BleepingComputer.com: Additional Fans Necessary?

Hi!
I was hoping to get myself a new video card and noticed that heatsinks and fans come preattached with your card. I found some reviews saying like "it generates alot of heat, buy more fans". "Buy" is my worst enemy. I don't wanna spend too much on just one card, from buying power supplys, and other hardware. Are additional fans really needed. Doesn't the fans and heatsink on the video card handle the heat and airflow to keep things cool?
Thanks bleepers

I beleive what they mean is the card generates and dissipates allot of heat. What that means is the temperature inside the case is going to rise. You need to have a properly vented case to get as much of the hot air out and fresh air in so the other components don't overheat. What kind of computer is the card going in, and what kind of cooling are you already using IE: how many fans and where are they?

Well I really haven't opened the case yet, but it is a HP Pavalion a1520n. I don't know about the amount of fans but I can tell you that it came with AMD Athlon X2 Dual Core 3800+ 2Ghz, Nvidia Geforce 6150 LE, 1 GB of RAM, and an SLI-capable motherboard. Other than that, I'm limited of info. I'm gonna open my case once I actually upgrade.

Here are my stats: http://www.shopping.com/xPF-Hewlett-Packar...enter-A1520n-PC

This post has been edited by phoenix_124: 21 October 2007 - 02:11 PM

Routing the cables so they won't block airflow will help. My main concern, depending on the card you get, is your power supply. The specs. on your link didn't give it. Buying an extra case fan is only a few dollars
Mark

It's power supply is 300 W, and going to upgrade to 450W, 500W or 550W. I'm trying to get either a 8600GTS, 8800GTS, or a upcoming 9000 series cards. What is your opinion. How much fans do I need to cool this monster from blowing up and destroying everything else on my computer with it. My computers have those kinds of air holes where it air can enter through, so you think that's enough?

Thanks guys!

Others here are much more knowledgeable on video cards. If I'm not mistaken the 9000 series is for VISTA and DirectX 10 Like I said, I'm a noob at video cards. When you open your case you'll notice where the air intake is in the front. It's probably pre-punched for a fan to fit there

Mark

Make sure you have at least 26a on the 12v rail(s) for your power supply if you want to get an 8800GTs or better. Also, a high quality 500 watt or better power supply is recommended.

Your cooling might be alright. Just make sure there's good airflow!

This post has been edited by Sterling14: 21 October 2007 - 05:35 PM