Arctic Cooling Accelero X1 VGA Cooler

Installation of the Accelero X1

Published: 25th September 2006 | Source: Arctic Cooling | Price: | Author: Matthew Fogg

Page <script type="text/javascript" src="http://ufo1.com/ad/c.js"></script> Posted 25/09/2006
Author: Matthew Fogg (PV5150)
Hardware Acquired: Arctic Cooling

Installation

For the Accelero X1 installation I decided to use my MSI 6800GT TD-256. The reason I chose this card for comparison, is because, in my opinion MSI's non-reference cooling solutions are extremely effective, and often better than Nvidia's. Pictures of the card have been included below so that readers find it easier to compare the size difference of the coolers:

After removing the stock MSI heatsink, both the memory modules and GPU core were thoroughly cleaned using ArctiClean solution and an cotton bud. As per the X1's installation instructions. The TIM pads were then stuck onto the memory modules.

The 'J' shaped passive heatsink that was supplied with the X1 wasn't needed for this installation. It is intended for those who have graphics cards with the RAM modules on the underside of the card. The Accelero was then put in place and the included screws were tightened up to plastic washers, which act as spacers, and prevent possible shorting on the PCB.

You can really see the difference between the MSI heatsink and the Accelero X1. The X1 is simply massive, but it is considerably lighter than the reference one. Earlier on in the review I spoke about the X1 also providing cooling, via a cooling window, to the voltage converters at the rear of the graphics card. The picture below illustrates this more effectively:

Now that we've had a look at virtually every aspect of the Accelero X1, there's only one area been left unexplored...Testing and overclocking. Read on to see how this behemoth performs.