Buzzing Sound from Video Card Fan--time for a new one?

Lewa1200

Junior Member
Jan 1, 2013
2
0
0
Hi everybody & happy New Years. I'm new to this fourm; was hoping to gain a little bit of insight into a problem with my current graphics card.

Recently, something has gone wrong with the fan on my desktop's RADEON X800 GT video card. It now runs with a loud, buzzing sound; I think the bearings must be shot. The computer screen also often remains black on startups from sleep mode, which may be tied to the faulty graphics card. What concerns me is that the card was released in 2005 and I purchased my Dell desktop in 2009. I honestly want to be running the latest, best value card for my money.


System Specifications:

I. Processor/CPU: Intel Core i7 920

II. Current Graphics Card: 128MB RADEON X800 GT (2005 release date)
Pic: http://i.imgur.com/HQLw4.jpg

III. Display Resolution: Two Monitors, each 1280x1024 pixels. (Card must have dual-monitor support)

IV. Power Supply Unit Specification (Brand, Wattage, Ampage, Age). If possible, please provide a link to a website containing the power supply specifications: 350W Max

V. Case Specifications(N/A, Model, Length, Low Profile, Cooling, HTPC, Water, Silent): Dell OEM/Stock

Purchase Details:

I. Budget? Please be sure to include currency (If not USD), retailer preferences & specify whether rebates are a viable option.
-I'm not too sure what constitutes a "good" video card in today's market. Realistically, I'm prepared to spend $30-$80, but inexpensive is preferred.

II. Any particular preferences (Manufacturer[nV or AMD], Brand[XFX, Sapphire, EVGA, etc], Cooling Solutions)?
-I've had quite a few problems with AMD on my laptop and now with this card on my desktop. I'm a fan of ASUS and nV, but honestly, I'd be willing to try any highly reviewed card.

III. Do you plan to have any Multi-GPU solutions such as Crossfire or SLI?
-no.

IV. Have you previously looked at a product(s) which you feel would fit your needs?
http://www.amazon.com/GeForce-Expres...zg_bs_284822_4
This ASUS card attracted me due to the high ratings, seemingly good specs, and the low price.

V. What are your needs for this GPU? Which games(If any)do you intend to play? If you have this information at hand, what are the desired detail levels?
-not really any gaming aside from browser games. I like to stream HD video on youtube if that is a factor.

VI. Do you plan on overclocking the card you intend to purchase?
-no

Thanks so much for your time. On the flipside, if you think that my current card is fine, would you perhaps know where I can purchase a new fan for it?
 
Last edited:

KingFatty

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2010
3,034
1
81
A loud buzzing sound can be caused by very simple and easily fixed things, like:
1) a stray cable moved a bit and now bumps the fan
2) the plastic shroud of the cooler shifted and now bumps the fan
3) random computer part/dust object fell between the fan and shroud
4) a fin of the fan itself has become bent or broken and hits something when spinning (so you just re-bend that one piece, or snap it off)

Might want to take a peek inside to see if there is some silly thing like this causing the sound that you can easily fix. maybe look at it while powered one to see what is making the sound. Also power off the computer and manually spin the fan to feel it with your hand to see if it's grinding bearings or just something cosmetic
 

Lewa1200

Junior Member
Jan 1, 2013
2
0
0
Thanks for the replies everybody. The problem with the current ATI card is definitely the fan. If I lightly press the fan assembly into place while the pc is running (carefully of course), the noise stops. After a minute or so, it starts buzzing again. The blades are all good and I've completely cleaned the entire card of dust.

Just one question: How much of an upgrade is getting the ASUS GeForce 8400GS 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Graphics Card over my current 128MB RADEON X800 GT? 128MB seems like a dinosaur compared to 1GB, but does that translate to a significant upgrade?
 

dragantoe

Senior member
Oct 22, 2012
689
0
76
Thanks for the replies everybody. The problem with the current ATI card is definitely the fan. If I lightly press the fan assembly into place while the pc is running (carefully of course), the noise stops. After a minute or so, it starts buzzing again. The blades are all good and I've completely cleaned the entire card of dust.

Just one question: How much of an upgrade is getting the ASUS GeForce 8400GS 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Graphics Card over my current 128MB RADEON X800 GT? 128MB seems like a dinosaur compared to 1GB, but does that translate to a significant upgrade?

technically yes, but in real life use you shouldn't notice a difference as they are both pretty terrible cards by today's standards, go for an hd 6670 if you are looking to upgrade
 

bononos

Diamond Member
Aug 21, 2011
3,939
190
106
Thanks for the replies everybody. The problem with the current ATI card is definitely the fan. If I lightly press the fan assembly into place while the pc is running (carefully of course), the noise stops. After a minute or so, it starts buzzing again. The blades are all good and I've completely cleaned the entire card of dust.

Just one question: How much of an upgrade is getting the ASUS GeForce 8400GS 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Graphics Card over my current 128MB RADEON X800 GT? 128MB seems like a dinosaur compared to 1GB, but does that translate to a significant upgrade?
Its a bad idea to get a 8400gs since its very old and not any cheaper than other better 'old and cheap' cards. Check out the wiki pages to see the roughly how well graphics have improved since then.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_AMD_graphics_processing_units
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Nvidia_graphics_processing_units

Its better to get a cheap <$50 Nvidia 520 or Radeon 5450/6450 that is more current.
 

Erenhardt

Diamond Member
Dec 1, 2012
3,251
105
101
My HD2600 pro can do without fan. Try to plug off fan power connector. Should help with the noise! ;)