GPU VRM and RAM cooling

[MrRage]

So the thing i would like to know is does the VRM and RAM need constant cooling with a air cooled heatsink or can i leave it naked, the reason for this is because i have a referance gtx 470 and it had a water block on it and i can purchase an after market cooler for the gpu but i have a way to cool the chip with a cpu fan for now but just need to know if it will die if i dont cool the VRM and RAM

many thanks

 

[nukemaster]

It is unlikely that the memory NEEDs cooling(I am sure it will not hurt), but the VRMs on faster/power hungry cards do generally require some cooling. Most stock coolers just have a slab on aluminum(thick enough to absorb and spread the heat) on them and get some air flow from the cooling fan(blower).

I would try to see if you can get some kind of cooling on that area. If you have the stock cooler, it may have a heatsink for it or at least have the slab of aluminum I speak of. If needed you can cut that part(even just enough for your aftermarket cooler to fit) and re-attach on while still allowing the aftermarket cooler to work(if you can keep the ram covered with it, more power to you.).

 

[MrRage]

It is unlikely that the memory NEEDs cooling(I am sure it will not hurt), but the VRMs on faster/power hungry cards do generally require some cooling. Most stock coolers just have a slab on aluminum(thick enough to absorb and spread the heat) on them and get some air flow from the cooling fan(blower).

I would try to see if you can get some kind of cooling on that area. If you have the stock cooler, it may have a heatsink for it or at least have the slab of aluminum I speak of. If needed you can cut that part(even just enough for your aftermarket cooler to fit) and re-attach on while still allowing the aftermarket cooler to work(if you can keep the ram covered with it, more power to you.).

The problem is i dont have the stock cooler as i got the card for free with a water block on it and thats not enough to keep it passively cooled with light gaming so i was thinking of not cooling the VRM and RAM and using a cpu cooler i have laying about to cool it till i get payed so i can buy an after market one, i have no idea if this card is power hungry or not

 

[nukemaster]

Users have mounted cpu coolers on video cards in the past. It does work.

At the very least I recommend having air blowing on the VRM area of the card. It will get hot, but it may work ok.

Many users have things like the G10 to mount liquid coolers on a video card and leave the VRMs with only airflow from a 92mm fan. I would like to see a bit more cooling, but it should work.