8800GTX Warrantee

[ADV4NCED]

Hey all,

I got myself a BFG 8800GTX :D:p:cool: which has a lifetime warrantee.

Now I'm considering replacing the stock thermal paste that the card has on it already.

Would this void my warrantee?

I plan on just replacing the thermal paste, but I will continue to use the stock cooler.

I just wanna know if say in 1 years time, if I RMA my card, will BFG take a look at it, see a different thermal paste there and decide that I voided my warrantee?

Also just wondering, since this card is factory oced to 600/900, do they use any other special thermal paste or is it the same crappy paste they use on all cards?

[cjoyce1980]

It is usually of a better quality then the standard version. In theory an thing you do to the card voids warrantee, (overclocking, replacing stock cooler, etc...) because you are altering its original state, but changing thermal paste wont bring down temps that much for what it is worth.

if you want to bring temps down, change the cooler and go full out, or live with it. but surely that card must be fast enough for whatever you need.

[WarEagleAU]

well also considering its factory overclocked, it has to have some great thermal paste on it. Im assuming they may use AS Ceramique. Either way it goes, dont think they check the TIM. They look for cracks, burns, broken smt parts, caps, resistors, etc. Also they check for anything other than "original state" parts. I think you will be safe.

however, I agree with cjoyce, the temps wont come down much at all, either go with an aftermarket cooler (zalman, liquid cooling, etc) or stay stock. Improved airflow in and around the card and case will also help with temps.

btw, congrats on a kick ass card.

[d44ve]

they do not use Ceramiqe...it looks like more of a AS5 type compound..... also, changing that does void the warrenty and you can be sure they will check it if you try to RMA it.

Not to mention, they can tell when you have removed the stock cooler by other means..... once that has been removed or modified you can be sure that they will say thats why it is not working.

I am not trying to scare ya, I just dont want you to go do something with false beliefs and get screwed in the end.

[ADV4NCED]

hmmm ok thanks guys - I'm not planning on overclocking it more as right now I dont see the point other than benching.

I was planning to put some AS5 on but it sounds the thermal paste on already (w/e paste they're using) is sufficient so I wont bother.

I'm doing a side panel mod where I'll add on another 120mm fan so that will help with temps too.

Also, I've noticed the cards fan is running at 60% fan speed however no settings or applications have specified it to do this. I know I can change it via RivaTuner or other apps, but shouldn't a card that comes brand new have the fan speed set to auto, so that according to temps, it adjusts the fan speed?

Playing Rainbow 6 LV last night at the high gfx settings only took it to 77'C so thats not too bad anyway.

[d44ve]

the fan is set to automatic.... it should adjust itself according to the temps

[Alcpone]

Join the comp advanced, just click link in my thread and follow instructions :)

[WarEagleAU]

Well I was just assuming checking the TIM on a card would be kind of trivial. I mean, honestly, BFG is not the only folks who know how to put the stuff on correctly. However, if they use AS5, seems like there is no need to.Temps look find too btw.

[pbmaster]

I know Evga skimped out on the thermal paste for my card. It was some funny looking gray stuff, not at all like AS5. Replaced with some Ceramique...temps are much better!!

[Alcpone]

You would of thought if evga are going to offer a lifetime warranty then it would be a good idea for them to use quality thermal compound so heat is not a major reason for hardware failure imo

[pbmaster]

Yeah especially on a super clocked card..well it doesn't really matter...I almost RMA'ed this card but the shipping was so outrageous I just kept it and I'm glad I did.