tommy, many of us have been in situations like you're in now and I can tell you, you might want to consider using the warranty on the card. I'm not sure what you're experience is with computers but from your post it seems like this might be one of the first times you've ever seen an open pc and taking on the simple task of changing a video cooler is NOT easy. Don't let these guys fool you, be sure you're willing to accept the posability that you will void the warranty and have to buy a completely new card and then do it.