Life Span

[jg38141]

How long does the average graphic card last? I mean is a 1 year old gforce just as good as a brand new one as long as the fan and stuff is ok? Do those burn out often? Thanks ahead of time for the info.

"Are you saying that I can dodge bullets?"

 

[Kodiak]

its hard to tell because few years ago not that many cards had so much of a heat issue
My Diamond Monster 4MB is running great after 3 years. My Ati Rage II+ Pro is also going on 3 years... and some other no-name 1MB cards have been going on for much longer.
How much of an indication it is for a Geforce is a guess -- probably very little, as none of these cards require extra cooling.
I suppose it would depend on whether it was OCd or not. If it was poperly cooled during its lifetime or not. If you care about warranty. If you're getting a good deal or not.
It would certainly have to be fairly cheaper than a new one for me to buy it...
But no, *properly handled* cards, just like most other electrical, non-moving components, are pretty reliable and should last a long time...

 

[rcf84]

WELL THE RADEON DOESN'T USE ALOT OF ENERGY SO IT WOULD LAST AWHILE AND IT DOESNT NEED A FAN BUT THE PUT ONE ON AWAY. THE BLUE ORBS IS A GOOD WAY TO KEEP YOUR CARD COOL AND LAST A YEAR OR TWO LONGER

-- takes one to now one --

 

[jg38141]

Thanks- I have the chance to get an anhialator pro- gforce ddr- for 80 bucks from a guy on e-bay. That's why I was wondering. I can get it new from anywhere from 135 to 200+, so I thought it was a good deal. But I don't want to get a card that will die in 3 months either.
(rcf84 please don't yell- all caps is hard to look at)

"Are you saying that I can dodge bullets?"

 

[rcf84]

sorry about that make sure you get the -- blue orb -- cooling fan. Your card will last longer cause it will be at a cooler temp. it will atleast add 6 months - 1 year of life

-- takes one to now one --

 

[jg38141]

Thanks for the info- I'll give it a shot- Is thermal tape the best thing to hold the fan in place? Does the old one come off easily? Thanks ahead of time

"Are you saying that I can dodge bullets?"

 

[broggiemonster]

Thermal tape is crap...worse than cheap silicone grease. Best is arctic silver compound for attaching heatsinks. There are two types, one for thermal transfer on processors which need to be removed sometime in their life and the other for permanently attaching heatsinks to chips (or fans for that matter)...both have excellent heat transfer properties. Nuff said.

 

[jg38141]

Cool- Artic silver compound is now in the mail. Thanks

"Are you saying that I can dodge bullets?"

 

[jg38141]

Cool- Artic silver compound and a blue orb are both now in the mail. Thanks

"Are you saying that I can dodge bullets?"