Repair the video card yourself. Iron

From where the multicolored sags and strips, unnaturally tearing the integrity of the displayed image, and also the "cubic" blotches-all this and much more, falling under the definition of "visual artifacts", can speak of one thing: the graphic substation of the computer is faulty. Naturally, in such situations it is required to repair the video card. It is sometimes difficult to do this with your own hands, but it is also possible, as practice shows, sometimes even useful. Since in the process of repairing its computing device much of the previously unknown to the user becomes understandable. If you want to understand all the subtleties of restoring a video card - read this article.

Instead of introducing

Before starting the project: "Repairing the video card with your own hands," you need to understand the cause of the failure. Probably, for you, dear reader, there is no news that any computer malfunction concerns either the hardware or the software part of the computing device. In our case, the first type of failure will be considered. That is, as they say in the circles of "advanced" users, we will "dig on the iron." Well, let's get going.

Beginning: from simple to complex

In some cases, the user's worries about the cardinally changed picture on the monitor screen are completely vain. Are they surprised? Nevertheless, the repair of the video card (with your own hands, naturally) can consist of fairly simple manipulations. Be extremely attentive, and you will succeed!

• If a discrete-type graphics adapter is installed on your PC, then it is likely that the "iron problem" appeared as a result of dust pollution.
• Turn off your computing device and remove the video card from the motherboard's slot.
• Clean the pad of the graphics module with a conventional eraser or alcohol solution.

Agree, it's really easy! If the BIOS does not see the installed video adapter, first of all it is necessary to carry out this kind of maintenance and only in the absence of a positive result proceed to the next steps.

Game surprises: repair of Asus video cards and not only

Probably, it would be right to start with the fact that often the malfunctions in the operation of graphic substations are associated with a malfunctioning cooling system. Due to the last GPU-microprocessor, as well as some components of the video adapter are exposed to critical temperatures. Naturally, that's why the once quickly unfolding game scenario with the onset of the hot time "H" and turns into a "nervous simulator." To correct this type of difficulty, proceed as follows:

• Remove the video adapter from the PC case.
• Clean the cooler from the dust layers and the radiator grille associated with it.
• In some cases it makes sense to lubricate with a special silicone or conventional engine oil rotational axis.

If the above described has not produced the desired effect, it will be necessary to replace the cooling element, in particular, the cooler.

"Hot" solutions for the integrated video card

Prices, as is known, on graphic substations of a discrete type can sometimes repel an ordinary user of his frightening high cost. This is especially true when it comes to gaming video adapters. As a rule, when acquiring a computing device, the novice user relies on the "built-in graphics capabilities" of his PC.

However, in such cases, some "hot" troubles may arise in the operation of the integrated GPU microarray. It is worth noting that the above procedure for restoring the "cold reason" of a discrete video card can only be applied to embedded graphics chips. Since the cooling system of the latter does not have a mechanical element - a cooler for removing heat. Therefore, the algorithm for restoring the working capacity of the integrated video card is somewhat different, but nevertheless it can be used for "independent" graphics modules.

A small digression: about the warranty inconvenience ...

If you still decided to independently repair the video card nVidia (concerns and ATI-products), then it's time to think about how much this event is appropriate? In the event that the manufacturer's warranty has not lost its relevance (in terms of time frames), it is more reasonable to use the services of one of the service centers for servicing the purchased device. If you are confident in your abilities and do not have another opportunity to restore the performance of your GPU-processor, then apply the recommendations below in practice.

Replacement of thermal paste

It's about a special substance that is applied to a GPU microchip to increase the level of heat transfer between the interacting elements of the cooling system (chip-radiator). Carrying out a comprehensive repair of Asus graphics cards or a graphic substation from any other manufacturer, a specialist will necessarily replace the thermal paste. At the same time, the process of applying this substance is quite simple, see for yourself:

• Carefully remove the cooling elements from the video card.
• With a clean cloth, wipe off the remaining solidified material from the surface of the GPU chip and the radiator side that adjoins it.
• Apply a thin and even layer of thermal paste to both surfaces.
• Reverse the graphic module.

A few words about the restoration of portable GPU-modules

The repair of the video card of the laptop is absolutely identical. As with the stationary computer technology, the performance of the laptop's graphics adapter is restored using the same algorithm. However, due to some design features of laptops, access to a video card of certain models can be quite difficult. Well, considering that in "cramped circumstances" you need to perform maintenance of two graphic adapters, it is more reasonable for a beginner to apply for specialized help to the professionals of his business, that is, to the service center. Another thing is when, having unscrewed two or three screws from the rear, the user can get full access to the cooling system and video card. Only in this case there are all chances to safely make independent repairs.

Correct the most "hot" problem: overheating GPU

Repairing a video card with your own hands after exposure to critical temperatures, in principle, is possible. However, do not trust the advice of "motley" experimenters who, with a fanatical conviction, assure Internet users that the iron and oven can be used as a technical device for restoring the "floated" BGA balls.

We assure you: if one of the GPU-processor soldering points, as it's called, has moved away, then it is possible to restore the contact painlessly only with the help of special equipment - a soldering station. However, sometimes a saving alternative can be a conventional thermo-gun (industrial hair dryer). But in this case you need to know about some microelectronic nuances ...

So, how to carry out such repair of the video card at home?

• The thermo gun must be equipped with a (really true!) Indicator of the pumped temperature, and always adjustable.
• Remove all plastic parts from the video card (cooler, latches and other fixing elements).
• Prepare one small piece of foil in advance, in which you cut out the window corresponding to the size of the GPU chip. The rest of the area of the graphics adapter (at a certain time of warm-up) must be covered by the mentioned thermal protection material.
• Secure the video card to a level surface that is not afraid of high temperatures.
• Set it on a 150 ° C thermal gun and in a circular motion for 3-5 minutes, warm up the entire plane of the graphic module.
• Then put the hair dryer regulator in the position 300 ° C.
• Using a protective foil template (cover all the details of the video adapter, except the GPU chip), in a circular motion for one or two minutes, warm up the graphics chip.

Wait for the moment of full cooling and only after check the efficiency of the visual effects module. In most cases, video cards after repair (heat treatment) serve long enough. By the way, do not forget to inspect the graphics board for swollen or broken capacitors - definitely, these must be replaced ...

Summing up

So, today you learned how to restore video cards. The prices for repairs, in case of successfully conducted maintenance, now you can not be scared. Although, to be honest, we will tell you that in most cases it is more reasonable to repair an expensive graphics adapter (for example, costing several tens of thousands of rubles) in a specialized workshop. Since in the inept hands, and even with the use of a thermo-pistol, the outcome is rather predictable, certainly not in the direction of the favorable attempts to restore. Well, if you decide to independently repair your video card - good luck to you!