Optional Graphics Card Cooling Options

MrWhuppo · January 2, 2017

So I'm going to use a few words to describe components on the graphics card that show my general ignorance. I'm in the process of putting the Copper heat pipe cooler from the single fan EVGA GTX 960 onto the also single fan ZOTAC 1060 mini 6GB. The mini has a heatsink like the Intel stock cooler, but cost me 200 flat from a local store. I have the pieces out and I'll have to trim a few blades off the 960 Sink. But the 1060 has one thing I cannot cut off. The VGA/VRM little heatsink with an adhesive pad. How important is this heatsink, and what will happen if it's taken off?

MrWhuppo · January 2, 2017

I should note that the entire setup will be for naught if they are vital, because with them on they fall under the heat pipe itself, and no amount of fin trimming will compensate.

Mira Yurizaki · January 2, 2017

5 minutes ago, MrWhuppo said:

So I'm going to use a few words to describe components on the graphics card that show my general ignorance. I'm in the process of putting the Copper heat pipe cooler from the single fan EVGA GTX 960 onto the also single fan ZOTAC 1060 mini 6GB. The mini has a heatsink like the Intel stock cooler, but cost me 200 flat from a local store. I have the pieces out and I'll have to trim a few blades off the 960 Sink. But the 1060 has one thing I cannot cut off. The VGA/VRM little heatsink with an adhesive pad. How important is this heatsink, and what will happen if it's taken off?

It's vital to the VRM because those things will get toasty when you're putting the video card through its paces. It's not unheard for them to reach 90-100C, with a heatsink. VRMs are part of the power delivery system, so you kind of want to take care of them.