Cutting a video card?

[redman223]

I am just wondering if anyone has taken a dremel to their video card? I say this because I have an MCW60 and will be getting an 8800gtx very soon (waiting for my ASUS Striker Extreme to arrive....its been almost a month now...). I will therefore not be needing the stock cooler that comes with it, as Swiftech just recently (last week) released the adapter block for the MCW60 to work with the 8800 cards.

Sure, right now I will not need access to any of the small pci-e slots, but I might in the future, who knows? If I do, then I will need a single slot card and all of them take up 2 slots (other than the BFG one with liquid cooling). Has anyone ever cut the metal bracket with a dremel? I am assuming someone has, but just wondering if there is anything to watch out for to avoid any damage?

Obviously I will not be butchering my new card, but I might need to someday, so I gotta find out of there are others who have done this?

 

[JBark]

I did this with my old BFG 5900. You should be able to remove the PCI back piece from the card itself (remove the cable retention screws by the DVI connectors), then it's piece of cake to dremel in half. No worries then about getting metal shavings on the card.

Strangely enough, I even have pictures
http://www.thebarricks.com/images/5900_pics/5900_single_slot_mod.jpg
http://www.thebarricks.com/images/5900_pics/5900_removed_pci_piece.jpg

I did it so I could fit the card in my Shuttle.

 

[NoxTek]

Alternatively I'm sure you can probably buy a replacement bracket pretty cheap. The layout these cards use for their rear ports is pretty standard nowadays.

<EDIT>
http://www.koolance.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=207
</EDIT>


<EDIT AGAIN!!!>
CHEAPER PRICE - $1.99! http://www.frozencpu.com/vid-45.html
</EDIT AGAIN!!!>

 

[JBark]

Alternatively I'm sure you can probably buy a replacement bracket pretty cheap. The layout these cards use for their rear ports is pretty standard nowadays.

<EDIT>
http://www.koolance.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=207
</EDIT>


<EDIT AGAIN!!!>
CHEAPER PRICE - $1.99! http://www.frozencpu.com/vid-45.html
</EDIT AGAIN!!!>

Of course, now they make one.

That's the way to go, cause then you don't make any obvious warranty voiding changes.

 

[redman223]

Cool, thanks guys. I have now made my choice and will be getting the EVGA 8800GTX, now if only my motherboard would arrive.....(gotta wait till next year, says amazon )

 

[factory81]

Fucking do it, I want pictures, movies...everything. I want to see this thing destroyed by a dremel. We need a bigger tool...