Strapping up a fan to a fanless videocard

[BadOmen]

Howdy

Recently, thanks to this forum, I realized that my fanless video card experience had failed. The fanless Gigabyte x1650pro (see model below) cannot hold something simple like Operation Flashpoint without crashing. If I place a normal household fan pointing at the card, everything runs smooth. So, I'll need to find a way to cool that thing.

That card doesn't seem to fit optional fans. And I`m not a big gamer, so no need to buy a new card. Therefore, my options are:

1) A slot fan
2) Ghetto-hang a 40mm fan on the pipes of the videocard, pointing at the GPU. Sounds creepy, but the positioning of the fan would be flawless.
3) Ghetto-rig a fan (40mm or a little bigger) to the VC heatsink.
4) Build a stand, place it inside the case and attach a big fan on it, pointing to the card. Oh no... a monument inside my case.
5) Find a way to remove those crazy pipes and heatsinks and add an aftermarket GPU cooler. I don`t know if I can do that on that card.

All ridiculous options, but that's what I have... or not? Other suggestions? Spot Cool? Zalman's bracket?

Is a 40mm fan enough? Is there any fan controller that would allow me to turn the fan off when I`m not playing 3d games (noise is my worst enemy)?

Your help is much appreciated. :thumbsup:

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: BadOmen
Zalman's bracket?

I'd vote for that or a slot cooler. I have a Gigabyte passive 2600 Pro in my HTPC and it also overheats... not even in games. I got a slot cooler and re-wired it for lower voltage (forgot which, but either 5 or 7v) and it is pretty darn silent and just enough to not glitch even while gaming. Doesn't the Zalman unit come with a resistor for lowered speed?

 

[BadOmen]

It does, actually.

My problem with the Zalman is that my case attaches pci cards with clamps, not screws. So, in order to use the Zalman bracket, I would have to remove the whole clamp structure and make it screw-based again (as the bracket is attached there). Not that it's hard, it's just... darn, I kinda like those clamps.

I saw many people complaining about slot fans in this forum, but it seems that you've found a good one. Which one would that be? Does it have an on/off switch? (as I don't play that many games, that fan doesn't really need to be on all the time).

 

[Cerb]

http://www.jab-tech.com/Antec-...ne-Blower-pr-2952.html

I'd try that and see how it works. If it doesn't do so well, get a quiet 80mm fan, and use the holes that fan is mounted to the bracket with to mount it.

 

[Bluefront]

If you don't mind loosing a slot to a fan.....that might work ok. These fanless video cards really don't require much airflow to cool properly. Something like an Antec spot cooler wired for 5V would work. A cheaper option.....rig a small fan pointing at the edge of the card, running at 5V. There are numerous ways to do so, and you won't loose a slot.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: BadOmen
I saw many people complaining about slot fans in this forum, but it seems that you've found a good one. Which one would that be? Does it have an on/off switch? (as I don't play that many games, that fan doesn't really need to be on all the time).

With it undervolted I cannot hear it. Indeed the loudest part of my HTPC are the HDD seeks (which will be fixed soon by decoupling). I forgot which one it was, but it was just a cheap one for around $4. It barely moves enough air to feel that it is working at all, but just that much was enough to go from glitching in 2D to glitch free in 3D. Remember that even the slowest fan on a big heatsink is worlds better than no fan at all.

 

[BadOmen]

Well, empty slots are not exactly common around my case, although a one-slot fan wouldn't kill (a double would, however. The video card is double-slot already).

In case I go for the bracket, or rigging fans, do you guys know any cheap fan controller that would allow me to kill the fan whenever it's not needed? I don't know if Fanmate does it. Sunbean has a fan controller that does it, but it's famous for catching fire.

http://www.ncix.com/products/i...BA&manufacture=Sunbeam

I would settle for something far more simple. No need to make the 5.25 bay into a car stereo.

Spot Cool is a great idea, a very nice product indeed, but I don't feel like opening the side of my case everytime I want to change fan speed. Doesn't sound smart.

The goal: have my rig as silent as it is now. Time for some heavy 3d action? No problem. <click>. Fan goes on. Ok, enough of 3d stuff, back to MSWord. <click> Peace in the valley.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: BadOmen
It does, actually.

My problem with the Zalman is that my case attaches pci cards with clamps, not screws. So, in order to use the Zalman bracket, I would have to remove the whole clamp structure and make it screw-based again (as the bracket is attached there). Not that it's hard, it's just... darn, I kinda like those clamps.

