 6800GT than even BFG's own solution but probably by not as much as over the stock HSF.
saturnotaku
02-17-05, 05:29 PM
In some recent trips to local retailers, I've seen that BFG has returned to the reference heatsink design. There are reports on this forum about how the two-fan unit they used for a while was not nearly as effective. If you have one of those, the NV5 would probably be an excellent choice.
I just replaced my dual fan (with AS5) with a NV5 (AS5 again) and have dropped 4c idle temp. The o/c is about the same, but I do like the fact it runs cooler.
Electronic Punk
02-22-05, 05:15 AM
Great review Clay.
I currently have an NV Silencer 5 rev.1 and last time I set it up I used the ceramic-type stuff that came with it.
After reading your review... AS5, Ceramique and rev.2 should arrive today -- lol
The main reason is that since my initial update, my graphics card has been between 67-70 idle :o which in turn pushes my case temp up :(
Installing the rev1 was the second most nerve-wrecking thing I have done to my pc (the first would be manually trying to straighten the pins on my a64 after taking it out, wrong - twice) so I obviously want to do it correctly!!
So a few questions.
- What kind of file did you use? Don't want to sound like a biff, but if you use one too fine you will be there for hours, too defined and you could easily take too much off or end up with an uneven surface. What was your point of reference, resting it on the CPU and making sure you had the copper blocks as close to each memory core as possible?
http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/arctic_cooler_nv5_silencer/images/poorcontact.jpg
- Is that a good reference on how much AS5, Ceramique I should be using? There seems to be a fine balance between not using enough and using too much and personally I don't think I have found that spot just yet.
Wouldn't mind catching you on IRC/IM so I can pester you some more, but I really wanna take my time with this.
Lets hope it arrives today. Also, prob mentioned. But the fact you get 2 sections to the new backplane in the box this time, is a clear indication that you have revision 2 - to those who are still in doubt. Talked to ocuk yesterday and they assured me it was revision 2, or it is going straight back :( ;D
Electronic Punk
02-22-05, 09:34 AM
Hmm,
rev.1 boxshot:
http://www.arctic-cooling.com/pics/nv5_07h.jpg
rev.2 boxshot:
http://www.arctic-cooling.com/pics/nv5r2_07h.jpg
My barcode seems to match yours: 7276700066 but only came with the backplate for the cooler not one that was compatible with the 6800 ultra double backplate.
Yours also seemed to come with the rev.1 packaging.
Hmm,
rev.1 boxshot:
http://www.arctic-cooling.com/pics/nv5_07h.jpg
rev.2 boxshot:
http://www.arctic-cooling.com/pics/nv5r2_07h.jpg
My barcode seems to match yours: 7276700066 but only came with the backplate for the cooler not one that was compatible with the 6800 ultra double backplate.
Yours also seemed to come with the rev.1 packaging.
It looks like they've updated their site. Before now, both products' picture was linked to this image: http://www.arctic-cooling.com/pics/nv5_07h.jpg Like I said, this was all far from being really clear as to what was what. Mine did come with two backplates so apparently (even with the same product sku) AC released a "refresh" of the first version in the original packaging. Not sure if that means what I have is actually a Rev 2 or not though now.
Regarding what kind of file I used, yeah, I definitely started out with something that will remove more material in short time. I used a double bastard cut flat file. Kind of like the ones shown here (http://www.nexternal.com/gordosnow/images/Standard20Mill20Bastard20File.jpg) only with the double cut in the other direction. Pulled of the copper very well with a bit of water applied. I took a lot of time just because I'm very particular and wanted to be sure to only remove very thin layers at a time. :)
Figured I'd answer the rest of your questions, sorry I forgot to in my first reply. :)
What was your point of reference, resting it on the CPU and making sure you had the copper blocks as close to each memory core as possible?The point of reference is difficult to find. Due to the bolts being fixed in place through the copper base you cannot lap the copper memory pad areas all at one time. So my reference was basically to use that flat file across two, sometimes three of the memory pads if I could angle it just right through the screws and then make a few passes and see where the high points were. THen I would do more focused filing in those areas, then lap with 400 and 600 wet/dry auto sandpaper and check for contact imprints from the thermal compound covered memory pads and GPU.
- Is that a good reference on how much AS5, Ceramique I should be using? There seems to be a fine balance between not using enough and using too much and personally I don't think I have found that spot just yet.There is a fine balance IMO. I prefer to add as thin a layer as possible, using a razor blade to get an even surface. I basically exhausted the provided thermal compound supply when checking/re-checking for contact imprints. Exactly how much to use is a "your mileage may vary" kind of thing IMO. GPUs can take a bit more than a CPU though before you get any kind of counter-productive insulation effect though IMO.
Wouldn't mind catching you on IRC/IM so I can pester you some more, but I really wanna take my time with this.Sure, you can IM me, it's listed under my avatar in each post. MY account is MSN but I use Trillian.
