Rattling GPU fans at specific load!

Jake_2

Reputable
Aug 29, 2015
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Status: Unresolved

Computer type: Custom desktop

GPU: GTX980 zotac amp! edition, no OC

CPU: i5-8600k, no OC

Mobo: Asus Z370P

RAM: GSkill DDR4 1x8GB 3000Mhz

PSU: EVGA Nex 750

OS: W10 Pro

GPU drivers: 398.11

Description of problem: GPU begins to make rattling noise when in the range of 50-60 on MSI afterburner, peaking at 55 and tapering off in noise each way. This has been happening for a while, maybe 2 years.

Troubleshooting: I've tried clean installs of drivers using DDU and have been through a complete system update of everything but GPU, which confirms it as a fan issue in tandem with experimentation of fan speeds using MSI afterburner.
 
Solution
Identical would be best. The gpu heatsink, shroud, even screw holes are nor general purpose, some fans are slightly taller, some fans have 3 screw mounts instead of 2,some fans are 92mm instead of 90mm etc. And that's just physical characteristics. You also have to consider the fans themselves have certain amount of pitch, certain size, certain amount of cfm etc and all that is needed to maintain at least the same level of cooling ability as stock. Buying a set of fans, just because they are cheaper, is not going to guarantee that your gpu will perform as before, it could very well perform a lot worse for temps or noise or both.

You can take a chance, if you get something like good Asus or MSI Frozr replacements as they should be at...

finitekosmos

Prominent
Dec 24, 2017
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It sounds like the bearings maybe wearing out in the fan hubs. This does happen with wear and tear eventually bearings in moving parts will wear out and the fans will seize. It may be worthwhile contacting Zotac and asking them about replacement fans or a replacement cooling unit for your card.

At least this is what I think is going on, another Tomshardware forum member may have a different suggestion you can try too :)
 

Jake_2

Reputable
Aug 29, 2015
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Zotac just got back to me and told me that my warranty has expired, but that I can find the fans on aliexpress or something...
 

Karadjgne

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Ambassador
The issue isn't the bearings, it's the fan blades themselves. You have 1 blade that's a different pitch to the rest. Normally the bearings will keep the fan in line, but over time, that 1 blade hits just the right rpm and the pressure differential from the different pitch sets it to wobble. Exactly the same as a ceiling fan is ok at low, but set on high it rocks like crazy.

End result of all that off balanced loading is the bearings are worn in one spot, so the rocking is only going to get worse, the range of rpm the bearings make noise will get larger until the fan up and seizes.

Most ppl get replacements from eBay as stores carrying the fans will also have postings there.
 

Jake_2

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Aug 29, 2015
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Do I have to buy fans identical to the ones I have? Some other models of fan are a lot cheaper
 

Karadjgne

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Ambassador
Identical would be best. The gpu heatsink, shroud, even screw holes are nor general purpose, some fans are slightly taller, some fans have 3 screw mounts instead of 2,some fans are 92mm instead of 90mm etc. And that's just physical characteristics. You also have to consider the fans themselves have certain amount of pitch, certain size, certain amount of cfm etc and all that is needed to maintain at least the same level of cooling ability as stock. Buying a set of fans, just because they are cheaper, is not going to guarantee that your gpu will perform as before, it could very well perform a lot worse for temps or noise or both.

You can take a chance, if you get something like good Asus or MSI Frozr replacements as they should be at least equitable, if they match up, but going with a cheap off-brand would be like replacing the fans on a Noctua NH-D15 with off-brand cheapos and expecting the same performance as before.

Not saying you can't, it's your gpu, but you have to justify the chance of loosing out vrs the few $ difference.
 
Solution