If you have ever had a video card stop working you know how frustrating it is when you have to buy a new one. You should only buy a new card if your warranty has run out, so be sure to check to see if you still have a warranty. I can’t stress this enough, if you have a warranty, use it before trying this method as it will void your warranty. This method is only to be used if you have no warranty.
Why does it work?
The reason that this method works to fix your graphics card is that the solder joints on the card, which help to hold the capacitors in place, loosen and no longer contact with the board. Heating the board back up allows for the joints to melt slightly and when removed these joints after cooling will fuse back together similar to how the card was when you first bought it. This is a process that is not advisable unless you have no other option because things can go wrong, but if you’re careful your card will be running like new in no time.
Let’s begin
The first thing you are going to want to do to your video card is remove all the screws from the bottom of the board. Once you have accomplished this the next thing you want to do is remove your heat sink and fan from its housing on the card. Next you will want to take a Q-tip with rubbing alcohol and remove all the thermal paste from where your heat sink was originally located so as not to cause any damage from runoff of the compound during heating. Once you have completed both of these steps you will need a pair of rubber gloves to prevent static and a clean and clear surface to lay the card on once it’s finished.
What you need
*Rubber gloves
*Aluminum foil
*A flat baking sheet
*Thermal compound
Steps
*Take the aluminum foil and create a small square wall base about the size of your card to lift it away from the baking sheet.
*Place your video card chip side up on top in a way that it has no contact with the baking sheet.
*Turn your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius)
*Slowly place your card inside the center of the oven.
*Bake the card for eight minutes.
*Open your oven and allow the card to cool.
*Slowly remove the card from the oven and place it on a flat surface.
*Apply thermal compound to the heat sink mount and replace the housing.
*After it dries, replace all of the screws.
Note: Again this is a last resort and should only be done when no other options are available.
