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Does this sound like a video card issue?

P

Puyo

n00b
Joined
Aug 11, 2006
Messages
47
So my BFG 7600GS (AGP) has been acting up lately. I've had it since last January, and recently Fable and Battlefield 2 have been lagging and crashing (usually to a blank screen that I can't resolve without manually resetting my PC).

I opened the case because I suspected overheating and found that the fan on my card is making a grinding noise. I figured that might be causing some issues (or may be adding to issues) so I emailed BFG about it.

They told me to check my power supply (which is an Antec TPII-430). So I did, and sent them info about the amperage. They said that since my 12V rail is running at only 11.37 that it's the problem.

But I bought this PSU with my card back in January... surely it wouldn't die so soon. I am doubting that's the issue, even though it is kinda low. In fact, it's been at that same amperage for a few days now... it doesn't fluctuate.

So should I keep going with BFG support and insist I get a fan replacement (or perhaps a card replacement) or should I buy a new PSU or should I buy an aftermarket cooler for my card...

Please help!


Edit:
Card is not overclocked by the way. And my case has very good cooling (4x 120mm right now, planning a fifth soon here).
 
I wouldn't suggest getting an aftermarket cooler just yet as if your card is dying an aftermarket cooler will void BFG's warranty.

As for the fan making a grinding noise, pick up a can of compressed air and see if that helps any before this however what kind of load temps are you getting?
 
If you fan on the video card is making a grinding noise, I would suspect that a bearing went out. A good way to check is when your computer is turned off, try and spin the fan on the video card with your finger. If there is any resistance, your fan bearings are fubarred and BFG needs to get you a replacement HSF.
 
I cleaned the dust out of the case when I first suspected overheating to see if it would fix the fan's noise. It didn't. :( I will try Master_Pain's suggestion of testing the fan bearing later tonight.

After playing Fable for an hour just now, on high settings, 1024x768, no AA, the card maxed out at 51C degrees. That isn't too bad is it?

Also, is my PSU's 12V messed up? Is 11.37 a bad voltage?

Thanks.
 
Puyo said:
I cleaned the dust out of the case when I first suspected overheating to see if it would fix the fan's noise. It didn't. :( I will try Master_Pain's suggestion of testing the fan bearing later tonight.

After playing Fable for an hour just now, on high settings, 1024x768, no AA, the card maxed out at 51C degrees. That isn't too bad is it?

Also, is my PSU's 12V messed up? Is 11.37 a bad voltage?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Where did you get the 11.37V reading?

If you got that reading in the BIOS or in software, chances are that it's fairly inaccurate. The same PSU which read 11.45V on one motherboard reads 11.98V on another motherboard with the very same add-on components. The only sure way to measure the voltage would be to use a digital multimeter and sticking the two leads into a yellow wire and a black wire in the 4-pin Molex connector.
 
Ah, okay. My BIOS doesn't have a voltage option that I could find so I downloaded the PCWizard program (which BFG recommended and seems to be basing their "omg it's your power supply's fault" argument on).

Anyway, I'm fairly certain the fan is the problem as far as the noise is concerned (contrary to my power supply causing it to not run well, according to BFG). They are being stubborn though so I guess I have to keep pushing them.
 
51C isn't very hot.
check the fan bearings to see if thats the grinding noise.
reinstall the vid card drivers to see if that fixes that crashing, make sure you use driver cleaner pro.
 
I checked the fan bearing by moving it with my finger as you suggested and it does indeed make a grinding noise even when barely moving it.

I contacted BFG again and I finally got them to agree to send me a "replacement", although he sounded more like he will send a new heat sink rather than just a new fan? Odd...

Anyway, I use driver cleaner when installing new drivers so I'm good there. Maybe the games I own are just buggy... lol :rolleyes:
 
ya, you will definitely want to get a new heatsink fan then. it is pretty much one piece, it would be very odd for them to send you just the heatsink...
 
Alternatively, you could take the card out, take the HSF off, and clean it. I've done this before on a stuck fan. I wiped off all the dust from the fan, applied a little WD-40, spun it with my finger until it spun freely, brushed on some Zalman thermal grease, and screwed it back on. Worked like a charm. Just remember to clean off any excess oil before you put the HSF back on and that tampering with the HSF may void your warranty.
 
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