Graphics card with failing fan - options

[Wang Computer]

I've got an XFX 7850 and for the past month, the fan has been making some really quite unpleasant noises. It doesn't take a genius to deduce that some bearings have failed.

Unfortunately, it is just out of of its (two year) warranty so RMAing it isn't an option. I have looked around and I cannot seem to find a cost effective way of repairing the fan itself. The fan assembly is very bespoke and not easily available (or at least I don't think). I do believe I found a few compatible fans for sale on eBay, but the price was prohibitively expensive (given the card isn't worth than much now).

I'm just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience or has any advice on the matter. Even though the fan is still cooling the card, my system sounds like a garden strimmer at the moment.

 

[old gamer]

i have the same problem with a 290tri x, cant find any fans anywhere.
one trick ive seen on youtube was to drill a small hole at the back of the fan and apply some sowing machine oil, not had time to try it myself yet but looking to in the next day or so

 

[cheesyboy]

Buy an ordinary fan and cable tie (or other ghetto-mod) it to the heatsink, after removing the old fan. Probably need to remove any decorative shroud first

 

[Drangueos]

Did you remove the fan to find the part number? maybe you can find a replacement / compatible with that information.

 

[tommybhoy]

Get a can of 3 in 1 white Lithium grease, spray a little directly into the fan.

 

[old gamer]

update, I had one fan that rattled so much you could hear the vibration in the case, so I drilled a tiny hole in the back of the fan and used a syringe to inject a small amount of light oil onto the bearings and its now running whisper quiet

 

[sprite1275]

Nice one I'll keep this in mind if mine starts making noises.