Video Card Overheating?

[Jameson69]

Hello, I'm new to your forums, as you can see because this is my first post. I have a video card problem. If you have heard of the Visiontek Xtasy G4 mx420, you will know that it doesn't have a fan. Only a heatsink. My computer case only has 2 fans (one on the cpu and 1 in the psu). After installing the proper drivers, i use the vid card to play counter-strike or another 3d game and the computer freezes usually after about 2 hours (sometimes less). I think it's obvious that it is overheating and perhaps i need a new case but i'm no expert at computers. Right now i'm stuck with my voodoo3 card which still works fairly well but i want g4 dammit lol. So, if anyone could knows of a way to solve this problem (i.e. buy a new comp case etc.) please let me know. Thanks.

[Whyzman]

Hello Jameson69,

Welcome tohttp://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif Forums!

There's a chance that you might be able to replace the chipset heatsink with a chipset fan. Is the heatsink being held in place with plastic push pins?

If you gently twist it, does it move freely from side to side?

The next part is perhaps the toughest...figuring out the distance between the push pins...

Thermaltake makes a series of Orbs for chipsets: http://www.thermaltake.com/products/chipsetMenu.htm

The "bump in the road" is whether they will fit your board...

[Jason1971]

Welcome Jameson69, be careful about assuming that your problem is overheating. You would be surprised how fast you can spend money on fixing something you "know" is wrong only to find out that the same problem is still there.

How long have you been using the G4 mx420? Also tell me a little about your system.

Jason

[ski]

Also, you can remove the computer's cover, and run and external fan directed at the video card's heatsink.

If that works and you do not want to run your system with the cover removed, then you may be able to 'jury rig' a small fan to cool off the card's heatsink by taping a small paper box to the bottom of the case, then tape the fan to the top of the box so that its airflow is at the same level as the card's heatsink, and it blows in between the heatsink fins.
Did this with a Voodoo3 3000 card that was causing crashing problems, and it worked like a charm.

[Budfred]

I would also check the case to see if there are any other spaces to install fans. You have pretty minimal cooling with only the CPU and power supply fans. Another couple of fans, one in front drawing air in and one in back pushing out, would probably do wonders.