GTX460OC-1GB fan problem.

[Störung]

Hello,

end last week I got some problems with videocard that was getting warmer eventhough there was no GPU load. The card ran up to 70° in iddle. Via GPU-Z I saw that the fanspeed was only between 200-500RPM at 40%. While the other card (in Sli) gave 1500RPM at 40%.
At first I thought it had something to do with the last driver update 275.33 but then after I noticed the GPU fan hardly was turning around. So today I open my case, unplugged everything, got the videocards out and indeed on that warm card one of the fans runs quite stiffy. If blow on it it hardly moves while the other fans just start to turn.
Next week I have to open my case again to place some upgrades, then I get the videocard out again and see if I can find dirt or dust that might hold the fan from turning properly.
But if this fan is just a bad fan, is it possible to replace it then? Or will I eventually have to get a new card?

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

It would sound to me as if it is just a blocked up fan and as such needs a good clean out. The best way to do this is with high pressure airline. If you haven't got one yourself try asking at your local garage if you can borrow theirs.  I would advise doing both the cards as they are probably both very clogged.

If the fan is too far gone for just a clean to fix there are several aftermarket coolers that will fit. However I expect the cards are still under warranty and as long as they are clean if the fan fails to run properly then you could RMA them.

[Störung]

Thanks for reply.

I believe there is 24 months warranty on the cards and I got them early October '10.

I have a CM690II Adv. case wich has quite a good dust filters. Most dust hangs on the fanblades but inside still quite clean after a 7 months. Content that I couldn't find a single cat hair back inside the case. There is some of that sticky dust on the side of the videocards, guess because I have a fan blowing on them and the warmth of the card probably makes it some sticky. I have also ordered a small Sli bridge now so I can place the GPU holder that came with the case. It probably will block most of the dust that the side fan on the videocards brings in and the holder has place for another 80x15 fan that will blow directly on the side of the GPU cards.

If I try to clean it, I think I can screw the fan itself loose, it's only 3 little screws but the cable goes under the plastic cover and I am not sure if I could remove that cover without making parts. But if I unscrew the fan, will it lose warranty maybe for if I have to RMA it afterall? Maybe it's better that they place a new fan on it then    Luckely I have 2 cards so I can miss one for a time, not too long hopefully.

Well, I'll keep it updated if I have some more news if I could clean it or send it RMA.

[Dark Mantis]

If you do decide to clean it yourself don't worry about the wires as they just go to a small connector block on the PCB under the fan housing. You can just pull the plug out of the socket carefully.