Replace Graphics Card Fan With Side Case Fan?

[Zero3X]

I have a 5770 and its fan takes up one of my PCI slots leaving me with just one. So I'm thinking about removing the fan (maybe keep the heatsink on there) and replacing it with a side 120mm fan - which is right above the card. Would this cause big heat problems?

 

[dfour]

Take the heatsink off and you will brick your card in a very short time. I wouldnt recommend it unless youu can get a passive heatsink to go with the card instead of the present setup.

Does the fan blow directly upon the card specifially the side where the fan is atm??

 

[Zero3X]

The case's side fan would provide a nice air flow around the card. So all I'd have to do is leave the heatsink on there?

 

[Monkeynut]

It would kill your card very quickly.

 

[Rroff]

A 120mm fan especially at a distance from teh heatsink will NOT adequately cool a GPU with the stock heatsink.

 

[Bergkamp]

Sounds very dodgey. If the card gets too hot your case won't know and won't start throwing stupid amounts of air at it.

 

[dfour]

I really wouldnt do it as if it the heat kills your card you will be gutted, either that or do nothing that makes you card work so just internet with no films and word processing and a very close eye on GPU-z temps.

Just dont do it or get a less powerfull card.

 

[jigger]

This might be doable. Try turning down the fan speed in small steps and monitor the temps with the 120mm fan pointing at the card. It might be worth buying a antec spot cool fan.

You would have to be careful and test the card well of course.

 

[Tealc]

The stock heatsink will be designed to have a fan in close proximity blowing fresh air over it. A side mounted fan will circulate a little air over it but it will not cool the card sufficiently without an aftermarket cooler. In addition the side mounted fan will be at a 90 degree angle to the hot spot, so only one side would get any decent air penetration. That said I'm unsure of the heatsink complexity on the 5770.

Most aftermarket solutions are also dual or even triple slot solutions.

 

[Marine-RX179]

Rather than taking a big risk of bricking the card, I would probably rather sell the existing 5770, and then grab the XFX single slot 5770.

But to be honest, unless you absolutely need those extra PCI-E slot, it's best to leave the 5770 as it is.