EVGA

Not happy with GTX 970 "blower" model noise, options?

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
steve.sweitzer
New Member
  • Total Posts : 25
  • Reward points : 0
  • Joined: 2007/05/04 22:01:51
  • Status: offline
  • Ribbons : 0
2015/09/02 11:00:21 (permalink)
So I recently picked up an EVGA GTX 970 with the "blower" type cooler, model no: 04G-P4-1972-KR
 
I decided on the blower model because because I was happy with my blower design GTX 680 (also an EVGA), but unfortunately I've been really disappointed by the noise the GTX 970's fan makes.  It makes kind of a rattling or grinding noise in mid-range RPMs and this seems to be a common complaint with the card.  It is not coil whine or power related as I can duplicate it with the card under no load by manually changing the fan speed in EVGA Precision.
 
This video isn't mine, or for the same card, but this is exactly how my 970 sounds, seems like the same fan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG1gOAvvK1g
 
Has anyone found a solution for this?
 
If an Evga rep is reading this - would it be possible for me to order one of the "ACX 2.0" coolers for the 970?  Will that install on the blower model without issue?
post edited by steve.sweitzer - 2015/09/02 11:06:02

 Asus Z97-AR • Core i7-4790k + Corsair H50 • 8GB Mushkin DDR3 1600MHz • EVGA GTX 970 SC • Corsair HX750i
#1

4 Replies Related Threads
    bsmegreg
    FTW Member
    • Total Posts : 1604
    • Reward points : 0
    • Joined: 2014/07/19 19:18:29
    • Status: offline
    • Ribbons : 6
    Re: Not happy with GTX 970 "blower" model noise, options? 2015/09/02 11:47:17 (permalink)
    If I understand your issue correctly, you are getting 'rattling' noises when at X rpm's (ex 25% fan). This can be fixed by simply installing Precision X by EVGA or MSI Afterburner and setting a fan curve. An example of what to do on the curve is if X is causing the issue, then have the fan curve jump right over it. Like go from 22% to 28% and skip 25% if that's the problem area. You may still here the rattle for a split second as it skips over the problem area.


    This is a common issue like you mentioned and I've been told this works.
    post edited by bsmegreg - 2015/09/02 11:50:06

    #2
    steve.sweitzer
    New Member
    • Total Posts : 25
    • Reward points : 0
    • Joined: 2007/05/04 22:01:51
    • Status: offline
    • Ribbons : 0
    Re: Not happy with GTX 970 "blower" model noise, options? 2015/09/02 13:04:37 (permalink)
    The range of speeds in which the fan makes this noise is pretty large, it's like from 30%-70%.
     
    Just like that video, I'd have to crank the fan pretty high before it stops - and that's not ideal either, because then I have to put up with a straight up loud fan; although in some ways that's still less annoying than the rattling.

     Asus Z97-AR • Core i7-4790k + Corsair H50 • 8GB Mushkin DDR3 1600MHz • EVGA GTX 970 SC • Corsair HX750i
    #3
    bsmegreg
    FTW Member
    • Total Posts : 1604
    • Reward points : 0
    • Joined: 2014/07/19 19:18:29
    • Status: offline
    • Ribbons : 6
    Re: Not happy with GTX 970 "blower" model noise, options? 2015/09/02 13:41:51 (permalink)
    Oh... I've only seen it where it happens at like 28-32% and no where else (small range). You may want to reseat the graphics card and if that doesn't work out then inquire about an RMA. Cross ship RMA = free to my knowledge (but you have to put down payment). Other RMA's can require you to pay shipping.

    #4
    steve.sweitzer
    New Member
    • Total Posts : 25
    • Reward points : 0
    • Joined: 2007/05/04 22:01:51
    • Status: offline
    • Ribbons : 0
    Re: Not happy with GTX 970 "blower" model noise, options? 2015/09/03 07:36:25 (permalink)
    I don't want to RMA as I believe another card will have the same problem based on all the reports I've seen.  I don't believe my specific card is defective versus it simply being an overall design flaw with the fans they're using for the blowers.
     
    I did take the card apart last night to see if there's anything I can do to to acoustically isolate the fan so it's at least not reverberating through the frame.  It turns out that there is already a rubber gasket between the card and the frame, but it's kind of comically thin.  So I put two layers of heavy duty electrical tape over the section where the fan mounts to try to isolate it more (any more and I think the fan would then been pushed too close to the shroud)...but it didn't seem to make much noticeable difference.
     
    I contacted EVGA support to ask whether they would sell me an ACX 2.0 cooler, but they said no (which is kind of BS, but whatever).
     
    I looked it aftermarket coolers, but there's not much choice for basic stuff.  The Accelero Twin Turbo II seems to be the only thing out there.

     Asus Z97-AR • Core i7-4790k + Corsair H50 • 8GB Mushkin DDR3 1600MHz • EVGA GTX 970 SC • Corsair HX750i
    #5
    Jump to:
  • Back to Mobile