Graphics card fan problem

[DrSpike]

Thing is, the fan on my 9800 Pro just stopped working, and my card overheats if I try to do anything taxing, like play games. This is not good.

Anyone have any experience of graphics card fans going wrong? I took a quick look at it and nothing appears displaced with the fan connection.

[Whaleboy]

It's a 3 year old card, not too surprising it's bit the dust. Time for a new graphics card methinks.

[snoopy369]

The fan can just die ... mine did a few years back. Ball bearings wearing out or some such.

It shouldn't be expensive to replace the fan, though. Alternatively, you can try with a well-placed case fan, which would help a little at least (depending on the card, i'm not sure how hot 9800s usually run).

[DrSpike]

Hot, it appears.

I'm sure buying a new card is the easiest option, but forking out when I don't really need an upgrade (WoW, GW and Civ4 all play fine) just because the ball bearing wore out on the fan or whatever is a bit annoying.

[Asher]

Replacing the fan is pretty easy and far cheaper than getting a new card.

[DrSpike]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Zalman_System_Coolers.html

How about the bottom one here? How can I check whether it fits the card? It says no need for a bracket, and I don't need to change the heatsinks I think.

[Whaleboy]

http://www.arctic-cooling.com/vga2.php?idx=36

Apparently these are quite good

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Arctic_Cooling_System_Coolers.html

[Pekka]

Graphics cards RULE!!! WOOT½! I'm the #1 FAN!Q!! YEAAAH!

[snoopy369]

The bottom one is an 'extra' fan not meant as a standalone. It would certainly be helpful (it's an 80mm, which is basically a case fan) but does not replace the fan that blows down onto the graphics card.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Vantec_System_Coolers.html

The one that's "out" at 6.95 would probably be the cheapest, best one if you can find it in stock somewhere... the 16.95 one is great, but more expensive (but in stock )

[snoopy369]

Originally posted by Whaleboy

http://www.arctic-cooling.com/vga2.php?idx=36

Apparently these are quite good

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatal...m_Coolers.html

Go with this one

[DrSpike]

Hmm, that looks decent, and £14 is better than £200 I guess.

I presume it's not too much of a pain to install? I built my machine, but haven't ever changed a graphics card fan.

[snoopy369]

Just some screws iirc.

[Tattila the Hun]

And of course, after installing a new cooler, be sure to overclock a bit...

[Pekka]

I'm a HUGE fan of overclocking also!
YEEHAAA!!! #1 baby!

[DrSpike]

Hmm, had time to do a little research tonight and I think I'll go with Whaleboy's suggestion. I'll have to wait a couple of weeks until I'm on leave though, since I doubt it will fit through the letterbox.

In the meantime since I have 4 case fans I have taken one off, laid my machine on its side, and rested the fan on top of the graphics card and sound card, so it points at the hottest side of the graphics card. It appears to be working as I just played an hour of Civ with no artifacting.