If the AGP Card Runs Hot?

[1hope]

OK, I just got the new Radeon 9200 that I wanted. But just as soon as I installed it, it got hot - fast. That's without running any graphic programs. I want to know. Do all AGP cards get kinda hot? I was told that Radeon didn't. The entire reason I stopped using the first card I got - Erazor 3, was because it got real hot real fast. While I was installing the software, even the CD's got hot. Now, the local Technician told me last year that the AGP slot was bad, that he had tested several of his cards on it and they got hot. I sent the computer to Sears who put in in the LAB for test and sent it back saying nothing was wrong. Right now, the card is almost too hot to touch. Is this just the way AGP card are, or does it sound like a bad AGP slot? Could I be doing something wrong? I followed all the directions to the letter.
If this sounds like the AGP slot, pleaase let me know - because SEARS is going to hear about it!

 

[firecracker]

You'd be surprised at how hot electronic circuits run at, 70 Degrees C is typical. (Whats that in Deg F? (x9, /5, + 32!) So maybe there is no problem at all. The card is very high performance from what I've seen. Having said that, if the card is being made to work too hard, due to a configuration setting error on the AGP slot, then perhaps thats the problem. Generally though cards/components either work or they don't.

Even if it is hot - why not run it until an actual fault occurs (if ever), and then you'll know for sure and can get it replaced under warranty?

 

[Dracil]

If the AGP card runs hot... fry an egg!

(Ok, so technically he did it on his CPU)

 

[SirKenin]

The 9200 does get hot. Actually, my Radeon 9700Pro gets pretty hot too.

You could put a fan on it if you want, as it is usually only the 9200Pro that has one. I wouldn't worry about it though. ATi knows what they are doing. The slot going bad is a bit of a joke IMO. It doesn't sound like that tech had a clue what he was talking about.

 

[Kokopelli]

You can try installing a slot-card beneath your video card to help circulate the air. I have an ATI9600 in my system with this card installed beneath it.

 

[CaptainMatt]

Most Video cards get pretty hot nowadays. I wouldn't worry about it unless you start to see artifacts on your screen, then its time to get some better cooling on the card quick!

 

[1hope]

firecracker, you're the second person to suggest to a configuration setting error on the AGP slot. I have no idea how to check it out, however. Computers are like men, you can be around them all your life and you still can't figure them out.

After talking to a SEARS technician who insisted it was just poor ventilation, I went to the local Computer tech. and got 2 case fans. One I already put up in the back vent. I still want to put the second one so it's blowing directly on card.
I can't shake the fact that I smelled the heat, like plastic was burning, when I removed the card. Ah well, if the card causes the computer to burns out or something. I still have the Maintenance Agreement with SEARS.
Now, I just need to rig a mount for the second fan. I want to put it right under the card. I'm still sure that the card shouldn't get so hot,
about 15 minutes after turning your computer on, that it almost burns your fingers.

 

[firecracker]

firecracker, you're the second person to suggest to a configuration setting error on the AGP slot. I have no idea how to check it out, however. Computers are like men, you can be around them all your life and you still can't figure them out.

After talking to a SEARS technician who insisted it was just poor ventilation, I went to the local Computer tech. and got 2 case fans. One I already put up in the back vent. I still want to put the second one so it's blowing directly on card.
I can't shake the fact that I smelled the heat, like plastic was burning, when I removed the card. Ah well, if the card causes the computer to burns out or something. I still have the Maintenance Agreement with SEARS.
Now, I just need to rig a mount for the second fan. I want to put it right under the card. I'm still sure that the card shouldn't get so hot,
about 15 minutes after turning your computer on, that it almost burns your fingers.

There are a couple of things to check with the AGP setup. First, go to the BIOS settings when the computer boots up, Second, check the device manager in Windows. Still, it all seems to look like there is not a problem at all. New cards/components do sometimes give off a smouldery smell when they are first used - and if it hasn't packed up, then it's probably fine.

The vent fan thing is probably a good idea in any event, of course a nice clean PC box, located in a well ventilated area can only be good news.

Agree with most others here - too hot to touch is normal practice these days.

 

[Kokopelli]

I remember seeing a photograph, about a year or two ago, that was taken with a thermal lense of a computer. The hottest components glowing brite white, were the CPU and GPU.

 

[1hope]

Well I smartened up in some areas. Yesterday I went out and got two case fans. I have 1 sucking the are out at the back vent. The second one is blowing on the card itself. If I can find the right places for the things, I may get a second card to blow on the AGP card. But when I was adjusting the fan blowing on the card this morning, I just noticed something. One of the original PC card was directly under the AGP card. The AGP's heatsink was almost touching the PC card. I thought that may be obstructing the ventilation so I moved the PC card one slot down. If nothing else, the fan can blow on the AGP card better now.
I wonder if there are classes just for computer maintenance and Upgrading?
That may be a good investment on my part.

 

[Kokopelli]

Your local community college should offer some A+ courses that will give you hands on training for the basic computer stuff. Or a cheaper way, hit your local library and read through the do-it-yourself guides for PC repair.