Installation:
 

DuOrb, Mounting Kit, & Directions

My two test cards used in the past are partially compatible. The 7600 GT was a good test card because of its really hot GPU. The 7900 GT typically fits except my card's I/O shield has a tab that prevents the Duorb from seating properly. Normally, I would place the blame on the cooler, but the XFX 7900 GT graphics card continues to have issues even today.

7900 GT w/IceberQ 6

Memory Sinks

Card On Top

Alas, I had to install it on an EVGA 8800 GTS 320MB Superclocked graphics card. Depending on the graphics card, some of the newer cards are coming with a warranty sticker placed right across one or more of the stock mountings screws. This isn't the case for all the graphics cards out there, but this should be a consideration before you commit to replacing your card's stock cooler.

Removing Screws

Huge Stock Cooler

8800 GTS DuOrb

After removing some 20 screws, the stock VGA cooler was removed and the card cleaned. This where it's very handy to have some good Artic Silver 5 or similar on hand. One note worth mentioning. Many of the new 8800 series as well as future 9000 series cards have an IHS on the GPU. This makes installing aftermarket coolers much safer. One can only hope that all upper echelon cards continue to carry over this feature.

Thumb Bolts Tightened

Great Connection

Ready

The easiest way to attach most any aftermarket cooler, or water block for that matter, is to lay the cooler on its top. Following the directions, four standoff style screws were used to fasten the mounting bracket to the DuOrb. Then the graphics card was set on top so the holes easily lined up. Next four hex nut bolts were fastened evenly to secure the DuOrb. Power was then connected to test the heat sink before installing the card to ensure no surprises.

Testing 1, 2

In The Dark

Testing:

Matching Copper

The GPU on this 8800 GTS Superclocked runs a little hotter than stock GTS cards because of the factory overclocked frequencies. Keep this in mind while comparing other reports of temperatures from other news sources. 3DMark06 and a COD4 demo movie were allowed to run for two hours to get the GPU nice and hot. Afterwards, the idle temps were taken. This also allows the thermal paste to settle completely. The room temp was 22C.

Idle temperatures were 45C at the lowest, hanging at 46C for the hour it was allowed to idle. This can most likely be attributed to the room heating since it only showed up a couple times right about the time the thermostat turned on the blower.

Load temperatures climbed to a hefty 63C with a slight digit change off and on to 64C. This seemed to be the magic ceiling with the DuOrb VGA Cooler which is a bit better than the stock cooler. There isn't a great deal of difference between both cooler's performances.

Since this is a Superclocked model, there isn't much in the way of extra head room. Overclocking really tips things in favor of the DuOrb. When temps start nearing 80C, it's time to start worrying. This is why good air flow is so necessary in any case containing any model 8800 graphics card.

The main differences between the stock and DuOrb VGA coolers are that the stock cooler covers both the entire GPU IHS and video memory modules, while the DuOrb relies on separate aluminum sinks. There are pads between the modules and the stock cooler which doesn't really add any extra heat. If the modules made direct contact, the stock cooler's temps could easily be affected.

Slimmer Profile

The fan on the stock cooler is actually quieter than the DuOrb's dual fans. Originally, noise was rated to about 30db on the stock cooler, but surprisingly never went above 25db. The DuOrb was right at about 35db constantly mainly due to the fact that there isn't a variable controller. There is enough performance that you can add one yourself and not suffer greatly. As for the dual fans, they do look pretty cool with the three built in LEDs on each.
 

Conclusion:

Well, let's start with the obvious things that should be considered. The Thermaltake DuOrb VGA Cooler looks pretty sweet all around and stands out with the dual blue LED fans. These fast spinning fans help keep the GPU cool as it cools the heat pipes and fins, but with some cost in terms of noise. If the stock cooler's fan wasn't so quiet, I probably wouldn't have noticed. The cooler temps may be worth the added noise if it fits your system needs.

Very Nice!

The foot print of the DuOrb is much smaller and lighter than the stock heat sink which is always a nice result. And, the DuOrb does look better adding a bit more flash to a pricey graphics card with a somewhat boring stock cooler.

Unfortunately, the included video memory sinks are plain gray, aluminum. This doesn't do the cooler justice and steals away a bit of its potential. Matching copper sinks would definitely compliment the DuOrb better and keep the look more balanced.

The Thermaltake DuOrb VGA Cooler is otherwise a good performer and would make your 8800 series graphics cards stand out. Due to the limited designs of stock VGA coolers, it's nice to have a better option made from copper. If you need better cooling and your current card configuration just can't keep up, give the DuOrb some consideration.

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