How do I remove the bracket around the AGP slot?

[Vinar]

I just got a nice Zalman ZM80D-HP I'm trying to install on my 9800 XT. The thing is with the new heatsinks on it it will be fatter and wont fit with the green bracket that holds it in place and fits around the AGP slot. I just spent like 10 mins trying to get the damn thing off to no avail. There are some transistors right next to it so I cant really break it off.

There is a nittle handle that sticks out from it on one side but no amount of prodding or tugging will make it release from the MB.

Please help.

[TRow]

Are you under warranty? If you are, then I would not recommend Removing the Card Support. The problem is that you have to Cut/Snip the Bracket Out. Either Completely, or partially removing the "Rigged" Tab that Protrudes Above the AGP slot.

**I Partially Removed the Rigged Tab, leaving the Green Base In tact that surrounds the AGP Slot. This was done with a pair of Cutting Pliers.

Given your cooling mods, I dont see why partially removing the Green tab would hurt. Especially, since your cooling most critical components. Go for it!

T.RoW

[Vinar]

I clipped off the whole agp slot thing. And Installed my VGA cooled 9800XT. The only problem is now I cant put the shroud back in and I dont have a heat sink or proc fan yet.

I left the PC on all night with the shroud off to test stability. Woke up this morning MB was at 39 or 42C and CPU was 62C! I booted up EQ2 and it promptly crashed.

So I just ordered an 80 MM fan to attach to the heat sink like you have done. The VGA cooler fan is right next to the GPU but I guess it's not close enough and it needs direct air going into it.

Damn I cant really use my newer PC till the 80MM fan gets here. I really dont want to remove the Zalman VGA cooler it took be about 2 hours to get the thing on their cant imagine taking it apart and reasemmbling it.

Do you think that the extra 80mm fan clamped on to the CPU will bring temps down?

And what should my MB and CPU/GPU be at? I'm assuming 60C is waaaay to hot.

Thanks in advance. I guess I'm not under warrenty since I clipped out the AGP bracket. I'm on my own now I hope this works. I really need a stable quiet XPS.