Modding a Radeon VII

[Rikere]

I have a Radeon VII that's out of warranty, I use it for animation (where that massive VRAM comes in handy). One of the fans is starting to die. I imagine there's a seized up bearing inside, it's functional, just loud as hell. It's quietest when ramped up to full speed (you can imagine I now have a very sharp fan curve).

 

I've tried to replace the fan, but that's just not gonna happen. I've disassembled the damn thing far too many times. I've ordered a few fans, all with the proper part number, BUT for whatever reason none of them have the correct pinout. It's a 4 pin connection and so far the closest I've gotten is a 4 pin connector that's too big to fit.

With all that said, how hard would it be to just replace the cooler outright? Ideally with some sort of 3D printed bracket that mounts fans from Noctua or another provider (though I have no clue which fans to use). I'm grappling in the dark here. I do have a 3D printer. I have PLA and PETG.

 

I've seen CPU coolers used, but I worry about VRM cooling. Water cooling is out for now, this particular case is not water cooling compatible.

[Tristerin]

Strip the metal covering off, and strap 2 120mm fans to the heat sink direct, should cover the entire PCB (air blowing into the heatsink, into the PCB) - I use zip ties when doing stuff like (plug the fans into a mobo header, or splitter, or to PSU direct).  Anytime I have VRMs (and the voltage controller btw) that need covering, I use double sided adhesive thermal tape to put on (or I buy them with the tape on it already) aluminum heat sinks (8x8mm for example, or smaller) and make sure there is some passive air going over it either via a strapped on fan, or whatever is needed

[Bombastinator]

25 minutes ago, Tristerin said:

Strip the metal covering off, and strap 2 120mm fans to the heat sink direct, should cover the entire PCB (air blowing into the heatsink, into the PCB) - I use zip ties when doing stuff like (plug the fans into a mobo header, or splitter, or to PSU direct).  Anytime I have VRMs (and the voltage controller btw) that need covering, I use double sided adhesive thermal tape to put on (or I buy them with the tape on it already) aluminum heat sinks (8x8mm for example, or smaller) and make sure there is some passive air going over it either via a strapped on fan, or whatever is needed

I almost always approve of zip ties for computer use.  It will turn it into effectively a 3 slot card, but if there’s room there’s room

[Rikere]

Alright, zip ties it is. I may need to get a fan controller, I'll investigate what's available in the system.

Any recommendations on specific fans?

[Bombastinator]

12 minutes ago, Rikere said:

Alright, zip ties it is. I may need to get a fan controller, I'll investigate what's available in the system.

Any recommendations on specific fans?

Fans will be face up blowing down yes?  If so avoid straight sleeve bearing or single ball bearing.  You don’t need much in the way of static pressure I think.  If you want to go cheap arctic cooling sells some not expensive fans with FDB bearings.