8800 GTX dead ---> What now?

[micquebec]

Hi guys,

I've been pretty happy with my 8800 GTX for a couple years now. This morning, it died on me. I am now writing from an old S3 Trio PCI videocard that I kept as a backup (HURRAY!).

I would like to know your suggestion as to what would be a good replacement card. Here are my specs :

Mainboard : EVGA 122-CK-NF68
Chipset : nVidia nForce 680i SLI SPP
Processor : Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 3200 MHz
Physical Memory : 2048 MB (2 x 1024 DDR2-SDRAM )
Video Card : S3 Inc 86C732 Trio32, 86C764 Trio64, 86C765 Trio64V+ Rev 01
Hard Disk : ST3500630AS (500 GB)
Hard Disk : ST3500630AS (500 GB)
Hard Disk : WDC (150 GB)

My system is virtually silent (I use an Antec P182 Box with modified fans) and my trusty 8800 GTX was the loudest component in my computer.

I know that there is suppose to be a new GPU launch in a couple weeks but I can't stand 1024 x 768 on a 26 inches monitor for too long.

What component would you suggest. I don't game as much as I used to and when I do, I use 1900 x 1200 resolution. My "most demanding" title is (I think) Crysis and UT3.

If I had to choose between ATI and Nvidia, I would select the quieter of the two, all things being equal.

Thanks for the help.

Cheers

Micquebec

 

[Schmide]

If you registered it, just get a replacement. Lifetime warranty.

 

[Shmee]

I know this sounds crazy, but have you tried heating the 8800 in the oven yet to see if you can get it back?

 

[spinejam]

welcome to the AT forums!

if you're planning on keeping the new card for 2+ years like you did w/ the 8800gtx, then get an ati4890 and you'll be set! 🙂

 

[micquebec]

Originally posted by: Shmee
I know this sounds crazy, but have you tried heating the 8800 in the oven yet to see if you can get it back?

No I haven't...

I DOES sound crazy....what's the procedure?

A bit of cheese with it?

Seriously, I haven't heard of this metgod and might be interested.

Cheers

 

[micquebec]

Originally posted by: Schmide
If you registered it, just get a replacement. Lifetime warranty.

I have indeed registered it

But on the EVGA site, I don't find the "Lifetime Warranty". Should I send a ticket and ask about it?

Cheers

 

[micquebec]

Originally posted by: spinejam
welcome to the AT forums!

if you're planning on keeping the new card for 2+ years like you did w/ the 8800gtx, then get an ati4890 and you'll be set! 🙂

Thanks for the warm welcome!

The 4890 is not on the loud side? If not, It could surely do the job as this computer works marvel for me still.

Cheers

Micquebec

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: micquebec

Originally posted by: Schmide
If you registered it, just get a replacement. Lifetime warranty.

I have indeed registered it

But on the EVGA site, I don't find the "Lifetime Warranty". Should I send a ticket and ask about it?

Cheers

EVGA warranty info:

Limited Lifetime:

The EVGA limited lifetime warranty is only eligible for part numbers ending in:
-A1, -A2, -A3, -A4, -AR, -AX, -CR, -CX, -DX, -FR, -FX, -SG, -SX. (with product registration 30 days from purchase)

Limited 3 Year:

EVGA 3 Year limited warranty only eligible for part numbers ending in[/b]:

-K1, -KR. (with product registration 30 days from purchase)

Limited 2 Year:

EVGA 2 Year limited warranty only eligible for part numbers ending in:
-LA, -LE, -LR, -LX, -T1, -TR, -TX, -T2. (with product registration 30 days from purchase)

Other warranties:

Products ending with -BR are purchased from system builders as part of a pre-built computer and carry a limited one year warranty. Products ending in -RX are B-Stock and recertified products, these carry a limited 90 day warranty.

Hope yours is in the first group. 🙂

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: micquebec

Originally posted by: Schmide
If you registered it, just get a replacement. Lifetime warranty.

I have indeed registered it

But on the EVGA site, I don't find the "Lifetime Warranty". Should I send a ticket and ask about it?

