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General discussion

Loud fan...

Aug 5, 2004 4:46PM PDT

It seems as if the fan for the CPU (2,6 C) is pretty loud. I still have warranty on it, but don't feel like waiting for a new one. Is there any other fan and heatsink that I could use that is more silent and not less effeicient?

Thanks in advance.
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Discussion is locked

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Re: Loud fan...
Aug 5, 2004 5:29PM PDT

Sounds like your fan has a dry bearing! Those little fans are not too expensive and the best way of course is to replace it. However, if you don't mind spending a couple bucks, just replace it. There is a third choice which I have done many times while waiting to get a new replacement. In the center of the fan, there is a round sticker, some are metalic, some are just heavy paper. Carefully lift one edge enough to see the bearing below, put a drop or two light machine oil, (3 in 1)does fine. reset the sticker and it should be very quiet for some time. I am not sure what this will do to the warranty but it will buy you some time.
R1000

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How to?
Aug 5, 2004 6:16PM PDT

How do I install it? Is it a big deal?

CT

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Re: How to?
Aug 7, 2004 8:25AM PDT

No, in general it's not a big deal, however, there are "considerations".
First, before going into the case understand that you need static protection, a ground strap designed SPECIFICALLY for the purpose of servicing computers. You would do well to have a static mat as well, a grounded conductive mat on which you can place the removed parts.
Second, you might find that the "fan" is part of an assembly with the heat sink attached to it. If the part you remove has white "goop" on it, that's thermal compound, you will want a small amount of that as well. If there is no thermal compound between the CPU chip and the heat sink, the manufacturer was pinching pennies that day, use it yourself for better cooling.

The actual removal process varies so much from case to case that I won't even try to address that, except to say that I hope you enjoy chinese puzzle boxes. Also, some heat sinks are held on by spring clips that can prove nettlesome. How much else you have to remove to actually get to the fan is another variable, in some cases you may have to remove the MotherBoard itself. Normally, it's a piece of cake. Wink