I saw many people complaining about slot fans in this forum, but it seems that you've found a good one. Which one would that be? Does it have an on/off switch? (as I don't play that many games, that fan doesn't really need to be on all the time).

For your purpose the slot fan might be the ticket!!

Most of the complaints on this forum about the slot fans are from people who already have a fab on the Video card and mistakenly believe it will help to add a slot foan!

In your case no fan-- slot fan should do!!
Or you could rigg a fan like I did for my RAM only to blow on your videoi card--
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a72/JEDI_Yoda/004.jpg

good luck!!

 

[BadOmen]

Well, as I'll need to order a slot fan, I decided to try getting something next door first and giving it a try.

So, I got the Zalman bracket and fan to see what would happen. Here's my review.

1) The bracket: When used as suggested by Zalman (screwing it with the pci cards), the bracket gets too close to the video card and there's no way such a big fan will fit there. So, I was saved by the pci card holding clamps, that come with my case. By holding the bracket with the plastic clamps, instead of the screws, I could get a little flexibility on it and pull it back from the VC a little, so the fan would fit.

2) The fan: it's hopeless. I don't know if it's a fan or an engine. Noisy (even with the resistor) and big. In order to fit and be correctly placed to blow air to the GPU, I had to forget the concept of nice looks and silence.

JEDIYoda, you did a very nice job with yours. It looks very neat. For me, I don't know if it would work, as it wouldn't reach the graphic card. But I'll still try to make it look less horrible somehow.

If I really stick to that solution, a fan controller or (preferably) an on/off switch for the fan MUST BE acquired. I can't stand the noise of this boat propeller. Suggestions still welcome. Thanks, guys.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: BadOmen
Well, as I'll need to order a slot fan, I decided to try getting something next door first and giving it a try.

So, I got the Zalman bracket and fan to see what would happen. Here's my review.

1) The bracket: When used as suggested by Zalman (screwing it with the pci cards), the bracket gets too close to the video card and there's no way such a big fan will fit there. So, I was saved by the pci card holding clamps, that come with my case. By holding the bracket with the plastic clamps, instead of the screws, I could get a little flexibility on it and pull it back from the VC a little, so the fan would fit.

2) The fan: it's hopeless. I don't know if it's a fan or an engine. Noisy (even with the resistor) and big. In order to fit and be correctly placed to blow air to the GPU, I had to forget the concept of nice looks and silence.

JEDIYoda, you did a very nice job with yours. It looks very neat. For me, I don't know if it would work, as it wouldn't reach the graphic card. But I'll still try to make it look less horrible somehow.

If I really stick to that solution, a fan controller or (preferably) an on/off switch for the fan MUST BE acquired. I can't stand the noise of this boat propeller. Suggestions still welcome. Thanks, guys.

actually BadOmen if you took the time and looked at the screws that are holding your videocard in and your soundcard...etc.....thats where with a little thought I bet you could rigg up a bracket and a fan...

Also mind you I looked for a while before I found that Zalman thin fan -- 80(L) x 80(W) x 15(H) mm -- I found it here -- http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...jsp?ProductCode=371021

Of course I don`t use the metal mZalman emblem that it`s attached to via screws...

Then I usd the bracket off of this-- http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835118204

Anyways good Luck!! By thye way that small fan I`m using is dead quite. I don`t even know it`s there!!

Good Luck!!

 

[zagood]

badomen...this may sound silly...but did you try mounting the fan to the other side of the bracket? Bracket on the side of the video card, fan mounted on the side facing the outside of the case?

Yes, that fan is very loud. Look around at the other 92mm fans out there, the Akasa Amber is a good lowspeed fan that would work well.

http://www.performance-pcs.com...info&products_id=20841

Don't know what case you're using, but most will have some sort of hole(s) on the back next to the PCI brackets. Tape or ziptie the fanmate there, with the knob sticking out of a hole. That way you'll be able to adjust it without opening the case...and you should be able to turn it all the way off with that. Otherwise pick up a Sunbeam Rheobus:

http://www.performance-pcs.com...t_info&products_id=363

http://www.jab-tech.com/product.php?productid=2529

-z

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: zagood
badomen...this may sound silly...but did you try mounting the fan to the other side of the bracket? Bracket on the side of the video card, fan mounted on the side facing the outside of the case?

