How to clean the fan assembly of an AMD 6950?

[Rob]

Over time I've noticed my idle temps of my AMD 6950 have slowly increased since I installed it in early May. I've looked at the card and I honestly can't figure out how to get the fan assembly off so I can swab it out with Q-tips and alcohol. Has anyone taken apart a card like this? I'm sure mine is full of dust, the rising temps are exactly what happened when my old ATI 4850 got loaded with dust.

[Joshua_Mahr]

I have always just used canned air and dry q-tips on the blades. I don't take the shrouds off unless I need to redo TIM.

[Blacksmith1]

you can also do a quick and still a little dirty job by sticking the end of a vacume hose over the fan and pulling the dust back out. still leaves a fine coat but gets 98% of it. did that to my gso's a few times.
Btw, Hi rob, thought you bailed on us again.

[James86]

canned air always works for me

[Rob]

I have always just used canned air and dry q-tips on the blades. I don't take the shrouds off unless I need to redo TIM.

Canned air. Man, I can't believe I hadn't thought about that! I have never actually bought canned air before, seriously. I've always done it the hard way with alcohol and Q-tips. I think canned air just *might* be a little easier, especially with the way this card's fan assembly is built. :) Thanks!


you can also do a quick and still a little dirty job by sticking the end of a vacume hose over the fan and pulling the dust back out. still leaves a fine coat but gets 98% of it. did that to my gso's a few times.
Btw, Hi rob, thought you bailed on us again.

Hmmm, vacuum might just work. I could do that before I get a can of air. Nah, I didn't bail. I lurk from time to time. The past couple of months have been insanely busy with work, in-laws visiting from Korea for three weeks, and now I am looking to change jobs and move.


canned air always works for me

Seems like this is a popular answer. :) It must work.

Thanks a lot guys.

[James86]

just don't tilt the can to much or this super cold liquid will come spraying out

[Rob]

just don't tilt the can to much or this super cold liquid will come spraying out

Yikes! That would be bad. Thanks, didn't know that.

[swmeek]

Use short bursts too because you'll also get the squirt of super cold fluid if you squirt too much out.