7900 GT and HSF

[Just4Ever]

Hey, I just got in my new eVGA 7900GT (the new one with the Infineon RAM) and a brand spanking new Zalman VF900-Cu heatsink fan and I really want to put it on the card.

However, I don't have the rest of my computer in and it will be about a week and a half until I have all the parts.

My question is should I wait to put the HSF on?

I am kind of afraid of a DOA card and I'm pretty sure that putting on a new HSF will void the warranty or return policy.

Can anyone clarify this for me?

Thanks.

 

[AzNpXdD913]

eVGA's warranty allows the user to put aftermarket cooler on the graphic card, so you'll be fine.

 

[Just4Ever]

Can anyone verify this? I look on their site and I didn't see any mention of this.

 

[Zap]

Two things I always do when building computers.

#1 I always test the CPU, motherboard, RAM, video outside the case - meaning I make sure it POSTs before bolting it into a case.

#2 I always test any part for functionality before modding it. DOA parts do happen, and if it does the manufacturer or vendor should make good on it. If you mod it and then test it and it doesn't work, it's on you whether or not in reality it was a DOA.

 

[dustmann]

I would just wait since you can't use it anyways, it's tough I know. That way you wont risk voiding a warranty (I have heard that they allow aftermarket coolers too, but cant verify it) Also, if it is DOA, you wont waste any artic silver or whatever your preferred thermal goo is.

 

[ronnn]

I always run my vid cards with stock hsf, until the noise kills me. Usually takes a week or 2.

 

[sisq0kidd]

As mentioned in another thread.

Evga FAQ:

Does water-cooling or installing a third party cooling solution on my video card void the warranty?

Installing third party cooling solutions does not void warranty on our products. Just be sure to keep the original cooling solution as it will have to be on the card if it is ever sent in for RMA. Any physical damage such as burn marks or damaged PCB will void the warranty.

 

[Powermoloch]

You should wait until you test your card. It's better to save some headaches and hassle.