Radeon 9800/256 MB for Sawtooth?

Question

Hello,
Can anyone verify if [this|http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270269208676&trksid=p3907.m32&trkparms=tab%3DWatching] Radeon 9800/256 MB Pro is compatible with the Sawtooth? I should say with my Sawtooth for which I do have a 550 watt PSU; I just haven't installed it yet.
The specs for the 9800/256 MB Pro state it is not compatible with 2X AGP; but it has two gaps in the connectors which indicates it would work on the 2X AGP Sawtooth running 10.4.11.
If the 9800/256 MB Pro is compatible, is it really worth getting over the 9800/128 MB Pro (which is compatible with the Sawtooth)? Mostly I use my G4 to do fine art graphics work in Photoshop and Aperture......Although I do appreciate really fine graphics on my display no matter what I am doing.
Also, will the 9800/256 Pro cool efficiently enough with all three PCI slots being utilized?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi-
The fan install isn't difficult. The hardest part is getting the OEM fan off. It uses two push pin type fasteners, that are spring loaded.
If you're game to replace a PSU, then you can do this!
Seems I have managed to break at least one pin on the ATI fans on most attempts at removal....
But, then again, no one ever told me how to do it.........
What the ATI heatsink fasteners are, is a hollow retaining stud, with a spring around the stud to maintain downward pressure on the graphics processor chip (maintain good contact). Then, a pin is inserted into the stud to expand the bottom of the stud in the graphics card board.
Carefully push the pin out of the stud from the back side of the board. A blunted off tooth pick can be used for this (blunted to protect you, not the card ) Then using small needle nose pliers, or hemostats, squeeze the protruding portion of the stud so that it slips back through the hole in the graphics board, releasing the heatsink/fan from the board.
If you don't care to salvage the pins, use a small pair of side cutters and clip the stud off from the back side of the card. Definitely not tedious, this method.......
Careful, though, as the spring will launch the other end of the pin to the nether regions of your room!
Once the assembly is off, using a soft cloth, dampened with isoprophyl alcohol (only if necessary) clean the surface of the graphics processor chip off, leaving no residue.
Place a small amount (about 5mm diameter x 1-2mm thick) of the thermal compound on the processor chip, and then test fit the new heatsink (simply place and remove). From the footprint, you will be able to see if you need more compound, or if there is too much. What you want, is an evenly dispersed, thin coat over the entire mating surface.
MX-2 is thick and sticky, so better to have to add than to have to remove.....
Don't worry too much about excess, as MX-2 is non-conductive, and won't cause any shorts like other compounds can. You can remove some excess from the perimeter of the chip and heatsink with a soft clean cloth.
From there, follow the instructions included with the VGA cooler, and everything should be fine.
The Vantec should use screws, so it is easier to assemble/disassemble.
Pay attention to maker instructions on fastening the heatsink. Proper fastening, neither too tight nor too loose is important.
That should about do ya'. Remember, if you get a flashed card, since you are using it in a Sawtooth, the typically taped #3 and #11 pins (on the backside) don't need to be taped, or otherwise altered.