ATI 9100: Zalman bracket and stock HS enough?

[Soybean]

My ATI fan is starting to make a grinding noise. I already have the fan bracket. I was wondering if it would be enough to just have a fan blowing across the card, and use the stock HS. Or would I really need to get a ZM17 or other heatsink?

Thanks!

 

[clarkmo]

Only one way 2 find out. Good airflow from a 80mm or 92mm fan will probably be much better imho. With a bracket you should be able to position it for best airflow. I'd think you could replace it easily enough with a heat sink with higher fins, like a northbridge cooler, though.

 

[WobbleWobble]

On my friend's Sapphire Radeon 9100, i disconnected the fan and so far it's been running ok with no problems. However, she hasn't played any games or anything like that with it yet.

I would try it without a fan, see if you notice anything wrong. If it's not good enough, just get a larger quiet fan to blow over the card.