[sneekipete]

I would like to know if anyone else is having problems with the Radeon 64 DDR VIVO card. I am running, an AMD 1Gg Athlon on an AOpen AK73Pro mobo with 320 mgs of ram. I use Win98SE, Win ME and Win 2000 Pro. (Removable hard drives) The problem I'm having with the Radeon is when running games that demand 3D accell, the game will freeze after about 3 to 4 minutes. In my opinion, the card gets too hot. The card is to warm to the touch. (I've been meaning to get a digi/thermo to get the true temp) First could the card be getting to hot or is it just me? Second, could it be the CPU fan not pullin off enough heat? Though, until I installed the Radeon I had no problem? ATI says they have not had any problems with this card. Should I believe them?

Now my next question. Could the size of my case have something to do with it? Should I get a larger case? Would that allow for beter air flow? I already have installed a PCI Slot fan, and mounted a fan on the side panel as well. Oh ya.....the reason I say it's heat is because I take the side panel off and place a small fan afew feet away from the opening to blow air into the case and bingo....no problem. That tells me it's a heat problem. What do you think?

Thanks.............SneekiPete

[brianF]

Well you answered your own question, case off, fan in, no problem. I use to use those slot fans but gave up, not worth it in my mind, they just take away any space between your card and air flow. I went thru 2 or 3 of them and said the heck with em.

Sorry I really don't know of anyone selling a good heatsink/fan combo for ati cards. I looked at tennmax, no go.

I really think the best thing out is the twin turbo bay fans if you have an open 5 1/4 bay. Really move alot of air out of the case allowing cool air to come in.

If the ati card fan/heatsink is removalable sometimes it will help alot to redo the thermal paste they used if any. Artic silver is the best, but it is conductive, be very carefull not to get messy with it.

I'm running a mid tower antec case with two 80mm fans, a bay fan, stock gforce fan. P3 850 at 1054 runs at 35 c. Gets warmer playing quake3 or serious sam but doesn't get too warm.

Then again it maybe the chipset getting too warm, not the vid card at all.

Add some additional case fans, maybe a bay fan, look at the way the heatsink is attached to the vid card

Larger case is better for airflow, less mass in the way of the air.

Hope this answers part of your question.

couple places to shop around

http://www.3dcool.com/
http://www.2cooltek.com/
http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/

[Edited by brianF on 06-04-2001 at 10:19 PM]

[Guarnot]

Hi! I have a Radeon Vivo at home. I don't have this kind of problem. But for sure when the heat goes up, it goes down. Ventillation is the key and I'm pretty sure that is the case. Replacing the video card fan is a good idea, but the warranty is void after that. If you don't mind go, there is some good sites on tweaking the Vivo and for changing the fan with step by step details. Good luck!