Can I replace my fan on my 9800XT?

[Nocturnal]

It's making weird noises, often times it stops then starts again. I'm wondering if I can just take the entire thing off, if it isn't that hard and replace it with another hsf?

If so, what would be your guys' recommendation and where should I shop for said hsf?

 

[akira34]

I'd get one of these units for that card...

 

[ubercaffeinated]

This is good too: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556016540.html

Supposedly quieter than the silencers. They have a Cu version of it too, which lowers gpu temps an additional 2-3 degrees C. ymmv of course. Anything is better than stock though on temps.

 

[akira34]

My main concern on the zalman cooler is that it does nothing to vent the hot air from the GPU to the outside of the case. The Arctic Cooling unit actually directs the hot air from the GPU to outside the case. That means it won't contribute anything to the temps inside the case. If anything, it will help to keep them lower.

To be honest, I can't hear the fan from the Arctic Cooling unit on my 6800GT. It also keeps the card cool. I'm seeing a 12C over ambient [case] temp on the GPU.