R8500 fan replacement/repair

[tapir]

Hey all-

I just managed to diagnose the recurring problems with my R8500. It seems that the fan unit is dying. It is not spinning up very fast at all like it used to when I got it a year ago. Not sure why this is happenning so quick but hey, whatever. When I play games my card will eventually overheat and I get booted to desktop at 640x480x4 (yes, 4 bit color) with a message: "Windows XP detected a device failure, reboot to restore full functionality". Also I am pretty sure the fan is the culprit because I used to have a large slot blower underneath pushing air up onto the card thereby cooling it and I removed this recently because it was just too loud for me... anyway, after I removed that the problem started appearing. I may decide to put it back on for the time being but I really want to replace the fan (not the full HSF, just the fan unit if i can) on the card. Anyone done this before? I'd buy a blue orb or something but I'm afraid to rip the HS off the card with all that epoxy.

If anyone knows how I might fix this fan or find a replacement (I already sent an email to ATI but they will probably want me to send my whole card in....) please let me know =)

 

[Killrose]

You could try removing the fan and lubing it. Underneath the fan is a sticker that covers the fan pinion and holds an end cap in place. Place a small drop of light lubricant there and allow it to work in. Wipe away the excess and reinstall the end cap and sticker.

I've done this with noisy fans, but I would suppose you could gain some RPM's back from a lube job.

 

[tenoc]

Hmmm.

Choice #1 - Brand spanking new card and fan. Maybe better memory.

Choice #2 - Perform unfamiliar surgery on old card and fan with unpredictable results.

Seriously, check whether they will ship the replacement and wait for the faulty one.
This is common practice for HDs, they just need a credit card # to ensure you don't keep both.

 

[Killrose]

The fan is a repalceable part. I seriously doubt you will see a new repalcement card, just a new fan.

 

[tapir]

ATI charges $250 for cross-shipping and my parents aren't willing to have that on their credit card, even temporarily. I will probably try the lube deal later or sometime this week, and if that doesn't work hopefully ATi will send me a new one.

 

[tapir]

Problem solved! Thanks Killrose, just like you said - got some WD40 in there and the thing runs fine now. I think I finally succeeded in stabilizing my computer... =)