Yes, that fan is very loud. Look around at the other 92mm fans out there, the Akasa Amber is a good lowspeed fan that would work well.

http://www.performance-pcs.com...info&products_id=20841

Don't know what case you're using, but most will have some sort of hole(s) on the back next to the PCI brackets. Tape or ziptie the fanmate there, with the knob sticking out of a hole. That way you'll be able to adjust it without opening the case...and you should be able to turn it all the way off with that. Otherwise pick up a Sunbeam Rheobus:

http://www.performance-pcs.com...t_info&products_id=363

http://www.jab-tech.com/product.php?productid=2529

-z

Akaska fans are just plain crapola!!

 

[zagood]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Akaska fans are just plain crapola!!

People can also say that about the Coolermaster fans you rave about. Akasa 92's are perfect for an application like he's describing, where you need some airflow but not necessarily static pressure. And they're quiet.

-z

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: zagood

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Akaska fans are just plain crapola!!

People can also say that about the Coolermaster fans you rave about. Akasa 92's are perfect for an application like he's describing, where you need some airflow but not necessarily static pressure. And they're quiet.

-z

actually akasa`s are not as quiet at the Coolermasters...that`s why I went with the coolermaster..

 

[wwswimming]

i have a feeling that drilling a hole in the case cover to mount
a case fan expelling air onto the video card is not being
mentioned for a reason, even though it would be one
of the most direct & least time-consuming ways to do
it. with the right tools.

 

[HannibalX]

Slot cooler right next to the video card.

 

[BadOmen]

JediYODA, that area is exactly where I attached the bracket (which is the fb123, exactly the same as yours). Just at the place Zalman recommends. The thing is that my video card and pci cards are not screwed. They are clamped. I will take a picture of my case when I get home today, but for now you can take a look on the case I use here (PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that I don't use the one in this crazy colour combination. Mine is the black and silver version):

http://www.avadirect.com/produ...ls_parts.asp?PRID=6648

See the little plastic clamps over there, over the screws? Those clamps allowed me to move the bracket a little bit back and so fit the gigantic fan. Now the fan moves inside the case when it's on, but at least it doesn't touch the card. Your fan seems way nicer than the one that comes with the bracket (and smaller too. That one is a 90mm, yours is 80).

Zagood, are you sure tha Fanmate has an OFF option on the knob? That would be superb! The Rheobus is my next option, although I'm really afraid that thing can catch fire (a few people talk about that on that product description I sent previously). Sunbeam is an odd brand. I have a cold cathode from them, and it`s the biggest I have ever seen in the market. Doesn`t fit anywhere.

Oh, and do you mean inverting the bracket? Fan attaching area attached to the case, case attaching area attached to the fan? No idea is silly, I`m definitely trying it. Everything to stop that monster fan dancing inside my case on a loose bracket.

wwswimming, that`s great, but I am not brave enough to drill a hole to the case. Yes, that would be ideal, but my dexterity (or lack of) doesn`t allow me to do so.

About fans, I use an Arctic for my CPU and it`s awesomely quiet. Wonder if Arctic case fans are equally silent.

 

[BadOmen]

Ok, here's how the bracket ended up in my case:


http://i222.photobucket.com/al..._photos/omenrig001.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/al..._photos/omenrig004.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/al..._photos/omenrig003.jpg

 

[zagood]

Right on, how are your temps?

-z

 

[BadOmen]

Speedfan reads 34 for the case and 43 for the cpu (idle).

Sounds ok?

 

[zagood]

uh...those are fine...but wasn't the video card temp the reason you started this thread?

-z

 

[BadOmen]

True, but apparently there is no sensor in that GPU. At least Speedfan says nothing about it, and the Gigabyte application that came with the card doesn't read temps. They say that the add-on that reads temps will only be available if the gpu has a sensor. So, I take it that one doesn't.

But I can see that, after a while playing something 3D, the image starts to crack again, flickering pixels appear here and there, and some polygons flash heavily around. So, I think the temps are still high.

I ordered a Rheobus yesterday so I can set the fan on maximum when needed and turn off when not. Should I consider a 120mm fan as well?

Well, the new Catalyst from ATI is not installing properly yet, so there must be some problem in the drivers too.

 

[wwswimming]

wwswimming, that`s great, but I am not brave enough to drill a hole to the case.

understood, using a hole saw meant for wood to drill a hole in
stainless of aluminum ... very noisy, potentially lethal.

BUT - that's what friends & co-workers are for. we use the
term "G-jobs" for general jobs. machinists are used to being
asked questions like this. might cost you a six-pack of good beer.