How can I safely fix a loose fan on my single-fan GTX 1660 Super?
Asked by
MellowCedar47
The fan and its circuit board have come loose from my single-fan GeForce GTX 1660 Super. The card still powers on and the fan starts spinning, but it immediately drops out of position and stops. I suspect the fan assembly was attached to the plastic shroud and may just need to be secured again. I cannot currently replace the fan or the graphics card, so I'm looking for a safe repair method and advice on what type of adhesive, if any, would be appropriate.
Answers
Avoid getting glue anywhere near the fan motor, bearings, circuit board, connector, or rotating blades. If a plastic mounting tab has snapped and adhesive is the only temporary option, a small amount of two-part epoxy can be used on the outside of the shroud after removing the fan, but only where it cannot interfere with movement or heat. Let it cure fully before powering the card on, and test that the fan spins freely by hand.
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A replacement fan is usually safer than repairing a loose motor assembly, and compatible single-fan units may be available separately. Until it is securely mounted, avoid using the GPU under load—the fan stopping can make the card overheat quickly. Also check for a bent fan frame, cracked shroud, or damaged fan cable, since those could be the actual reason it falls out.
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First, shut the computer down and remove the graphics card before trying anything. Check whether the fan assembly was originally held in place by screws, clips, or a broken mounting tab. If the mounting points are intact, use the original screws or small replacement hardware rather than glue. The fan has to remain perfectly centered and clear of the blades, or it can wobble, stop, or damage the shroud.
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