Cooling my video card

[adambuttress]

Hi.

I built my first PC a couple years back, and for the most part it's performed well. I've had a couple of issues which I've been able to resolve with the assistance of this community.

Lately, I seem to be having some issues with my video card overheating. When playing some games, it gets very hot to the touch, and I've had it lock up the computer. I don't know that overheating is the issue, but I've tried pointing a table fan into the case, and it seems to help. This is an inelegant solution, so what I'm wondering is if there's a better way to cool it down.

The video card is a radeon x1900gt, which comes with a built-in fan. Does anyone know what sort (if any) of video card fans would work with it? I've done a little research, but can't find anything that says.

Thanks in advance!

[shadowpr]

Have you used some compressed air to blow the dust out of it?

[adambuttress]

I haven't...I'll try that when I get home this afternoon.

[Cricket]

How's your case cooling set up? How many case fans, where are they located and which way are they blowing?

You may want to look into getting a PCI slot fan (http://www.thermaltake.com/product/DCfan/Slot/a2375/a2375.asp) to put under the video card to help pull heat away and blow it out the back of the case.

:) Cricket

[adambuttress]

I've got two case fans...one on the side blowing directly at the mobo, and one on the back blowing out (I think). Plus the cpu fan, the one on video card, and on the PSU.

I'll look into PCI slot fan...thanks!

[Katreat]

does your case allow for a front fan? Having a fan in front (intake) and back (exhaust) usually gives you the best air flow. A side fan is generally to direct air directly on a particular part. Probably nothing wrong with having it but if you could create a nice steady air flow from front to back it would really help.

Kat

[adambuttress]

I'll add a front case fan to my research...thanks, Kat!

edit: This (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16811156175) is the case. One of the reviewers says there's room for a front fan if you leave the door open, so I'll look into that.

[not important]

It looks like there is a place for about an 80MM fan in front of the HDD rack. Arte you using the Raidmax PSU that came with the case? That could very possibly be related to your problem.

[Cricket]

edit: This (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16811156175) is the case. One of the reviewers says there's room for a front fan if you leave the door open, so I'll look into that.Why would you have to leave the door open? That doesn't make sense. I can see the spot a front fan would be installed, but you install it inside the case, not on the outside. And if the reviewer was talking about air flow, the door has vents to let air in. Are you using the Raidmax PSU that came with the case? That could very possibly be related to your problem.not important is right. Raidmax power supplies are awful and should be replaced ASAP if you're still using it.

:) Cricket

[adambuttress]

Why would you have to leave the door open? That doesn't make sense. I can see the spot a front fan would be installed, but you install it inside the case, not on the outside. And if the reviewer was talking about air flow, the door has vents to let air in. not important is right. Raidmax power supplies are awful and should be replaced ASAP if you're still using it.

:) Cricket

I'll take a look at the case when I'm home...the person who said they had to leave the door open probably didn't know what they were talking about (like me :) ).

I did replace the PSU sometime last year (thanks to this board for diagnosing the problem). I now have a Antec Smartpower 2.0 450w.

[phigdon]

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16835888602

this is the PCI fan I use and my GPU run at about 45C. skip a couple of holes when you mount a PCI blower, I found that putting it in the next hole down actually makes the temp rise. this is the cooler I'm putting on my card.

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16835118037

not only will it mount to my 2600 but when I upgrade I can mount it to the new card as well.

looking at your case there are three sets of mounting holes for a front fan. it looks like it will accept an 80mm, 92mm, or a 120mm. I recomend this 92mm, it moves a lot of air and is quiet and it has a blue LED.

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16835129042

[adambuttress]

Thanks for the links...I'll check them out.