Nonreturnable, so what do i do?

[FrozenYak]

Ok, i have a ti4200 and recently my computers been locking up on my more complicated (graphic wise) games, eventually i noticed that the card has been overheating because the fan slows down a lot. Now, im wondering, is this an easy fix or a very hard fix. Can i simply buy a new fan, or is it a connection on the card or the power source for the fan that needs to be fixed. Mainly though, is this fixable by me or not?

any help is appreciated thanks

 

[CurtCold]

Yes putting a new fan on is not bad, besides that's still a nice card.


1. Unscrew the fan, and order a new one, replace...easy as that
2. Just direct a case fan in your machine, or add one that blows on the card. That should be more than enough to cool the card.

 

[Guspaz]

It may not be returnable to the store, but unless you've damaged the card or voided the warrenty by messing with it, you should still be able to RMA it; send it back to the manufacturer to have it replaced.

 

[FrozenYak]

sorry for the newbie reply, but...RMA?

 

[kylebisme]

return merchandise authorization. but that would be silly for a fan as shiping costs more than the part.

 

[mindless1]

You don't mention the exact fan config so it's kinda hard to know whether to suggest replacing the fan or if it's a wasted effort looking for a proprietary fan. I'm considering "fan" to actually mean "fan", not the whole heatsink too, which is the alternative.

If you haven't disturbed the connector, if the wire looks good, the back of the card where the pins are soldered looks ok too, then I'd expect it's just wearing out due to lack of lubrication. That happens all too often/quickly on vidcards these days. It that case I'd try adding a drop of oil, most preferribly heavy weight (20wt or higher). This is assuming it's a sleeve bearing... if it's ball-bearing, forget about the oil.

 

[jjyiz28]

Originally posted by: mindless1
You don't mention the exact fan config so it's kinda hard to know whether to suggest replacing the fan or if it's a wasted effort looking for a proprietary fan. I'm considering "fan" to actually mean "fan", not the whole heatsink too, which is the alternative.

If you haven't disturbed the connector, if the wire looks good, the back of the card where the pins are soldered looks ok too, then I'd expect it's just wearing out due to lack of lubrication. That happens all too often/quickly on vidcards these days. It that case I'd try adding a drop of oil, most preferribly heavy weight (20wt or higher). This is assuming it's a sleeve bearing... if it's ball-bearing, forget about the oil.

mindless is right about the oil. i used transmission oil and it works just fine now. but do not put more than one small drop.

 

[Creig]

Now would be the PERFECT time to dip your toe into the overclocking pool, assuming you haven't already. I have re-oiled fans with various degrees of success. My advice would be to replace your dying stock fan with one such as a Crystal Orb. It is a nice quality fan that will cool your TI4200 MUCH more effectively than the stock fan. In fact, it should allow you to overclock your card to a higher degree than the stock fan would have been able to. And for $11 you can't beat the price.

Oh, and I would recommend picking up a tube of Arctic Silver III while you're there. It is a better performing thermal paste than the stock "white stuff" you usually get at your local Radio Shack. Use it on the Crystal Orb and keep the tube around for when you want to start overclocking your processor as well. 2CoolTek is a good supplier of high quality overclocking equipment at a good price.

Just beware than once you start overclocking it becomes an addiction!

 

[FrozenYak]

lets hear it for wd40! thanks guys

 

[mindless1]

Glad you got it working, but.......

WD40 isn't actually a lubricant, and is far too thin. It's going to fail again sooner rather than later if you don't use appropriate lube.