7300GT - Fan Failure

[Dr_BenD_over]

So I've just had a 7300GT dropped off on my desk. It appears the fan failed and popped 5 1500uF caps that ran along one side of it. What are the chances that the core is still OK and just replacing the caps and the fan will resurrect it? I've got the caps, but I'd probably have to fork out some dough for an aftermarket cooler.

[Perineum]

I'd say 50 / 50

[Dr_BenD_over]

Well. Seems these caps are complete crap, there's a LOT of complaints out there about these particular ones. I've removed the heatsink and the core looks OK. I think I'll give it a shot, I can probably slap a P3 heatsink on it to test.

[CMetaphor]

I'd say your chances are better than 50/50. Caps are used to regulate voltage dips and the like Before the major component that needs it. If the capacitor fails, its possible that everything after it is fine... since the capacitor is essentially an open circuit after it "pops". But don't take my word for it! (Reading Rainbox? )

[Perineum]

That's what I would do... No real harm in trying it out. Blow a house fan on that P3 heatsink too, hehe

[jcmaz]

can't you RMA it for a faster card???

[Dr_BenD_over]

Originally Posted by jcmaz

can't you RMA it for a faster card???

But then it wouldn't be mine to keep. (They were going to trash this at work and gave it to me for parts)

[Arinoth]

If you use the correct caps (value, tolerances, etc) and have some kind of heat sink (like that p3) with a fan blowing on it (for safety) i could see you having about a 75% chance of success if you have knowledge in proper soldering techniques (aka you know how to solder properly) and take the correct safety measures (the heat sink + external fan)

[Sushi Warrior]

It shouldn't need that big of a heatsink, I owned 2 7300GT's that stayed under 45C with a tiny little heatsink while OC'd a hell of a lot.

[KaptCrunch]

Arinoth

depends on what you call solder job.......Don't forget the iron using is it ESD safe, using a non-solder station iron, can give 27vac on the tip and cook all the chips!

best thing to do is heat up iron then disconnect ac power an touch ground on circuit