I needed to install a graphics card for a machine intended for office use. I dug out this old Quadro from the grave, but what an unbearable noise it makes! The fan shaft has play, it rubs and squeaks like an animal in agony.
It's not in its prime, but it works…
Oh, there's a nice layer of crap inside…
A quick blast with a 3-bar air gun later…
Before dismantling the radiator, I locate the power supply…
The card with the radiator dismantled, the paste will need to be cleaned…
The old fan goes in the trash… I'll keep the radiator, it might come in handy.
I pull an old video radiator out of my stock…
Nice surprise, the center distances match!
Cutting two fins for the capacitors…
Cleaning the thermal paste and installing the spacers…
Pre-assembly to check the fit…
Everything is OK, applying thermal paste.
The fan is ready to be connected…
Incompatible connectors? We'll adapt!
I cut and strip from the original connector.
Splices made for quick testing…
No fear!
My creation lives!
The card is recognized correctly.
34°C when idle, perfect.
I remove the fan to finish the wiring.
Preparing the wires for soldering.
Don't forget the heat-shrink tubing…
Soldering complete, insulation in progress.
Final assembly, silence restored.