Should I RMA my 8800gts?

[RearAdmiral]

For a couple of weeks now the fan on my 8800gts has started to squeak. It is really annoying when it does it. However, it is on and off. Sometimes it squeaks sometimes it doesn't. I am thinking of RMA'ing the card but that is always such a hassle. Although I did buy it from newegg.

My specific card has also been discontinued so I am not exactly sure what they would do. It was 219 when I bought it but I had a 50 dollar rebate so I am not sure how that would effect a possible refund.

What do you guys think I should do. If I RMA it I was thinking of trying to upgrade to something else. 4870 1GB? 260, 216?

Just looking for some advice.

EDIT: Or some advice on how to stop the squeak. I can't seem to get the plastic covering off though. The screws are NOT going anywhere.

 

[IlllI]

wd40

 

[RearAdmiral]

Would that be safe with all the components in there? I don't want a short or wd40 slopping around my case.

 

[Andrew1990]

WD40 is non conductive which means it is safe for electronics.

 

[RearAdmiral]

Originally posted by: Andrew1990
WD40 is non conductive which means it is safe for electronics.

Ahh that's wonderful. I wasn't sure of it's conductivity. Thanks.

 

[cvrefugee]

I didn't know WD40 can penetrate the ball bearings that are sealed within the fan...

 

[Tempered81]

WD40 could penetrate Suze Orman

 

[Leyawiin]

Originally posted by: jaredpace
WD40 could penetrate Suze Orman

Oh my gosh, mental image hell. :disgust: I hate you now.

 

[roid450]

And it'll penetrate Oprah Winfrey

 

[zagood]

You could try to get an RMA on it, it's possible. Without buying some new gear it's the safest way to go, since a squeaky fan may mean it's going to fail on you soon.

Other options - I'm assuming you've got the older 640/320mb version. If you have the 512mb version links will be different.

1. Lubricate fan with light machine oil. One or two drops. You usually do it by peeling back a sticker that covers the bearings, but with that squirrel cage I think you may have to remove the heatsink to get there. Here's instructions on heatsink removal.

2. Purchase an aftermarket cooler. The old 8800GTS has a pretty short compatibility list. There's the HR03 I linked above, the Zalman vf1000, and the Accelero Xtreme 8800 - maybe one or two others with modifications. They're all a bit pricey.

 

[shangshang]

The squealing problem will only get worse. Opening fan may void the warranty, so just leave everything as it and RMA it.

and to the person that said WD40 doesn't conduct electricity, that's not quite right. It does conduct electricity, but just not strong enough to kill a person, but could be enough to kill sensitive electronic component. I wouldn't risk it.

 

[MarcVenice]

From what I've read, when a person RMA's a defective card, thats at eol, then the company will often send a newer videocard that's roughly in equal in performance. Often people get a slightly better card. A 9600gt would probably do the trick, but, a 9800gt would be a better deal.

 

[nemesismk2]

Spray on some WD40 to get rid of the squeak!

 

[RearAdmiral]

Well its a newer 512 8800. I have already tried to pull back the sticker and there is nothing there. I guess i'll RMA it or try to find a new cooler for it.

 

[error8]

I'd just change that cooler, since you have so many options. It's easier then to spend your time on RMA.

 

[Ryland]

I have done an rma for a dead fan so depending on who the manuf is you may want to try. Heck you might get lucky and get a free upgrade.

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: Ryland
Heck you might get lucky and get a free upgrade.

Of course.

"Sorry for your inconvenience sir, we would like to give you a GTX 280 instead of your old 8800 , just because you are a great customer".

 

[Ryland]

Originally posted by: error8

Originally posted by: Ryland
Heck you might get lucky and get a free upgrade.

Of course.

"Sorry for your inconvenience sir, we would like to give you a GTX 280 instead of your old 8800 , just because you are a great customer".

Stranger things have happened. There was a thread up here a few days ago about a guy who had a BFG 8800 that the fan died and they upgraded him to a 260 (I think).

 

[Boobs McGee]

EVGA replaced my 7900GT with a refurb 8800GTS 320 a few months ago. I think it would all come down to what they have on hand for replacement parts.

 

[nyker96]

or you can add some olive oil/engine oil etc on it.

 

[RearAdmiral]

The fan isn't really accessible though. The only way I can squirt something in is through the side of the fan. There is no access hole through under the sticker.

 

[RearAdmiral]

That and I can't seem to find my accessories to RMA it so idk.