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+  <p>While working on my main X58 SLI build, I wanted to test some RAM in a known good motherboard. I had enough spare parts minus a PSU and GPU to assemble another working system, so I picked up an old EVGA GT 630 and Fractal Design Define R5 Window. The case will be another entry, as I have a lot to say about it. Unfortunately, the GPU runs its fan at almost 100% at all times which is extremely annoying. While fine for testing, my end goal with this system was to be a media center PC since my DVD player is pretty bad and I didn't want the main SLI system to run just for video playback.</p>

+  <p>I tried re-pasting the GPU die, and that didn't do anything. Temps reported 39°C, not that warm... stopping the fan with my hand for a minute only brought the temp up a few degrees, definitely within reasonable opperating temp. Some further reading has lead me to believe that manufactures of these low end cards only baked in two speeds, low and high.</p>

+  <p>I found a video where someone soldered in a fan control potentiometer. Since it was run at full resistance, it could be replaced with a single resistor, but I have a spare controller on hand.I thought about soldering but didn't want to modify the card or the controller, so I just forced the fan connector into the controller... Not ideal, but the pins sort of fit.</p>

+  <figure>

+    <img src="/static/media/GT630/GT630_Fan_Mod_1000.jpg" alt="EVGA GT 630 video card with external fan controller connected to its cooling fan." width="1000" height="750" />

+    <figcaption>GT 630 w/external fan controller.</figcaption>

+  </figure>

+  <p>After some testing to make sure it was working, it was time to install it. Luckily, the mounting hole was perfect for fitting it to the PCI slot I/O bracket.</p>

+  <figure>

+    <img src="/static/media/GT630/GPU_Installed_1000.jpg" alt="GT 630 installed in computer. Fan controller screwed into rear PCI slot mount parallel with the expansion cards." width="1000" height="750" />

+    <figcaption>GPU and controller installed.</figcaption>

+  </figure>

+  <p>At the lowest setting, the fan is about equal to the sound of the case fans, which is perfect. After playing back a DVD and streaming YouTube for an hour, the temps stayed at 45°C even with the significantly lower fan speed. It should work out quite well.</p>

+  <p><b>Created:</b> {{ .Date }}</p>

+</article>

+{{ end }}
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