Hey everyone. I wanted to post this thread to teach anyone how to repair a noisy GPU fan on the GPU's heatsink.
I performed this repair with a Gainward 5700 Ultra video card, and the rule applies to almost any GPU with a fan. Before this procedure the fan seemed like it was going to die, it made a whine and spun at unsteady rpm's. Now after this procedure, the fan makes NO NOISE whatsoever, and runs at its full potential.
First: remove you video card from your system and lay it out on a static free media.
Secondly: Get a very small phillips head screw driver. One that repairs eye glasses will be just fine. (this will be used to remove the tiny screws that hold the frameless fan onto the heatsink)
Next: Remove the three to four screws that hold the GPU fan onto its heatsink, there almost always located under the fan blades, in a Y formation. When the fan has been removed, flip it over to see its bottom side. You might see a sticker from the manufacturer, as you would with any case fan. Remove the sticker to reveal a small metal disk in the very center of the fan. This tiny disk is actually a magnet. With a thumb tack, or your finger nail, remove this tiny magnet, and put it in a safe place, you will need it later. NOTE: some fans have a tiny plastic clear spacer between the magnet and bearing, make sure you are careful to retrieve this, and replace it when done. Now inside this little hole in the center your bearing and rod are revealed. Make sure its clean, and nothing has make its way inside.
Then: Get some 3-in-1 (or equivlent) and spray the tip of a Q-tip (or equivlent) make sure the end of the q-tip is well saturated, but not dripping. Simply take the oiled Q-tip and dab at the revealed bearing and rod multiple times, until your sure you have applied at least a small coat on top of the bearing. Replaced the plastic spacer (if you have one) and then place the magnet back on to close up the hole.
Finally: If your sticker is still usable, then you can go ahead and slap it on but you really dont need it at all, as the magnet stays in very well, and the sticker serves no real purpose. Double check to be sure that your fan is reasembled in its proper order, and go ahead and mount it back onto your heatsink. When you put your card back into the pc, make sure you watch to see the fan start up, and listen for any odd noises. Chances are, you wont even be able to hear the fan anymore.
If this is all done correctly, you have just saved yourself $5. This process only takes around 5 minutes, and can be done by anyone, with little or no experience.
Fact is many GPU fans are underoiled, or become dry rather quickly, doing this ensures your fan is well lubricated, and less friction equals a longer and quieter fan life.
Hope this helps those who want to get the most out of there current card.
I performed this repair with a Gainward 5700 Ultra video card, and the rule applies to almost any GPU with a fan. Before this procedure the fan seemed like it was going to die, it made a whine and spun at unsteady rpm's. Now after this procedure, the fan makes NO NOISE whatsoever, and runs at its full potential.
First: remove you video card from your system and lay it out on a static free media.
Secondly: Get a very small phillips head screw driver. One that repairs eye glasses will be just fine. (this will be used to remove the tiny screws that hold the frameless fan onto the heatsink)
Next: Remove the three to four screws that hold the GPU fan onto its heatsink, there almost always located under the fan blades, in a Y formation. When the fan has been removed, flip it over to see its bottom side. You might see a sticker from the manufacturer, as you would with any case fan. Remove the sticker to reveal a small metal disk in the very center of the fan. This tiny disk is actually a magnet. With a thumb tack, or your finger nail, remove this tiny magnet, and put it in a safe place, you will need it later. NOTE: some fans have a tiny plastic clear spacer between the magnet and bearing, make sure you are careful to retrieve this, and replace it when done. Now inside this little hole in the center your bearing and rod are revealed. Make sure its clean, and nothing has make its way inside.
Then: Get some 3-in-1 (or equivlent) and spray the tip of a Q-tip (or equivlent) make sure the end of the q-tip is well saturated, but not dripping. Simply take the oiled Q-tip and dab at the revealed bearing and rod multiple times, until your sure you have applied at least a small coat on top of the bearing. Replaced the plastic spacer (if you have one) and then place the magnet back on to close up the hole.
Finally: If your sticker is still usable, then you can go ahead and slap it on but you really dont need it at all, as the magnet stays in very well, and the sticker serves no real purpose. Double check to be sure that your fan is reasembled in its proper order, and go ahead and mount it back onto your heatsink. When you put your card back into the pc, make sure you watch to see the fan start up, and listen for any odd noises. Chances are, you wont even be able to hear the fan anymore.
If this is all done correctly, you have just saved yourself $5. This process only takes around 5 minutes, and can be done by anyone, with little or no experience.
Fact is many GPU fans are underoiled, or become dry rather quickly, doing this ensures your fan is well lubricated, and less friction equals a longer and quieter fan life.
Hope this helps those who want to get the most out of there current card.
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