Brackets for Various 3dfx Voodoo Cards

Introduction

I've collected a number of 3dfx Voodoo cards missing their brackets over the years. Of course I had to create replacements for them to make them functional again. Here is a convenient collection of those.

My designs require a final step of making the 90º bend of the bracket with heat. This is to ensure a design that's easy to print while providing outstanding structural strength.

List

Voodoo 2

• Common reference boards

• STB Systems boards

• Quantum 3D arcade boards

Voodoo 3

• STB Systems Voodoo3/Velocity board

  • (Needs extra bending of the flange. Use M3 sized screw and nut if missing)

• Power Color EvilKing 3 C355A

Voodoo 4

• VGA+DVI bracket

Voodoo 5

• VGA+DVI bracket

Printing

Print in flat position with no support.

Bending

The bending step is important. You want to achieve a 90º bend as sharp as possible. Here is the method I use.

Tape a metal ruler to the edge of the table. Make sure the edge of the ruler is a tiny bit further out than the edge of the table.

Tape the short end of the bracket on top of the 1st metal ruler, with the bending groove facing down. Adjust the bracket so the groove on the bottom lines up with the ruler.

Lay a 2nd metal ruler on top of the 1st ruler, over the taped end of the bracket. Tape it down to the table securely as well on the two sides.

Add some kind of light weight to the other end of the bracket. I usually use a binder clip.

Preheat your hot air station to 160ºC with the smallest nozzle on. Then, quickly blow at the top side of the bracket where the groove is, using a lateral motion going left and right.

When the sagging of the bracket accelerates, remove heat and help the bracket bend into 90º with your fingers, then hold it in that position. There is no need for excessive force, but you need to be swift.

Let the bracket cool down. It only takes seconds.

Finish.

Installation

The correct socket size for the hex standoff is 3/16".

The size of the hex standoff is 4-40, 5mm (or slightly longer than 5mm), in case yours are missing.

Remove all the hex standoff from the card, put the bracket into place, then tighten the hex standoff back on.

Note: Avoid over-tightening the hex standoffs as it will deform the bracket and the head of the standoff might sheer off.