Broke a screw while installing ATI Silencer

[BlueWeasel]

The stock fan on my new x850xt was horribly loud, so I ordered an ATI Silencer Rev5 from SVC.

It arrived today and during installation, the head of one of the screws broke off. I was following the instructions exactly when the screw broke, and was alternating screws while turning without overtightening. Unfortunately, now the screw threads are still in the shaft.

Luckily, the broken screw doesn't seem to affect performance. It's one of the screws that the bracket attaches to, and it's the one furthest away from the GPU and memory chips.

Broken screw location

Right now, my temps on the x850xt (no OC) idle in the high 30s or low 40s, and maximum GPU temp hit 60-62C with the Silencer fan at 50% while scanning for artifacts using ATI Tray Tools. There does seem to be a small gap on the same end of the screw, but all I can see is the perimeter shim around the GPU, and it's lower than the top of the GPU.

I've sent an email to SVC about the possibility of a RMA, but initially thought I'd just have to eat the cost and order another one. Then again, I followed the instructions exactly and was shocked when the screw head broken off.

For those with x800 cards and a Silencer, do those temps seem acceptable?

 

[TheRyuu]

Arn't those 2 screws the screws that cause the HS to get pulled against the GPU die? (means their important)
Could you possibly find something to replace it with?

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: wizboy11
Arn't those 2 screws the screws that cause the HS to get pulled against the GPU die? (means their important)
Could you possibly find something to replace it with?

Yes, it's one of those 2 screws.

Unfortunately, with the screw hole filled, I don't know anything else to do.

 

[hans030390]

You should probably take it apart and get that screw out and replace it.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: hans030390
You should probably take it apart and get that screw out and replace it.

How would I? I'm at a loss here.

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel

Originally posted by: hans030390
You should probably take it apart and get that screw out and replace it.

How would I? I'm at a loss here.

If I recall correctly and if AC didn't change the way you install the damn things, then the screw thing should be attached to the HS part and the long screw sticks through to the back. You then use some sort of nut (like a nut and bolt thing) to screw and tighten the thing.

Is that the way yours works?

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: wizboy11

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel

Originally posted by: hans030390
You should probably take it apart and get that screw out and replace it.

How would I? I'm at a loss here.

If I recall correctly and if AC didn't change the way you install the damn things, then the screw thing should be attached to the HS part and the long screw sticks through to the back. You then use some sort of nut (like a nut and bolt thing) to screw and tighten the thing.

Is that the way yours works?

The newer versions don't work like that anymore.

This picture is the best I've found that shows it

Basically, the threaded part of the screw is embedded all the way in the shaft that's part of the heatsink. If I could only get the embedded screw out -- I've got plenty of screws that would work.

 

[LittleNemoNES]

If the temps are fine, then I wouldn't worry. If it artifacts, then...you'll have to buy another cooler

 

[OCNewbie]

I'm sure there's a way to get the screw out, via some sort of adhesive or special tool..... dunno. I know it would bother me though hehe.

 

[sodcha0s]

Sounds like you may have cross-threaded it. And if you did it's most likely beyond repair. Was there resistance when you were installing the screw? It wouldn't have to be hard to screw in, on threads that small it wouldn't take much.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: sodcha0s
Sounds like you may have cross-threaded it. And if you did it's most likely beyond repair. Was there resistance when you were installing the screw? It wouldn't have to be hard to screw in, on threads that small it wouldn't take much.

There was no resistance when screwing it in, so I don't think it was cross-threaded. The clip pressure just popped the head of the screw off plus about 1/64" of the threads, which seems extremely odd, especially since I was alternating the 2 screws on each end of the clip.

 

[450R]

See if you can find an Easy-Out small enough for that screw. You could try taking a small flat-headed screwdriver and GENTLY tapping a groove into the shaft, then use that groove to unscrew it ... but I doubt it's a smart idea on something so sensitive / fragile.

 

[LittleNemoNES]

There are tools for this but they cost a lot more than a new cooler...that's why I suggester it -- again if it turns out you DO need it.

 

[PingSpike]

Can the entire shaft be removed? I'd ask AC for a replacement of that and the screw if so.

 

[brianmanahan]

Kind of unrelated -- is that thing much quieter now that you got the new fan?

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: brianmanahan
Kind of unrelated -- is that thing much quieter now that you got the new fan?

I made the same switch with my x850xt. I can barely hear the AS on 100% whereas the stock cooler was by far the loudest thing in my PC.