Lets hope it arrives today. Also, prob mentioned. But the fact you get 2 sections to the new backplane in the box this time, is a clear indication that you have revision 2 - to those who are still in doubt. Talked to ocuk yesterday and they assured me it was revision 2, or it is going straight back :( ;D
Really? Hmm, that's good to hear I suppose. Although, I've received word informing me otherwise since the review that the Rev. 2's were not in the U.S. at the time of my review so that I must have the Rev. 1. I'd love to get to the bottom of this though so any light you can shed on this, please do here in this thread.
The benefits are there to be had, you just have to stick with it in some cases and be patient. You may not have near the time required to get it "just right" like I did, it all just depends. Thanks, and good luck!
Electronic Punk
02-22-05, 10:21 AM
The exhaust from the cooler is blocked by the two-slot back plate of my original 6800 card. How can I make your cooler compatible to this card?
We do have a replacement bracket for the 6800 series to solve the double bracket issue. Please request for such a bracket from your local dealer.
Thats the faq for rev.2, isn't mentioned in 1.
Utterly confused now :)
Already have a rev.1 and to get another is just silly.
Either way I will take it off and see what I can do with it tonight
Any chance you could check your bar code?
Curious to see if it has the SKU
Will prob return this new one and use the old one, shame really as my custom double backplate was a complete bodge job, but would do for now :)
Waiting for a Aquagate-related cooling solution for it really :)
But you have inspired me to realise that mine is so much hotter than it should be.
Bottom line: If the rev.1 has the potential to cool as well as the rev.2 I may as well return the new one and fiddle with the old one. Or make it my test object :o
know anywhere that sells 6800gt/u backplates?
I guess I should chime in.
I got a NVS5 last year when they first came out (thank you Newegg for gouging me @ $38). I never quite got it working correctly before I broke a mounting pole and stuck my stock cooler back on.
I figured I'd give it another go last weekend, so I ordered mine from Newegg again (no gouge this time :D). Mine is a Rev. 1 - it did come with the additional backplate. After testfitting it a few times, I stuck it in the box and was getting crappy results - it took another 3 fits and more application of thermal compound before it worked right. now I pretty much get the same temps I was getting with my stock cooler, so I'm happy.
Its not really silent, but I wasn't going for silence, I was just hoping for a drop in temps. Oh well :o
edit -- whoops, mine is actually a rev 1. At least the mounting poles didn't break this time :rolleyes:
Electronic Punk
02-23-05, 06:54 PM
I used AS5 and well idle has dropped 12 degrees.
Musta really borked it last time :D
From the benchies the NV5 does indeed reduce the core temp sufficiently . i wish if i can get one for my 6800GT , but maybe i should save my bucks for the *ehmm* .. the PCI-E transition .
also i have to mention that Clay did a very good job on illustrating the stock cooler disassembly ! :)
Pixelsmack
03-02-05, 09:56 PM
Awesome review as always!
I purchased one and it runs nice and cool. But it has one annoying issue.
The fan BUZZES! :thumbdwn:
It gets quieter when it warms up, but is still very audible. I am so bummed.
I think I am going to nab a fanless Schooner if they ever start showing up online. They seem to be rare as free gold.
Awesome review as always!
I purchased one and it runs nice and cool. But it has one annoying issue.
The fan BUZZES! :thumbdwn:
It gets quieter when it warms up, but is still very audible. I am so bummed.
I think I am going to nab a fanless Schooner if they ever start showing up online. They seem to be rare as free gold.
Thanks! Have you tried forcing the fan to max speed by using something like Gainward's ExpertTool? Maybe try flexing the fan blades a bit if any look a bit out of line/unbalanced? Check for things like small bits of paper or something in the housing. Buzzing can also indicate an insufficient ground, I doubt that in your case though. I would think that you could RMA it if nothing else.
Also, you might want to check and see if the blades are hitting some part of the shroud. If they are a simple filing or use of a Dremel tool can quickly correct this. Just work on the shroud and not the blades.
Hello, i had a problem with my NV5, after installing it i realised the
temperature was worse than the original cooler of my 6800 GT. After posting
that someone suggested that the cooler wasn't touching my video card GPU
core, so i tried to get in the right position but the PINs that held the
cooler was very fragile and it pop-out of cooler.
Theres any RMA program i could use? Because I followed the manual steps and
at first it didn't worked (GPU temperature raised) and when i tried to get
in the right position the PINs pop-out.
When you say "the pins popped out" are you referring to the threaded mounting bolts? Either way, if something physically broke then I would suggest that you RMA the cooler. You should contact the company that you purchased the NV5 from and go from there.
there is four PINs on the Block cooler and two of them pop-out. : /
" I would suggest that you RMA the cooler"
Im try : /
there is four PINs on the Block cooler and two of them pop-out. : /
" I would suggest that you RMA the cooler"
Im try : /
Ok, there was a known problem with the pins breaking on some of the NV5 coolers. They were too weak and later versions had stronger pins installed.
zoomy942
03-03-05, 04:21 PM
wuth the nv5.. are people with the nforce 3 chipset that has the SATA plugs under the AGP slot out of luck?
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