Replacing GPU Cooler

[EunSoo]

Hey! So I want to replace the stock cooler off my MSI GTX 980 OCV1 and I found an EVGA SC Gaming ACX 2.0 cooler on eBay for $40. I just wanted to make sure that if I get it and swap it onto my GPU, everything will work fine. It looks like it should fit since this is my MSI PCB:

Spoiler

 

and this is the EVGA PCB:

Spoiler

 

If I got the images right, both cards have the same PCB layout so the cooler should fit fine, right? My only other concern is that the MSI PCB is going to control the EVGA fans a little weird, could that be an issue that can be fixed with a custom fan curve or something? If there are any other potential issues, please tell me! Thanks!

[Mira Yurizaki]

That doesn't look like the exact same board to me. The design of the exhaust vents on the MSI card are straight up and down, not triangle patterned. Granted it probably won't matter since the mounting holes on video cards tend to be the same throughout the same GPU.

 

As far as the fan goes, they would both be using something PWM based so it wouldn't matter who made it or what controls it, it'll be the same.

[gawax]

I think both PCBs are reference design so you shouldn't have a problem with that. For the temps just download MSI afterburner and adjust the fan curve in the settings, play a game and see how that works out.

[APasz]

As long as all the components that need cooling get it and the mounting holes line up, everything should be good.

[EunSoo]

4 minutes ago, M.Yurizaki said:

That doesn't look like the exact same board to me. The design of the exhaust vents on the MSI card are straight up and down, not triangle patterned. Granted it probably won't matter since the mounting holes on video cards tend to be the same throughout the same GPU.

 

As far as the fan goes, they would both be using something PWM based so it wouldn't matter who made it or what controls it, it'll be the same.

Yeah, mine has vertical vents. This seems like a more correct photo:

Spoiler

 

Still looks like it'll fit though.

20 minutes ago, gawax said:

I think both PCBs are reference design so you shouldn't have a problem with that. For the temps just download MSI afterburner and adjust the fan curve in the settings, play a game and see how that works out.

 

19 minutes ago, APasz said:

As long as all the components that need cooling get it and the mounting holes line up, everything should be good.

nice. thanks!

[EunSoo]

@M.Yurizaki @APasz @gawax one more question. On the listing, it says that it comes with no screws. Will the ones I have already on the MSI cooler be enough to attach the EVGA one? Thanks again

[APasz]

They might be a slightly different threading. Probably the same though.

Could try and find someone who has both coolers and ask them if they are in fact the same screws.

[Mick Naughty]

Reference boards. The rear vents won’t matter being an open air cooler. 

 

They only added those for fancy fancy cards to make them look special. 

[Bcat00]

Wanna explain why you want a new cooler?

if its the fan breaking then just rip off the fan shroud and tie a third party fan to it with a vga wire adapter.

[EunSoo]

3 hours ago, Bcat00 said:

Wanna explain why you want a new cooler?

if its the fan breaking then just rip off the fan shroud and tie a third party fan to it with a vga wire adapter.

 

The reason I'm telling myself is that the stock cooler is a blower-style and I have no need for that anymore since it is now in a mid-ATX with good airflow, and so there isn't a reason to keep it beside cost and effort. Sure, it isn't necessary at all but it is the loudest component in my computer rn and it's still going over 80c. 

[Colty]

If you can spend the extra cash, an NZXT G12 or Corsair equivalent might be the best option. Easier install, even quieter and even better temps. 

[EunSoo]

2 minutes ago, Colty said:

If you can spend the extra cash, an NZXT G12 or Corsair equivalent might be the best option. Easier install, even quieter and even better temps. 

 

 

I thought about those options but afaik you need a liquid cooler to accompany the G12 and I don't want one because I don't have space in the case for one. There isn't enough room between the rear exhouse and my cpu cooler for a radiator there and the front is populated with pure wings 2 that I have no desire of getting rid of. I think I've gone through the options and have got my mind made up.

[gawax]

15 hours ago, SCGazelle said:

@M.Yurizaki @APasz @gawax one more question. On the listing, it says that it comes with no screws. Will the ones I have already on the MSI cooler be enough to attach the EVGA one? Thanks again

I believe the cooler is only attached to the 4 screws around the GPU.

So yes you should be allright

[Apepa]

5 hours ago, SCGazelle said:

 

I thought about those options but afaik you need a liquid cooler to accompany the G12 and I don't want one because I don't have space in the case for one. There isn't enough room between the rear exhouse and my cpu cooler for a radiator there and the front is populated with pure wings 2 that I have no desire of getting rid of. I think I've gone through the options and have got my mind made up.

No ambition.

[EunSoo]

9 hours ago, Apepa said:

No ambition.

Stop it. You're making me want to do that. But there isn't nearly enough room in my case for they though. And would its vrms be fine without any dedicated cooling?

 

[Parideboy]

4 minutes ago, SCGazelle said:

Stop it. You're making me want to do that. But there isn't nearly enough room in my case for they though. And would its vrms be fine without any dedicated cooling?

 

On stock, maybe. Usually, the case fans should be able to handle it but I'm not a big "fan" of naked vrms either

[Apepa]

 

@SCGazelle, @Parideboy I saw it in a YouTube vid, I think the dude who did it added some little heatsinks for the VRMs and vram. 

[EunSoo]

10 minutes ago, Apepa said:

 

@SCGazelle, @Parideboy I saw it in a YouTube vid, I think the dude who did it added some little heatsinks for the VRMs and vram. 

Hmm, ok. Then again, what heatsink would I get for the GPU core? There isn't enough room for something like a hyper 212 like in the picture in the case. I'm not saying I'll do it since I already have the evga cooler on the way but I'm interested

[Apepa]

25 minutes ago, SCGazelle said:

Hmm, ok. Then again, what heatsink would I get for the GPU core? There isn't enough room for something like a hyper 212 like in the picture in the case. I'm not saying I'll do it since I already have the evga cooler on the way but I'm interested

Same quality/performance rules would apply as if you were using them on a CPU, although the improvement in thermals would be even more for a GPU compared to a stock cooler. The main issues are space and how you could mount it securely. This guy had the GPU on a riser so he could mount it separately with additional support so the weight of the heatsink wouldn't break the PCB.