arrrrgg.... My VGA Sounds Like a Buzzsaw!

swizz

swizz

New Member
Hi, I'm new to your forum and apologize in advance for knocking on your door with a problem.
This isn't a new problem from what I understand...
I recently purchased a "refurbished" HP Pavilion desktop which came with an Nvidia 9500GS.
The fan on this card emits an extremely loud Buzzsaw noise at times which I know is irregular (and common with this card). It was not difficult to isolate the noise source.
I will NOT contact HP to deal with this, I've read all about the defective and inferior replacement cards that others have received from HP when choosing this route.
Instead.... I'd prefer to physically replace the fan myself.
Problem: I'm having a devil of a time locating a fan (or cooling system) that lists compatibility with the Nvidia 9500GS.
I know (from numerous searches) that the defective fan on the Nvidia 9500GS is a well documented problem. Nearly all the suggestions on the other forums relate to "contact HP and they'll help you" responses. As I mentioned, I'd really prefer not to go that route.
I'm optimistic that someone here may be able to point me in the direction of a compatible aftermarket fan or cooling system to remedy this problem for the 9500GS.
Compatibility is my primary issue.
If any of the kind folks here could steer me in the right direction I'd be most appreciative.
Thanks!!
 
Make sure a wire isn't making contact with the fan blades. That will certainly make a racket.
 
Check to see if there is dust in the heatsink, that sound could be the fan turning way up, i know some of the older singleslot cooling graphics cards made an awful ruckus when you turned them 100% fanspeed.
 
Thanks.
I'm quite sure it's a design flaw within the cooling fan assembly. I am running currently without the side panel on my tower. I can see clearly that there are no obstructions to the fan assembly. The unit is less than a month old so the interior is spotless. When I say "buzzsaw noise" I'm not exaggerating. It's gotta be 80db or louder when it happens.
HP acknowledges this to be the problem and I've read numerous online accounts of the exact same problem with this particular fan.
I've also read numerous accounts of people who have chosen the route of HP Customer Service to remedy this problem. Most experiences recall being sent another identical 9500GS as a replacement only to find the same problem to recur shortly thereafter.
Others report that HP sent them a different VGA card altogether which worked well but was of lesser performance than the 9500GS.
I don't like those options.
I like the 9500GS (performance-wise) and would like to continue using it if I can just find a compatible replacement fan.
This seems to be the logical course of action since aftermarket fans are generally inexpensive.
 
It sounds like it's hitting on the shroud.

Take the shroud off and you should be able to see where it's rubbing.

Cut a small piece out so it doesn't rub anymore.
 
Bodaggit23 said:
It sounds like it's hitting on the shroud.
Click to expand...

Indeed. It sounds like the shroud.
Okay, let's assume it's hitting the shroud.
The noise is not happening 24/7.... it only happens when the fan kicks in to a very high RPM.
What does this tell you?
It tells me that the fan spindle can't handle high RPMs... it goes off axis and proceeds to violently spank the shroud.
What you're suggesting (cut the shroud) only facilitates the ongoing spindle wobble which (I assume) will eventually fail due to excessive friction (regardless of whether or not it's hitting the shroud).
I'd rather replace the defective fan rather than modify hardware to accommodate a loose spindle defect that will ultimately (with my luck) burst into flames, bust through the case, and stick in my forehead when it fails.
 
swizz said:
Indeed. It sounds like the shroud.
Okay, let's assume it's hitting the shroud.
The noise is not happening 24/7.... it only happens when the fan kicks in to a very high RPM.
What does this tell you?
It tells me that the fan spindle can't handle high RPMs... it goes off axis and proceeds to violently spank the shroud.
What you're suggesting (cut the shroud) only facilitates the ongoing spindle wobble which (I assume) will eventually fail due to excessive friction (regardless of whether or not it's hitting the shroud).
I'd rather replace the defective fan rather than modify hardware to accommodate a loose spindle defect that will ultimately (with my luck) burst into flames, bust through the case, and stick in my forehead when it fails.
Click to expand...

Well, it would be a temporary fix until you get a new gpu or a new heatsink/fan assembly;)
 
If anyone can confirm the relation between a 9500GT and a 9500GS in terms of screw locations, the VF900 would be more than enough to cool it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118001
http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=144

I was considering running this on my 8800GT, which runs much hotter than a 9500GS, and I've heard some people are successful cooling with it. I luckily found the Akimbo on eBay right before I was about to buy it though. So this cooler would be more than sufficient. If you want to risk it, you could go with the VF700 but I'm not too sure about it's compatibility.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118117
http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=139

They both come with fan control knobs as well, the VF900 is said to run silent when turned down, and you won't need much cooling power for that card.
 
Last edited:
Thanks kook... The Zalman V900 may or may not work. I looked at the specs and it's worth measuring. I'm going to pull the card today and see if that fan's a possibility. Thanks!
 
It's a done deal.
There's basically no room in my box for the aftermarket fans available... even if any of them are compatible (which they're not).
I've ordered a Powercolor AX4650 low profile graphics card.
As soon as it arrives I'm going to throw this POS 9500GS like a frisbee (can't wait).
 
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