[skilled2k1]

So after a long and dragged out process I have finally placed an order for Gigadesign's Dual 1.8 G4 upgrade for my QS2001. I currently have been using the stock 867mhz G4 so this should be quite a boost. I just have some questions. I have heard these upgrades are a good deal loader than the stock config (which is to be expected). Has any one attempted replacing the orginal 40/50mm fans they use with some like a single 80mm fan? Also I have heard that the duals use an external connector running to the CPU board to power it. Is that still the case with the later revision upgrades? Thanks!

[Lateralus]

I have owned two of the Dual 1.8 upgrades. They're definitely worth the money. Especially now that they're under $500.

The first one, which I purchased at launch so it was obviously a first revision, was indeed very loud and did have the external power cable. The second, which I bought around six months after the first (summer-ish), was significantly quieter and did not require the external power connection. I had contacted Giga, thinking that they forgot to include the cable, but was instead told that they not only deemed the connection to be unnecessary, but also a source of instability issues.

Anyways, it's worth noting that any alterations to the Giga card, including fan replacement or the application of a thermal compound, voids the warranty. The fan issue is easy enough to get around, just don't make any physical modifications to the card and hang onto the original fan rig incase anything happens. Avoid the thermal compound though, they have ways to detect whether or not something like Arctic Silver has been applied.

Enjoy your new toy.