So I'm building a server PC and I wanted a passively cooled video card.  I don't plan to KVM-over to the server much after it's set up.  I also wanted to have a 3dfx card inside.  :)  

I have a v3 3k PCI but I wanted something on the AGP 4x8x side, so I picked up an FX5200 AGP.  Since the ex-3dfx engineers worked on this series I thought it would make sense to get one.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm241/razr_x/th_10-28-08_0351.jpg

The FX5200 does look like the evolution of the V3 3000 series.   8-)

If you wanted an AGP4x capable card, why not get a Voodoo 4 4500?

And I don't think the GeForce looks like an evolution of the Voodoo 3.

I have a V4MAC BIOSed to PC... but V4's need their heatsink/fan though.
I want passive cooling as the server will be running in the room next to my bedroom.

In Windows self the VSA-100 does not need a fan. It needs the fan for 3d applications.

Is there a method to getting the heatsink/fan off the chip without damaging the board?

It'll be interesting to see what's on the chip for a design.  :)

razrx wrote on 28.10.08 at 14:24:09:

Is there a method to getting the heatsink/fan off the chip without damaging the board? It'll be interesting to see what's on the chip for a design.  :)

Yes there is. You have to put the card into the freezer for a couple of days (fan removed before that of course) this i because the the thermo-glue used between the chip and heatsink partly looses it's sticking properties at below 0 degrees C temperatures.
Here is also "the popping of the heatsinks" method on the v6k courtesy of gsdonovan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kGhIg58zOY

After this successful operation you could install a pasive cooling solution like Zalman ZM80D-HP just havwe to sacrifice one PCI slot next to the AGP.
Happy modding  ;)

It's too early in the morning for me to post... I don't have an AGP 4500....=\  well, I guess i'm on the hunt down for one now.

@G1nX - So I am to put the videocard in the freezer for a couple days?  won't that hurt the videocard?  Then I use Gary's method to pop off the heatsink/fan?

A couple of hours in the freezer is actually more than enough from my experience.  No harm will be done to the card from the cold.  The only thing that really could affect the card is condensation forming after the card is warming up while still being cold.  I would suggest letting the card dry out for a day or so after removing it from the freezer so that no moisture remains on the card.  (if there were, it could potentially ruin the card)

Hope that helps. :)

I've always been told that if you put it in the freezer you should put it in an anti-static bag and seal it.

@Rotten - Ok, I will attempt when I get a v4500AGP card.  A couple hours is much better than a day.

@NitroX - that makes sense as static electricity is more likely to be present in cold dry climates.

@razrx the time spent in the cold depends on the freezer and if you want to make sure the temperature i well below 0C. In my experience the static bag wasn't necessary but hey any step to ensure that the card comes no harm is a good one. After removing the card from the freezer you can can let defrost in a cloth or paper towel that will absorb the moist air and to not leave water drops on it.
You can have a practice with a v3 2k for this method just to see how it goes that is if you want to make sure you get it right with the v4.
Good luck.

15-30 minutes in the freezer will be more than enough.

My V4 4500 AGP - Rev A0 - 3700 card showed up in the mail today!  Thanks to Mr. Obi-Wan Kenobi.   8-)

I have chosen to unscrew the fan off the heat sink so the heat sink provides some added protection over a bare chip.

Here are some pics:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm241/razr_x/th_V44500AGP.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm241/razr_x/th_V44500removedfan.jpg


Does anyone have a recommendation on what drivers to use for Server 2003 and this card?

SFFT drivers should be compatible (A35 and up).