Loud old HD7970. Next possible step?

[Ryan_78]

Hello folks

I have had my 7970 GHz from sapphire for a while now, and its been getting quite loud. Gaming temperatures with the usage 95-99% for over an hour gets my 75 C temps and if its slightly warmer outside, it might crash. I have set a rigorous fan profile, but the drawback is that it is Very loud, I mean a leaf blower loudness in my face. I have cleaned and repasted the card, which seemed to make it just a tad bit quieter, but ultimately it is still very loud. Now, I feel like I have some choices with the budget of 30 or so dollars
1. Get a new card cooler, such as the arctic full GPU coolers for 50-60 bucks, budget extension. not as happy on money, but good performance
2. get a PCIE thin layer cooler, and take off my current fans, leave the heat sinks
3. Replace the fans with spare ones found on eBay, and leave everything else
4. get a pack of 5 arctic 120mm fans to replace my low CFM ones so it moves more air, my GPU doesn't have to spin as fast.

Now I understand that many of you may ask why not change the card, or upgrade? My current main rig is my i7 920, 12GB ram, and my HD7970 OC, and all the parts are end of the line. Also, I feel like my next investment will be a gaming laptop due to my upcoming future, where I will be travelling more. Also, I do not have the money right now to get anything decent for an upgrade or new system. I do not play all the newest titles, just Planetside 2, Warframe, some beta trials, free games..... maybe some paid games later. 1080p, highest settings not needed. So, I have decided to improve the audible aesthetics instead.

Which one is worth the while? Do you guys have any more suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Martell1977]

I'd go with the replacement cooler as it will probably be more efficient and all new parts so you wont have to worry about used parts.

 

[Ryan_78]

I'd go with the replacement cooler as it will probably be more efficient and all new parts so you wont have to worry about used parts.

thanks
is there any reason to not go for the slot cooler or the replacement fans only?

 

[Martell1977]

The slot cooler just adds some airflow and likely wont make as much of a difference as you need. For the replacement fans, I assumed you were talking about getting used replacements, if they are new and from the OEM of the card, then that could be a good option. If they are used, you will be buying somewhat worn parts and some parts I wouldn't buy used...fans and PSU's mostly.

From what you describe in the original post, it sounds like the fan bearings are worn out and should be replaced or the cooler replaced. OEM, new replacements would work or a new GPU cooler.

 

[dontlistentome]

As a low budget gamer my first choices are all cheap. First, the fans on the videocard, how easily do they spin? If you were to tap one in a direction would it spin freely or would it spin a bit then quickly stop? If they don't spin freely, oil them. There are videos on Youtube showing how to open the fan hub and add a drop oil, I use sewing machine oil for this. If they are really gunked up, you will need to disassemble them and clean the hub, then reassemble them. If you did a good job on reapplying thermal paste, then oiling the fans should help a lot if that's the problem.

Next I'd check general airflow through your case. You should have at least an intake and exhaust going. It sounds like you have a warm environment, so keeping air flowing is vital.

 

[Ryan_78]

ok thanks for the replies I'll check the fans later today
as of environment, I am in Houston Texas, and that's pretty darn warm I say. I have 5 fans pushing air through my case, but they are all low noise, low RPM ones

 

[RobCrezz]

How about selling it on ebay to fund a low power card (with similar performance) like the 1050 ti/RX470?

Might still get a small performance boost, shouldnt cost much as the 7970 still sells for quite good money and would be much quieter.