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No signal to monitor after GPU cooler replacement (XFX HD 6870 with Arctic Cooling Twin Turbo III)

Tags:
  • Graphics
  • XFX
  • Cooling
  • Fan
  • Arctic Cooling
  • Monitors
  • HD
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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August 22, 2014 6:30:40 AM

Hello all,

The fan on my XFX HD 6870 (2GB) failed recently after 3 years, I decided to buy an Arctic Twin Turbo III aftermarket cooler as the card itself is still good.

I replaced the cooler but the monitor no longer picks up any signal, it recognises my PC and flashes 'ASUS' on startup but then tells me there is no signal.

- I made sure to check everything is seated and plugged
- I removed RAM as per other threads and tried to boot, no change.
- I made sure to remain grounded and used an antistatic sheet for the assembly, however if this can be caused by damage to the card itself then I won't rule it out.
- The cooler fits the GPU well enough but the additional top cooling component is oversized, I had some trouble with it attaching to the card so removed it after a few attempts.

I use my PC for work so being unable to turn it on is killing me, I am prepared to go in store and buy another GPU on the spot but if there is anything I should try before forking out, please let me know.

Also this is my first post, so if I have messed with the ecosystem, let me know!

Peace

Jim

More about : signal monitor gpu cooler replacement xfx 6870 arctic cooling twin turbo iii

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a b C Monitor
August 22, 2014 6:59:10 AM

I'm guessing heat. If you get the Asus logo then the card works. But if the cooler isn't tight on the chip then it's probably getting to hot and turning itself off. Did you use paste/TIM? If you had trouble attaching it I'd take it apart and try again with what you now know.
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August 22, 2014 8:12:14 AM

Bingo.

The damn cooler is so bulky that it made it very hard to see the gap between the GPU and heatsink. I removed one of the little plastic pads and tried it again, worked like a charm. Now running at 36 degrees idle.

A few things I have learned, in case anyone else attempts something similar:

- The instructions are rather bare, look online for videos.
- The components that attach the cooler to the card and top heat sink are confusing, I missed the heatsink gap completely despite following the instructions to the letter.
- The clips for the top heat sink/grille are barbaric, and do not fit this model of card particularly well. It is doable with some patience and a large case, but in my case the card bent slightly no matter how carefully I used the thermal pads and clips.
- The cooling unit works just fine without the top heatsink/grille.


Thanks for the insight 4745454b!
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a b C Monitor
August 22, 2014 6:55:36 PM

Glad it works out, and that your card isn't dead. Happy gaming.
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