NVIDIA released the 6600GT video chipset in the fall of 2004 for use in mid-range PCI-Express video cards. While 6600GT-based graphics cards are certainly slower than more modern NVIDIA offerings, the card can still be found in countless PCs across the world and is still more than adequate for everyday computing tasks and even quite a few 2D and 3D games. If your computer contains a video card with the 6600GT chipset, you can extend the life of the card by replacing the stock cooling fan that cools the Graphics Processing Unit, or GPU. Doing so allows you to run the card at its highest performance settings and saves you a bundle versus buying a replacement card.
Instructions
1. Power off the computer containing the 6600GT video card. Unplug the power cord and all other cables connected to the PC. Move the computer to a flat work surface such as a large desk or table.
2. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the side or top access panel or case cover. Remove the access panel or cover and set it aside.
3. Slide an antistatic wrist strap on to your arm, and then clip the other end to one of the metal drive bays inside the computer case.
4. Locate the retaining screw next to the rear wall of the computer case that secures the NVIDIA 6600GT video card in its PCI-X slot. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw. Lift straight up on the 6600GT video card to remove it from it slot. Lay the video card down on the table or desk with the cooling fan facing upward.
5. Compress the plastic standoffs that secure the fan assembly to the video card with a pair of needle-nosed pliers. If the fan assembly attaches to the heatsink with screws, use the Phillips screwdriver to remove them.
6. Disconnect the fan power cable from the video card. If the video card has a power cable leading to the main computer power supply, disconnect it as well.
7. Measure the diagonal distance between the standoff or screw holes in the fan assembly. This step is very important as this gives you the exact size for the replacement fan you must purchase.
8. Go online or to your preferred computer shop and purchase a cooling fan the same size as the one you removed from your 6600GT video card. Many well-supplied computer shops carry replacement fans that are compatible with most versions of the 6600GT video card. If your local computer store does not have a replacement fan, respected online retailers such as NewEgg, Directron or Amazon.com sell many compatible units.
9. Align the standoff or screw holes on the new fan with the holes on the video card or heatsink. If the card uses plastic standoffs, simply push down on the fan firmly until it snaps into place. If the video card requires screws for the cooling fan, reinsert the ones you removed from the old fan and tighten them with the screwdriver.
10. Connect the power plug for the new fan to the connector on the 6600GT video card.
11. Reinsert the 6600GT video card into its PCI-X slot on the motherboard. Reinsert the retaining screw into the metal slot near the rear wall of the case and tighten with the screwdriver.
12. Replace the side or top panel and secure with the retaining screws. Move the computer back to its installation location and reconnect the power cord and other cables. Power on the computer and use as you normally would.
Tags: video card, 6600GT video, 6600GT video card, Phillips screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver remove