video card fan replacement + case fan filter question

McMadman

Senior member
Mar 25, 2000
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My video card fan has finally went, I'm using the stock fan on my classic aiw radeon (yes i know its a dinosaur) what are my options for replacing it on a somewhat limited budget, the card is not overclocked so maximum cooling isn't required, just something that'd be quiet.
I know i could use this as an excuse to upgrade, but i'd be too tempted to go for top of the line again, and $400 is a bit steep

Now on to my next question, I'm using an InWin S500 which dosen't have any screws for the fan, are there any filters that would work for this solution? it's an 80mm fan that will more than likely be replaced with a panaflo L1A

What sort of maintence would be required for the filter as well, I'm getting sick and tired of having fans die due to dust, so something that can easily be cleaned is definitly a plus.

(this message was edited due to total topic change)

Thanks
 

SharkyTM

Platinum Member
Sep 26, 2002
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as for the AIW radeon fan replacement, you could just superglue a 40mm fan to the existing heatsink, or pop the heatsink off, and get a 486/P1 heastink and glue it on....

as for the filter, get one of the standard fan filters, but instead of screwing it on, just glue the bottom piece on... it will work like a charm. the filter is removable and washable... i have 4 of 'em in my Lian-Li

you can use whatever kind of glue you want, i just recommend superglue... works great when you have 2 flat surfaces.
 

godmare

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2002
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Your video card may just run fine without a fan, on passive cooling. If not, I really can't see spending as little as five to ten bucks to upgrade the fan on an older card like that. If you're really in a spot, though, maybe you have some old cpu heatsinks you can use as a passive setup?

For case fans in a cage, I don't think there's really any manufactured filter setup that will fit. What you can do, though, as I have done in the past as well, is get some filter paper or foam (even a used dryer sheet will work) and place it between your front bezel and the chassis of your case, in front of the fan. Tape it in or whatever is necessary to secure it.Your airflow will be reduced, but only as much as any other filter nominally would.

As far as filter maintenance, using something like an old dryer sheet or paper, it would be simpler just to replace the filter altogether. Normally, filters can be either shook out, rinsed (if given time to dry throroughyly, obviously), hit with compressed air, or vacuumed.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
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For video card, the easy thing to do is to get a chipset cooling kit. Those run around $10 give or take, but includes various methods to attach the units.

For a fan filter, assuming you're talking about the fan in the bottom front... you can put something behind the plastic face and the metal, such as a portion cut from an A/C filter. Just remove the face and stick a piece in.
 

McMadman

Senior member
Mar 25, 2000
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Thanks for the suggestions, actually I just submitted a RMA request with ati (I don't expect them to honor anything though, this was an OEM card purchased in late 2000.) Will see what kind of response I get.

In the meantime, think it'd be safe to run with the fan unplugged? it's running right now but the noise is ungodly loud (can be heard through walls.)

As far as the filter goes, I really like the dryer sheet idea, as of right now I just have some generic fans (no clue on specs) however if I need to buy anything, I'll definitly pick up some new ones.
 

shybull

Member
Jul 11, 2002
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I used velcro to mount my filters to my fans. I mount my fans with screws then I bought square aluminum mesh filters and put velcro around the boarders of the filters and around the boarders of the fan. When you clean them all you have to do is peal them off and then push them back on after your done. Works great.