Video Card Assembly Question

[DukeDiablo]

Dear Forum-

I was thinking of upgrading my video card to a newer model. I have had previous experience with swapping out modems and other video cards before; however this new model comes with two onboard fans to cool the chips. I don't think I would have a problem getting the board in and setting it up, but how hard is it to hook up power to the fans? (or do you even have to?) Thanks for the help.

While I'm asking, I have an Athlon 950 MHz processor with the standard heatsink and single fan unit currently. I was wondering how difficult it would be to install a second fan, or is this possible/even worth it? Thanks again and have a wonderful week/end.

Sincerely,
Matt Kennedy
DukeDiablo@Aol.com

[Xayd]

I assume you're looking at a Voodoo5.

If that's the case, the fans are connected for power to the card itself, so there's no need to worry about where the fans plug into. You do have to plug four pin power connector from your power supply to the card, though, but if you buy the card retail there will be a Y adapter for this in case you're out of power connectors.

As far as replacing the fan on your TBird, if you intend to overclock it, yes, by all means get a top of the line fan. TBirds run VERY hot, even at default speeds, so good CPU and case cooling is a must.

The best pre-made fan out there for your processor would be the Alpha PAL6035 w/Delta Fan, which can be had at http://2cooltek.safeshopper.com for around 30 bucks.

If your case has pre-cut holes for intake and/or outtake fans, I'd go ahead and add those as well. The CPU fan can only get the processor so cool if the ambient temperature in the case is high, so case cooling helps quite a bit.

Xayd