Modding A gpu reference Cooler?

[Tjrawl]

I've got a GTX 980 that I bought second hand about 6 months ago. It runs fine, but I have it at about 85 percent fan speed, and it sounds like a jet engine and it still throttles at an 85 degree limit. It is an MSI reference design and I was wondering if removing the shroud and stock fan and attaching a couple of good case fans to the top would be a viable way of improving thermal, and therefore overclocking performance (As well as making it a bit quieter). Here is the best link to show the GPU (I don't think it was that popular); https://www.msi.com/Graphics-card/GTX-980-4GD5-V1

Thanks in advance

EDIT: this should probably be in GPU's but I don't know how to move it 

[Bajantechnician]

6 minutes ago, Tjrawl said:

I've got a GTX 980 that I bought second hand about 6 months ago. It runs fine, but I have it at about 85 percent fan speed, and it sounds like a jet engine and it still throttles at an 85 degree limit. It is an MSI reference design and I was wondering if removing the shroud and stock fan and attaching a couple of good case fans to the top would be a viable way of improving thermal, and therefore overclocking performance (As well as making it a bit quieter). Here is the best link to show the GPU (I don't think it was that popular); https://www.msi.com/Graphics-card/GTX-980-4GD5-V1

Thanks in advance

EDIT: this should probably be in GPU's but I don't know how to move it 

Ever seen a nzxt gpu bracket? Takes aio coolers

[Tjrawl]

In theory, that sounds good but I don't have room for an AIO in my case, any size.

[thelordofwarr]

There are akso aftermaket GPU aircoolers like the Arctic Accelero Xtreme IV

[thelordofwarr]

2 minutes ago, thelordofwarr said:

There are akso aftermaket GPU aircoolers like the Arctic Accelero Xtreme IV

But it will only fit if it has a refrence PCB

[Tjrawl]

i'm looking to keep this cheap, so I only really want to know if the diy solution will work, though thanks for the suggestion none the less

[Doomed83]

You might be able to lower temps by simply removing the plastic shroud. I've read about a user that removed the clear window on a reference model 1080 Ti and lowered temps by 10C. I'm not sure if the lack of a shroud entirely will have negative effects or not, but it might be worth a try.

[DildorTheDecent]

1 hour ago, Doomed83 said:

You might be able to lower temps by simply removing the plastic shroud. I've read about a user that removed the clear window on a reference model 1080 Ti and lowered temps by 10C. I'm not sure if the lack of a shroud entirely will have negative effects or not, but it might be worth a try.

The shroud is there to help channel air for the blower. Without it, the blower won't work as well when it's equipped.

 

Removing the window on a 1080 Ti is slightly different that removing the entire shroud.

 

2 hours ago, Tjrawl said:

I was wondering if removing the shroud and stock fan and attaching a couple of good case fans to the top would be a viable way of improving thermal

It would be. Might be hard to mount fans though.