Burned Out VC Chip; Anyone recognize it?

Dak · 01-23-2005, 10:08 PM

I was refilling my water system, and when I was putting it back I accidently miswired the relay (don't ask). It freaked out when I plugged the computer in (my back was turned... all I know is it looked like someone was welding in my case... flashing blue light). Looks like it was oscillating open/closed really fast, and cooked the only other thing on that power line - my videocard.

I suspect the chip that fried is a voltage regulator for the aux. power plug. Any of you who do voltage mods recognize it? I can easily solder something of that size, if I can get a hold of a new one. Can't make out any markings in it.

Everytime the card is in and powered up, it gets really hot and smokes, so I'm sure its the part that is burned out (although I'm not sure how much more on the card ate it). Would rather resolder a $.17 chip than buy a $200 video card...

Thanks...

Butcher · 01-23-2005, 11:46 PM

I think your card has had it, sorry. While that chip may be the only thing showing visible damage, much of the rest of it may have been blown by the power spike(s). Best off just replacing the board.

mogwai · 01-24-2005, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butcher

I think your card has had it, sorry. While that chip may be the only thing showing visible damage, much of the rest of it may have been blown by the power spike(s). Best off just replacing the board.

You are probably right. The appearance of someone "welding" is never a good sign.

But I think he should at least TRY to fix it. Or better yet give it to me.

Dak, the writing probably got burned away with the chip. What model and brand is the card? When you find out what chip it is, see if you can get some samples of it. TI is very good at giving free samples of their chips. Make sure you get it in the right package.

Seriously though don't throw it out, if you can't fix it send it to me! I would pay shipping.

Dak · 01-24-2005, 03:38 PM

It's a eVGA 5900. I looked under a better light, and some lettering is left on the chip.

012CB
P314BC7

As far as more of the card being damaged, you are probably right. But it would be foolish NOT to try the less than a dollar fix, when replacing the whole damn thing is sooo expensive. As far as the electronics are concerned, I'm capable of doing it. I fix TVs and stuff everyonce in a while for people. This isn't any different. I just can't ID this component so I can replace it.

I also have an outstanding tech request with eVGA. With any luck they will forward it to someone in the company on the technical side of things (engineer) who can either hook me up with a replacement (unlikely, but would be awesome and make me a fan for life) or at least a part number. Most chips have several interchangable options, so I may get lucky.

Thanks for looking.

Dak · 01-24-2005, 10:52 PM

The reply to your support request to eVGA.com is as follows:

Hi Devin,

Unfortunately, we do not have or sell video card parts. You can probably
try having the video card fixed and a computer store.

eVGA.com Customer Service

AKA, boned. Gonna bring it over to the engineering building when I go tomorrow. Maybe one of my EE grad student friends will come up with a solution...

(haha, im so desperate).

01-23-2005, 10:08 PM	#1
Dak Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alaska Posts: 15	Burned Out VC Chip; Anyone recognize it? I was refilling my water system, and when I was putting it back I accidently miswired the relay (don't ask). It freaked out when I plugged the computer in (my back was turned... all I know is it looked like someone was welding in my case... flashing blue light). Looks like it was oscillating open/closed really fast, and cooked the only other thing on that power line - my videocard. I suspect the chip that fried is a voltage regulator for the aux. power plug. Any of you who do voltage mods recognize it? I can easily solder something of that size, if I can get a hold of a new one. Can't make out any markings in it. Everytime the card is in and powered up, it gets really hot and smokes, so I'm sure its the part that is burned out (although I'm not sure how much more on the card ate it). Would rather resolder a $.17 chip than buy a $200 video card... Thanks...

01-23-2005, 11:46 PM	#2
Butcher Thermophile Join Date: May 2001 Location: UK Posts: 1,064	I think your card has had it, sorry. While that chip may be the only thing showing visible damage, much of the rest of it may have been blown by the power spike(s). Best off just replacing the board. __________________ Once upon a time, in a land far far away...

01-24-2005, 03:38 PM	#4
Dak Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alaska Posts: 15	It's a eVGA 5900. I looked under a better light, and some lettering is left on the chip. 012CB P314BC7 As far as more of the card being damaged, you are probably right. But it would be foolish NOT to try the less than a dollar fix, when replacing the whole damn thing is sooo expensive. As far as the electronics are concerned, I'm capable of doing it. I fix TVs and stuff everyonce in a while for people. This isn't any different. I just can't ID this component so I can replace it. I also have an outstanding tech request with eVGA. With any luck they will forward it to someone in the company on the technical side of things (engineer) who can either hook me up with a replacement (unlikely, but would be awesome and make me a fan for life) or at least a part number. Most chips have several interchangable options, so I may get lucky. Thanks for looking. Last edited by Dak; 01-24-2005 at 03:44 PM.

01-24-2005, 10:52 PM	#5
Dak Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alaska Posts: 15	The reply to your support request to eVGA.com is as follows: Hi Devin, Unfortunately, we do not have or sell video card parts. You can probably try having the video card fixed and a computer store. eVGA.com Customer Service AKA, boned. Gonna bring it over to the engineering building when I go tomorrow. Maybe one of my EE grad student friends will come up with a solution... (haha, im so desperate).

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