Description

GTX285 & GTX275 & GTX260 (55nm)
nVidia GTX280 & GTX260 ( 65mm )
Note: When installing on a GTX200 Series, a 120mm fan must be used.

REMARK*The models listed are based on Nvidia’s reference mechanical layout. Some manufacturers stray away from the standard and develop their own layout. For those, Thermalright holds no responsibility in case of incompatibility after purchase of Thermalright product(s).

Dimension: L133 x W156 x H38 mm Weight: 410g
Recommended Fan: 120 x 120 x 25mm fans
Heat pipes: Six heat pipes Nickel Plated Base material: copper

 

FAQ 1

Question : I noticed from the test program that I run on the HR-03 GTX on GTX 280, the VRM is shown to be especially hot, even hotter than when under stock cooling. Is that normal? Is there any thing I can do to solve this problem?

Answer : In our lab tests we have discovered that when running Furmark to test for temperature, it tends to show results that would never be achieved in any circumstances (under normal running or overclocking). Running Furmark is highly risky therefore we do not recommend running this program for tests. This program pushes the VGA card to the point of maxing out, beyond limit and will burn out any cooler, stock or after market coolers after long period of testing. Even running games such as Far Cry 2 and GTA 4 extensively for long hours, the temperatures would never reach what Furmark’s excruciating tests put out. Furthermore, it is crucial to have a 12cm fan installed running at 1600 RPM. This will ensure enough airflow to not only the HR-03 GTX heatsink body but also to the VRM heatsink plate. If you would like to run software to test for heatsink’s temperature stability, we strongly recommend ATI Tools.

FAQ 2

Question :Can HR-03 GTX be installed on other types of video card or is it just for the nVidia GTX 200 series

Answer :HR-03 GTX can only be installed on GTX 280 and GTX 260 due to the difference in location of the mounting holes

FAQ 3

Question :The MOSFET on the GTX 280 and GTX 260 seems to be different in numbers of module, but the HR-03 GTX only comes with one set of VRM heatsink. Can it be used for both?

Answer :Even though the numbers of module are different on the GTX 280 and GTX 260, the fixture holes are the same on both types, so rest assured that the VRM heatsink can be installed on either one.

FAQ 4

Question :All previous versions of HR-03 had two methods of installation but HR-03 GTX has only one. Why is that?

Answer : Due to the excess amount of heat dispersed from the VRM components, sufficient cooling airflow to it is a necessity. Type 1 method would put the fan in the back of the video card thus preventing the airflow to properly cool the VRM and overheats as a result. Therefore, only Type 2 installation method (entire heatsink and base on top of GPU) is recommended

FAQ 5

Question :HR-03 GTX calls for a 120mm fan. Won’t that take up more space than a 92mm fan?

Answer : Since the fans are of the same width, they both take up 4 PCI slots

FAQ 6

Question :Is HR-03 GTX compatible in SLI or Cross Fire setup?

Answer :HR-03 GTX can only be installed in one method. It will not support SLI or Cross Fire

FAQ 7

Question :How far does the heatpipes on the HR03-GTX stick out above the top edge of a 260/280GTX when fitted?

Answer : 44mm

FAQ 8

Question : I used the RAM sinks that were included with my Thermalright VGA cooler but they keep falling off even after following your instructions for cleaning. Is it because the adhesiveness is not enough?

Answer : First and foremost, we cannot stress enough how important it is to thoroughly clean the surface of the RAM chips. It does not matter how much adhesiveness there is, if the surface resides any amount of residue (thermal paste, oil, and etc), it will not stick. Please see below instructions and illustrations for better understanding.   Illustration 1 shows the residue left from the stock cooler’s thermal padding. This contains huge amount of oily residue and traces of thermal compound. It is crucial to remove these as thoroughly as possible. Illustration 2 shows a typical cleaning by an end-user, but as you can see there are still some oily residue left on the RAM chip that can be felt with a finger. Under this condition, the RAM sink would definitely not stick as well as it should. More cleaning is needed! Illustration 3 shows the RAM chip after a thorough, complete cleaning using rubbing alcohol or thermal compound cleaner to achieve best result. Illustration 4 shows the RAM sink on the RAM chip. If cleaned properly, you will find that it is not movable. Below picture shows the ultimate test. Again, if properly cleaned you would be able to hold up the entire video card just by holding on to the RAM sink.