How to properly install an aftermarket cooler on a GTX Zotac 970?

[Elf_Knight]

My GTX 970 gets very hot at about 78-80 degrees during gameplay. I have the Zotac edition with 2 fans. I am considering to get a single radiator/fan AIO liquid cooler for my GPU. I have the Cooler Master 212 Hyper EVO for my CPU (i5 4590k) and it does a decent job of keeping the temps low. But when I play the Witcher 3 temps get very high. I think my cheapest option would be to install a single radiator cooler at the front of the case because my air cooler is already installed near the top. Would this work if I use one of those brackets from cooler master to install a cooler onto it? Would that void the warranty?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Typically YES... a MOD like that WILL Void the Warranty... 78-80 is not BAD for that GPU... but IS the limit of my Comfort zone. Here is good site for these kinds Parts http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g30/c311/s2314/list/p1/Liquid_Cooling-Water_Blocks_VGA_-_Card_-_nVidia-GTX_970_Water_Blocks-Page1.html
1) As a "simple test" remove a cover from your CASE and re-check Temps.

 

[Elf_Knight]

Thanks! I probably won't do that. However I have contacted Zotac by email to confirm this. I have removed the cover from my case and still have the same results. It is very concerning.

 

[Elf_Knight]

If I install an AIO liquid cooler onto my CPU instead of my air cooler will that cool my GPU as well? I am just worried about the cooler leaking and don't know which one to get.

 

[Eximo]

As long as there are no warranty void if removed stickers/foil preventing the removal of the heatsink you can just re-apply the old cooler if the card fails. Though, hopefully(or not), the card will last longer than its warranty.

Plenty of ways to install an aftermarket cooler. Most will come with a general guide. You can also check Youtube for videos of others applying the same cooler to other hardware.

All in one GPU coolers do actually work quite well with the proper application. I like the NZXT Kraken G10 bracket, you will need to buy the asetek style cooler separately though. But the included fan will help with the memory and VRM cooling.

EVGA has a nice policy in that they don't care as long as it comes back the way it was delivered.

 

[Elf_Knight]

As long as there are no warranty void if removed stickers/foil preventing the removal of the heatsink you can just re-apply the old cooler if the card fails. Though, hopefully(or not), the card will last longer than its warranty.

Plenty of ways to install an aftermarket cooler. Most will come with a general guide. You can also check Youtube for videos of others applying the same cooler to other hardware.

All in one GPU coolers do actually work quite well with the proper application. I like the NZXT Kraken G10 bracket, you will need to buy the asetek style cooler separately though. But the included fan will help with the memory and VRM cooling.

EVGA has a nice policy in that they don't care as long as it comes back the way it was delivered.

I wish I had gotten an EVGA card now. I don't know what Zotac's policy is. However I have read on other forums that EVGA has a great policy. I will watch loads of videos on YouTube and such like and read more on Tom's Hardware.

 

[Eximo]

If I install an AIO liquid cooler onto my CPU instead of my air cooler will that cool my GPU as well? I am just worried about the cooler leaking and don't know which one to get.

No an all-in-on cooler refers to it being 'maintenance free' and including, pump, radiator, fan, chill plate/block, and fluid. (You still have to dust the radiator and fan)

They are known as closed loop, and only cool one thing at a time.

There are some recent products that allow for expansion using quick disconnect fitttings: http://www.ekwb.com/predator/

If you want to cool a whole computer, this is known as open loop or custom loop. You purchase fittings, tubings, pumps, radiators, fans, reservoirs, and CPU and GPU 'blocks' separately. Or as part of a kit.

EKWB also makes such products, though they are available from many companies.

 

[Elf_Knight]

If I install an AIO liquid cooler onto my CPU instead of my air cooler will that cool my GPU as well? I am just worried about the cooler leaking and don't know which one to get.

No an all-in-on cooler refers to it being 'maintenance free' and including, pump, radiator, fan, chill plate/block, and fluid. (You still have to dust the radiator and fan)

They are known as closed loop, and only cool one thing at a time.

There are some recent products that allow for expansion using quick disconnect fitttings: http://www.ekwb.com/predator/

If you want to cool a whole computer, this is known as open loop or custom loop. You purchase fittings, tubings, pumps, radiators, fans, reservoirs, and CPU and GPU 'blocks' separately. Or as part of a kit.

EKWB also makes such products, though they are available from many companies.

In that case I will keep my CPU cooler as it is because it is doing a fine job with that component. I will look into getting a second cooler for my GPU and wait for Zotac's reply or try to call them. What do you think about putting air coolers onto a graphics card? Would the V-RAM and other parts of the card over heat? I have read that it keeps the temps very low and then you don't have to mess about with water cooling though I will probably get an AIO cooler for my gpu anyways.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... In a Heatsink/fan cooler system... your FAN speed is your "Temperature control" and The Video Card BIO's programing controls the Fan speed VS GPU temp... have you Got GPU-Z? this small app will report back fan speed... what Fan speed and % of (max) does it Run, when at 78-80C?
I was able to get a BIO's for a GTX760 that has an idle speed of 40% vs 30%... this dropped my GPU temps 10C when gaming.

 

[Hogwild_Gankhammer]

If it's the same card as mine, Zotac GTX970 (ZT-90101-10p) Then it typically runs (when playing War Thunder at full settings) at around 70-80.c under load with the fans at around 65-70%.

I'm also looking for another, non-liquid cooling option for it. There must be some kind of air cooler out there for it....I just haven't found it yet!

 

[Eximo]

Plenty of aftermarket GPU air coolers. Only one 'good' option though that can truly replace an OEM custom cooler.

https://www.arctic.ac/us_en/accelero-xtreme-iv.html

Just make sure you have the room for it.

Arctic also has a line of hybrids that are pretty good, but the G10 bracket from NZXT is far more universal.