Just got my GTX 480

[XGUNTHERC]

Ya they always put way to much.. using a NON conductive (So no AS5) paste like MX-3 and adding a little to each ram sync and then some to the GPU you'll get a good 5c lower temp give or take is the average on GPU's

and eVGA is the best warranty for ANY Nvidia graphics card. They allow overclocking, water-cooling, modding, and removing and adding custom 3rd party fans. So you can take it apart and do whatever you want. I sent in a 9800GT with a screw missing and they took it. They are a great company. any other brand and I'd be out of luck and have to buy a new card.

Also, the guy that made that video stripped 3 of the 4 main screw holes trying to put it back together. I've taken MANY cards apart with no problems. so either he was rough, didn't know what he was doing. or just tightened them to much. so be careful.. i've never had a problem with that though

 

[Everlong]

I'm planning on trying some of that MX-3 stuff as I've read some great reviews on it, wasn't thinking of putting any on the GPU, but I'll try that too if it can help.

It is a shame XFX aren't doing them though, because they also had a decent warranty for their cards too.

 

[squall leonhart]

XFX will do GTX 4xx cards when yields improve enough for non launch partners to be allocated chips.

 

[Everlong]

I'm not getting my hopes up just yet. It was one of the number 1 partners saying themselves they're not doing GTX4x0s.

 

[smarteyeball]

I'm not getting my hopes up just yet. It was one of the number 1 partners saying themselves they're not doing GTX4x0s.

However, if there is a profit to be made I wouldn't rule them out entirely re-entering the nvidia manufacturing.

Although their quality has slipped a lot across several of their models recently.

 

[Sanvean]

Just got back from the EVGA forums. There's another 470 user that is running warmer than normal. His PNY 470 is overclocked and it runs cooler than his default EVGA 470.
Opening it up, the thermal paste (clay lol) was thick and glopped out around the chip.

I ordered that compound you suggested and will take it to task when it arrives.

 

[Everlong]

I'm not getting my hopes up just yet. It was one of the number 1 partners saying themselves they're not doing GTX4x0s.

However, if there is a profit to be made I wouldn't rule them out entirely re-entering the nvidia manufacturing.

Although their quality has slipped a lot across several of their models recently.

Since Nvidia and ATI don't let the partners be as freely as they used to be with the cards they released, XFX have gone down a bit. Like used to be XFX had some of the most expensive cards up there with EVGA with their speeds and the XXX editions, but now all the cards that are released pretty much have the same speeds and everything, XFX have some of the cheapest cards.

 

[squall leonhart]

they used to be a quality brand, but the 9800 and onward saw to a change in that reputation

 

[XGUNTHERC]

yea XFX has slowly dropped the ball a little bit, there was tons if issues with the 5870's of theres and a few other models. but I did love there Double lifetime warranty.

BFG has another great modder friendly warranty, as well has lifetime warranty. and 90 day step up. but nothing from them yet except they are on there website. I've been told BFG is struggling financially. and I also read that XFX didn't sit this one out because of the yields and all that. They sat it out because Nvidia is basically punishing them for jumping ship. Not sure how true that is either. but something went on between the 2 in a few conversations and now they don't have any new cards. so idk.

interesting stuff. and yea remember that all the Ram sync's and the GPU all need decent thermal paste. but they put way to much on at the factory. since they can fall down the side n such on the card you must use a NON conductive (AS5 has silver inside and conducts) on videocards just to be safe.. but ya that should help temps. after you screw her down and power up once and let the heat spread the paste. you could open her up and check your spread and make sure it's all spread right and not to much/to little. and then put it back together and enjoy.

 

[sygnus21]

XGUNTHERC,

Even though I'm team red, I rather enjoy the info you're providing. Good stuff and it goes a long way in clearing up any "misinformation"

Good job.

Thanks.

 

[adt]

congrats man
waiting for your full review

 

[XGUNTHERC]

ur welcome sir

 

[thefabe]

Congrats on your new card. Have you seen the Evga waterblocked cards yet? EVGA | Intelligent Innovation Well never mind I think I read you have been to their site, but for those who haven't take a look. Also this has probably been posted already but just in case, Toms reviews of the 2 cards Meet The GeForce GTX 480 And 470 : GeForce GTX 480 And 470: From Fermi And GF100 To Actual Cards!. Fabe

 

[XGUNTHERC]

Yea I've seen the eVGA waterblocks, they are actually swiftech blocks.. Gabe makes some good stuff and it's a nice block. It cools the cards well they had some info on there site about it a while back.

I already ordered a Water-block for my card. it's the Danger Den block. check out these pics. I got the Nickel Version. so it will be shiny.
GTX480 - Danger Den Photo Gallery

 

[thefabe]

Nice! I kinda like the copper ones but the Nickel would put off a cleaner led color if you have any. Fabe

 

[smarteyeball]

yea XFX has slowly dropped the ball a little bit, there was tons if issues with the 5870's of theres and a few other models. but I did love there Double lifetime warranty.

Yeah, 2 out of 3 4890 vanillas I had died.

I've pretty much scratched them from my list of future card makers.

 

[Everlong]

yea XFX has slowly dropped the ball a little bit, there was tons if issues with the 5870's of theres and a few other models. but I did love there Double lifetime warranty.

Yeah, 2 out of 3 4890 vanillas I had died.

I've pretty much scratched them from my list of future card makers.

It is disappointing, they made great 6 series and 7 series nForce motherboards, both my 750 and 790 were/are running great. x58 came, and there was a bunch of problems with them. Their graphics cards were great until it hit the 9 series, where they kind of stepped out of the enthusiast area and in to mainstream.

With the GTX400s now, EVGA and ASUS appear to be the main recommended card makers.

 

[sygnus21]

yea XFX has slowly dropped the ball a little bit, there was tons if issues with the 5870's of theres and a few other models. but I did love there Double lifetime warranty.

Yeah, 2 out of 3 4890 vanillas I had died.

I've pretty much scratched them from my list of future card makers.

Hmmm...knocks on wood as my XFX4890 continues to run after purchasing a year ago :huh:

 

[smarteyeball]

yea XFX has slowly dropped the ball a little bit, there was tons if issues with the 5870's of theres and a few other models. but I did love there Double lifetime warranty.

Yeah, 2 out of 3 4890 vanillas I had died.

I've pretty much scratched them from my list of future card makers.

Hmmm...knocks on wood as my XFX4890 continues to run after purchasing a year ago :huh:

lol, I'm knocking that same wood.

My remaining card is from the same batch that the other two came from...

 

[sygnus21]

(d) to continued success