problems with GeForce

[bluinfinity]

This could take some explanation. I have a GeForce 400 MX, and recently recieved a Blue Orb cooler that I installed on the card. When I removed the factory installed cooling fin (which is quite difficult), I noticed that the chip was scratched. I proceeded to attach the Blue Orb, and reinstall the card. Now, to my suprise the same card is performing quite poorly! 3D 2000 marks used to be 3558, and now it's below 2000! I suppose the question I have is this:

Is it possible that I damaged the chip? This is my biggest concern. I don't have expert knowledge about GPU's, or any form of micro processor, but I would think that if I did something to damage the chip, it would simply not work! Or I would be getting some other kind of wierd display errors, and not merely reduced frame rates.

I honestly can't think of anything else that would account for these problems. Does anybody have any advice?

[maha_x]

I dont think any external damage can hinder yer FPS or 3DM scores... External damage gets blank screens.

I think U should think again if U have installed any new drivers or software that could affect yer scores... And that U didnt touch anything on the MB. Jumpers or dip swiches.

[bluinfinity]

Well, that's what I presumed. The scratch on the chip couldn't affect framerates. Anyway, I haven't changed anything on my mobo. I merely removed the video card, popped off the cheap heat sink, and used double sided thermal tape to attach the blue orb.

There are a few other things that may affect my system, however. I recently replaced my hard drive with a new Western Digital 40GB drive, 7200RPM. Consequently, I have reinstalled Windows, and the Detonator drivers. Also, right before installing the fan, I installed Direct X 8.0a. I am considering calling Visiontek tech support about the card, but I would have to invent some imaginary reason for removing the heat sink, since any alterations made to the card no doubt void the warranty with a vengence! :-)

Thanks for the help!