Crystal Orb makes the nastiest sound ever!

[Ikonomi]

It just started! Sounds like the bearings have gone bad. Man, that's one ugly noise. Imagine what an old Ford pickup sounds like idling, add the noise of metal vibrating, and top it off with a pseudo-rhythmic pattern of clicks. That's what's coming out of my case right now!

Who knew such a little fan could sound so bad? Especially one running 5-volted.

I guess I'll have to replace it. I'm putting in an order for a new build tomorrow for a client. Maybe I can just piggyback a new GPU cooler on there. That Zalman 80C looks nice and quiet.

Or maybe I should just replace the card itself... GF3 Ti 200s are majorly passe, no?

 

[Peter D]

Heh, yea, I bought a CO for the Northbridge on my old 8RDA+, turned it on, 26dBA my ass

 

[beatle]

If you're still happy with your GF3, you can keep it and make a fan bracket from an old case fan and a blank expansion slot cover. Heck, even if you upgrade, make a bracket.

 

[Ikonomi]

Hey, that bracket is pretty wicked. I like that idea a lot. Thanks for the instructional thread.

 

[fireontheway]

i used to have a crystal orb on a GF3 myself , the top portion of the orb is easily bent even with just smalll amount of pressure. it is possible that the fan blades rubbing on that top portion is making that nasty noise, try lifting it with and hopefully it fixes it (it worked for me)

 

[Davegod]

I had a Dragon Orb where one blade broke off the fan. The upside is there was no way anyone was going to fail to notice the problem, even a deaf person is liable to know something is up by the frightened behaviour of household pets, local authority coming round to complain about noise pollution etc..

I stuck an old P200mmx HSF on my GF3ti200. Overclocked it a ridiculous amount, and likely could have gone further if I was into soldering to up voltage. Far Cry beta, Invisible War demo - and every other game I've tried - ran at least OK with it overclocked like that. IMO hang onto the card until you really need to upgrade, replacing the HSF shouldnt be a major hassle / expense unless it's epoxied on there.