PCI Expansion Help Needed

[nosremark]

I am upgrading an industrial computer, I have 4 PCI slots on a backplane, 1 slot is only for the CPU Card and it cannot be moved. Two of the other slots are used for DAQ cards and the last one is for the DFP Video card. The CPU fan is low profile but it hangs over the fourth PCI slot making it useless, stupid design but I need a solution. I am looking at these Magma Expansion systems but I think I will need an open PCI slot or PCMCIA to use one. Does anyone have any suggestions?

P.S. The chassis for this system is not compatable with any larger backplane.

Thanks

 

[paparazi]

nosremark
I think I would be looking very closely at that low profile fan/heatsink.
There are just so many replacement heatsink/fan assemblies out there, that I just know that there is a good chance of a replacement that doesn't interfere with this forth PCI slot.
Martin


Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[nosremark]

That a good idea, we have been researching different methods of cooling, I've upgraded this machine to a 1.2 Ghz PII but I need something less than 15mm thick to cool it without extending beyond the next PCI slot. Would just a low profile heat sink cool the processor enough to keep it alive?

 

[paparazi]

If only I could see what you are talking about, no I wouldn't recommend removing the fan but perhaps a shorter heatsink and offset the fan or fit a smaller but equally powerful replacement.
IT'S HARD TO SAY WITHOUT ACTUALLY SEEING THE THING.
Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[nosremark]

Thanks for the help paparazi, after further research I've decided to use a 32-bit ribbon plug-in riser. This will allow me to offset the DFP video card and I think I can get the card mounted onto the chasis using standoffs.

Thanks,
I appreciate all the help