Should I RMA a PNY or try to fix it myself?

[imported_spacecasey]

I have a 2007 PNY video card (GeForce 7600 GS 512mb, AGP) that has a dying fan. I searched high and low online for a replacement fan without any luck (I'm not interested in $40+ second party cooling fans as I am broke).

I was able to get an RMA for the card, but after I searched about PNY and RMAs I only found horror stories in my search results. :/

Should I try the home brew method of adding 3 in 1 oil to the fan and void the warranty, or take the lottery of sending it in?

BTW, my system was built in in '04 so I'm nervous if replacement cards they would send me would work with my 350w power supply.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank You!

 

[Keysplayr]

RMA the card.

 

[crazylegs]

Stupid question (maybe) but the card is still under warranty right? You mentioned the card was purchased some time in 2007, quite a few cards come with just a 1 year warranty or even a 2 year one could be out by now depending when in 2007 you bought the card.

Assumig it is still under warranty, then yes you should RMA - best of luck with the process.

 

[imported_spacecasey]

Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it.
The card is still under warranty, and I already have the RMA #. Hopefully it'll go smoothly.
I guess I just wanted to see if a ton of people would say NOT to deal with a PNY RMA.

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: spacecasey
Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it.
The card is still under warranty, and I already have the RMA #. Hopefully it'll go smoothly.
I guess I just wanted to see if a ton of people would say NOT to deal with a PNY RMA.

Always better to try RMA'ing first. At least you have a good chance of getting a new, or perhaps equivilent replacement.

If you try to fix your card yourself, and blow it, your sunk. Although replacing a fan isn't that terrible. Hopefully your RMA will go smoothly.

 

[Denithor]

And keep us posted on how the RMA goes for you - good or bad. It's nice to have direct cases to reference when guiding people to certain manufacturers' products.

 

[kmmatney]

Well, I personally would have tried to oil up the fan (remove the sticker, then oil the middle fan spindle) or just jury-rigged a new fan, but if you can afford the down-time, then an RMA is the safest route.