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Message started by P200 on 26.07.03 at 02:18:45

Title: About 3D Cards...
Post by P200 on 26.07.03 at 02:18:45
Hi Guys! :D

I`m so sorry, but my english isn`t too fine  :'(

Well, my question is: How long is the life (duration) of a 3D card?  ??? (years obviously)

Thanks! :D


Title: Re: About 3D Cards...
Post by procerus on 27.07.03 at 17:20:57
Usually chiefly depends on how hot it gets in use.  All solid state electronics wear very slowly in use.  But what really causes significant wear is heat.

Turning equipment on and off causes stresses too.  But again mainly because the of the expansion and contraction caused by heating and cooling.

If you don't overclock a card and your case is properly ventilated and you keep the fans well maintained then a card might last anything from two to twenty years I'd guess.  But then I've never had a card fail so this is entirely guesswork.  Solid state electronics are pretty tough.  Just leave a 3D screensaver running and come back in a century or two and see!  ;)

Title: Re: About 3D Cards...
Post by FalconFly on 27.07.03 at 19:38:00
Hmm...

From my experiences, I can also say that I lost only ~5 Cards out of like 100 within 5 years or so...

So indeed they seem to be very reliable.

A potential killer for all modern Cards is their required cooling, however. All of them have big Coolers, that collect dust over time (which eventually causes temperatures to increase).
Fans also tend to have a limited lifetime, so unless repaired & cleaned as needed, these can limit the time as well.

Title: Re: About 3D Cards...
Post by P200 on 29.07.03 at 22:13:33
Thanks for the answer  ;)

I`ll put some fans on my Voodoos right now  ;D

Bye!

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