Thermalright HR-03 GT: Heavyweight GPU Cooling
by Matt Campbell on March 3, 2008 2:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Conclusion
The Thermalright HR-03 GT put up some extremely impressive performance numbers. Given the proper amount of ventilation, it can run even the most demanding games without a dedicated fan. With a fan attached, it has some of the best load temperatures that we've ever seen.
Is the HR-03 GT right for everyone? Probably not. Though its fanless capability might be attractive for Home Theater PC builders, its sheer size eliminates it from at least some of those applications. Size can be a concern even in roomy cases, particularly if you are interested in SLI setups. Casual users may be swayed towards a cheaper, more all-in-one solution, like the DuOrb. However, if raw performance is what you seek, look no farther than the HR-03 GT.
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rudolphna - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...adam92682 - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
can this be used for the 8800 gts as well?KikassAssassin - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
Thermalright makes a few different versions of this cooler that are compatible with different cards. You can get a compatibility list from Thermalright's website:http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_pag...">http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_pag...
It looks like the HR-03 GT will work with the G92 GTS, but the G80 GTS would use the HR-03 Plus.
cubeless - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
it's the first time i've had to change the hsf on a brand new card... over 25c difference with a zalman...at least the big, noisy hsf on my x1800 kept the gpu cool whilst sounding like a hovercraft...
the hsf on the 8800gt is a big, noisy, expensive looking piece of junk... it's got to be a conspiracy to sell aftermarket coolers...
Jodiuh - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
2 of my GT's in SLI made very little noise under Crysis. The fans never spun up past default. Perhaps the room was hot, case airflow lacking, or a bum card/bios?crimson117 - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
That's a good point. I mean, not a conspiracy, but perhaps that's a way nVidia kept the prices down on the 8800 GT - by providing a cheapo stock cooler design. Adding a higher quality one in bulk could add $20 or more to the MSRP.Zefram0911 - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
No sound readings?crimson117 - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
The sound reading for the fanless one is 0 DBA.The sound reading with the fan turned on is very close to the fan's own DBA reading, and depends on which fan you choose for yourself.
gonks - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
Would a 120mm fan fit in this beast?nowayout99 - Monday, March 3, 2008 - link
It can if you use Thermalright's 120mm fan clips. (the package only includes the 92mm ones).