Cheers

Yes your card is under warranty for at least 3 years and you should get a 9800gtx in return. If you get lucky some are getting gts 250's. I was reading this on Evga's web site forums.

8800gtx was released nov/dec 2006. Almost 3 years ago.

Good luck

 

[faxon]

if your card is an EVGA card, just RMA it, you will get a GTX260 in return at least

ed: lol k well YMMV but you will definitely get a faster card in return for your RMA. free upgrades on failed cards are FTW!

 

[Sylvanas]

Originally posted by: micquebec

Originally posted by: Shmee
I know this sounds crazy, but have you tried heating the 8800 in the oven yet to see if you can get it back?

No I haven't...

I DOES sound crazy....what's the procedure?

A bit of cheese with it?

Seriously, I haven't heard of this metgod and might be interested.

Cheers

What it does is heat the solder up on the card to melt it to an extent it 'resolders' the contacts (of which may have become lose or disconnected). Some people have had success doing this but I'd suggest you just RMA it.

 

[Shmee]

ya, if it is EVGA just RMA it and see what you can get back 😀 good luck and welcome!

 

[micquebec]

Thanks everyone for the info!

My card is indeed an EVGA.

I submited a RMA and will keep you posted on what I get in return.

The card was having artifact and completely illegible letters at the startup then ...dead...

I really appreciate the info since I had forgot about the lifetime warranty.

Cheers

Micquebec

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: micquebec
Thanks everyone for the info!

My card is indeed an EVGA.

I submited a RMA and will keep you posted on what I get in return.

The card was having artifact and completely illegible letters at the startup then ...dead...

I really appreciate the info since I had forgot about the lifetime warranty.

Cheers

Micquebec

It sounds like you fried a RAM chip. I have an 8800GTX that did the same thing.

 

[Qbah]

Since you value silence, a stock HD4890 will kill your ears. I'm in the same boat (as far as noise goes) - I can hear my Nexus fans at 5V in my P182 😛 Well, the air movement I guess. You would need to get one of the Sapphire Vapor-X HD4890 models, I'd say. Those are amongst the quietest factory coolers available.

However, I'd suggest getting a HD4350 (passive cooling = no noise) until the new ATi cards hit the stores (should be in a month or so). This card is dirt cheap and will serve as a backup unit if needed in the future. It's perfect for everything but gaming (so you won't need to suffer a low res on that S3 'artifact' 😀). Once the new ATi generation of cards is available, you will be able to either buy one of those (most likely with a 3rd party cooler - the stock ones never cut it 🙂) or get that Vapor-X model which will most likely drop more in price (unless the new HD58xx tanks terribly - then just get the Sapphire card).

Though worry about the above only if your RMA will get rejected 😛

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: Qbah
Since you value silence, a stock HD4890 will kill your ears.

At idle 4890 usually runs at 23-28% fan speed. At this speed it's actually one of the quietest parts in my system. Things start to get noisier beyond 34% though, and get really annoying at 40%+. But during gaming with the sound/music in game, it's actually hard to hear it.

 

[Qbah]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation

Originally posted by: Qbah
Since you value silence, a stock HD4890 will kill your ears.

At idle 4890 usually runs at 23-28% fan speed. At this speed it's actually one of the quietest parts in my system. Things start to get noisier beyond 34% though, and get really annoying at 40%+. But during gaming with the sound/music in game, it's actually hard to hear it.

That's all fine and great, but in a P182 with low RPM silent fans you can hear the air moving in the case. Or the silent humming of electronics. My stock HD4870 was very silent at auto settings (23%) at idle and it was still the loudest element in my rig. And all reviews show that it's noticeably quieter than a stock HD4890. I changed the stock cooling to an Accelero Twin Turbo and put fans on low and it was still the loudest part. See what I'm hinting at? A person running a P182 with modified fans for lowest noise possible will be severely disappointed by the "silence" of a stock HD4890.

There are times when, at least I, want to sit in absolute silence when browsing the net. The clicking sound of a clock next room and silent humming of my computer is very relaxing - especially after a whole day's work with high noise around.