Which GPU heatsink runs hotter?

Hello,

I am looking to purchase 3 heatpipe heatsinks for my alienware 18 R1, I can only afford to purchase 1 right now to replace my 2 heatpipe ones. Does anyone know which heatsink runs hotter ? I have the part numbers of the three heatpipe designs. I would guess that the secondary runs hotter because of longer heatpipe. I dont have the laptop with me right now otherwise I would just disconnect 1 fan to test.

Primary H/S: HTXFC Secondary H/S: TJ6G8

 

Primary GPU heatsink nearly always run hotter.

 

Thanks GodlikeRU I will be getting secondary first then. I have noticed the secondary GPU does Run 5c+ hopefully the 3 pipe will drop it down to temps of pri

 

In my M18xR1 it's same behaviour. Just secondary gpu fan is set to different fantable values and it starts later, at higher temperature. It does not mean that secondary GPU is heating more than primary because primary will always run hotter. Windows and many other programs does not use 2nd gpu much. I still recommend to upgrade primary slot first but you will do what you think

 

Definitely go for the primary one.

 

In SLI, I've always heard of the primary GPU running hotter... I would get the primary heatsink..

 

Doh I don't know why I said I would upgrade secondary first I meant to say primary lol. Definitely going to go with the primary first, why is it so hard to find parts for the Alienware 18!!

I was able to find the part HTXFC at these places for anyone interested.

http://www.computer-spare-parts.info/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/1137 (6 weeks to get part...) $54

http://www.pchub.com/uph/laptop/423-141776-39813/Dell-Alienware-M18X-R3-Cooling-Heatsink.html (little more pricy) $71

http://www.cpumedics.com/htxfc.html#itemdesc (ships 1-3 days) $59

I will probably end up going with the cpumedics one. I have posted a pic of my current temperatures running unigine heaven max settings. So you all agree that GPU1 with max temp of 74c is the primary ?

 

@Alienware-L_Porras , do you know if there is anyway to get the part directly from dell anymore? I called customer service 2x and was told the part was out of stock and discontinued so they wouldnt be getting anymore. Is the only choice to get the part 3rd party now? Thank you

 

The primary card runs hotter as the 2nd card is never utilised as much as it. You will need to get such parts from other sources these days.

 

Unfortunately no, we no longer have those.

 

Oh sorry for late response, didn't saw your post.

It's like that because of two main reasons:

There were 3 generations:
- M18xR1
- M18xR2
- AW 18 aka M18xR3

First reason:
Parts from M18xR1 are mostly interchangable to the R2 as the chassis is identical. It's a much longer on the market and Dell sold a lot of these laptops.

Second reason:
I don't want to hurt you but a lot of users found AW 18 design ugly compared to the M18xR2. BIOS is also a significant downgrade as it can't be unlocked and thus laptop can't be fully used (as for power users). That's why this model is not that popular, poeple who bought M18xR2 just didn't upgraded to the R3. CPU generation haswell is also a little worse at overclocking from the previous generations (Sandy Bridge). Also the GPUs from AW18 fits in M18xR2 so there's no reason to change. And finally Dell discontinued whole AW18 line (most stupid move in years!)

Regards

 

The 18 is more of a niche line compared to the rest since it's very high end meaning parts are harder to come by.

 

Hey, in the end did you upgrade the heatsink?

I have simiar problems as you with my A18 :
- GPU #1 is always hotter dans #0 : 5°C in iddle and 10-15°C in full gaming

my questions:
1) isn't #1 supposed to be Secondary GPU and #0 = Primary?
2) my GPU#1 is reaching 95°C in full gaming and room temperature is 25°C (i'm in Africa)


My paste job was bad? something else?

 

95°C too much,you don't use HWiNFO fan control? When GPU temps hit 60°C need for you maximum RPM.
See pics: