





Brand | Thermalright |
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Model | HR-03 Plus |
Compatibility | Compatible with NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX& 8800GTS & 8800Ultra video cards. NOTE: In order for HR-03 PLUS to run effectively, it is strongly recommended that a 92mm fan is installed. |
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Features | A maximum of 6 heatpipes for maximum amount of heat transfer to work with any of 92mm or smaller fans for best configuration to suit your needs Proprietary two-heatsinks-soldered-to-form-as-one design to maximize cooling capacity 6 heatpipes soldered immensely close to heatsink fins to increase heat transfer efficiency Two ways of mounting the cooler on video card for best space and configuration management in ATX and BTX form factor cases Light weight and easy no-tool installation SLI compatible for serious gaming enthusiasts Cosmetically contoured design for that vanity look |
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Heatsink Dimensions | L133 x W156 x H38 mm (heatsink only) |
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Date First Available | March 14, 2007 |
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Pros: Exceptional cooling, 6 heat pipes vs. 2 (based on Nvidia reference design), extension of cooler past edge of video card more than likely improves cooling by forcing hot air into the upper region of the case to be taken out by the case exhaust fans (as opposed to other designs that force hot air back onto the GPU), TIM pads for the RAM sinks are the best pads I've ever seen to be bundled with a GPU cooler. The pads appear to be thick phase-change pads that stick very well (as opposed to the normal double-stick "Scotch tape-type" TIM pads seen on most other RAM heatsinks; that may or may not fall off and don't provide an efficient interface).
Cons: Extends approx 1 3/8" past outer edge of video card (could also be a pro), heavy (with fan attached), quirky fan installation, precludes SLI setup (takes up three slots), and depending on your point of point of view, it's ugly.
Overall Review: With an extremely limited selection of after-market GPU coolers available for the 8800 series, I decided to take a chance with this one. It's big, ugly, and takes up 3 slots. But man, does it cool (compared to stock)!!! I logged my 8800 GTX with the stock cooler (based on the NVIDIA reference design with no factory or user overclock) while playing Supreme Commander at max settings and it peaked at 98 CELSIUS (81 C idle)! That's extremely high when you consider that water boils at 100 C. I believe the threshold of the GPU is 130 C...but still!! With the HR-03 Plus, the card idles at 59 C and peaks at 70 C while running the same conditions in Supreme Commander and making no other changes to my configuration! It continues to amaze me how much money these cards cost, yet, the manufacturers put on the cheapest cooling solution that they can get away with. I recommend a 92MM Zalman (ZM-F2) or Rexus (Panaflo)FBA09A12H fan (both have a bottom lip that is needed for the quirky fan clips)