Can I replace desktop pc fan myself?

Jet

I've got an old desktop pc which just lately has ben doing a good impression of a boeing 747 on take off!

I'm pretty sure it's the fan that's having a bit of trouble and I understand that they are only about £7 to buy.

So firstly, is it possible for me (someone who has never looked inside a pc) to replace it myself and secondly do they all come in standard sizes?

morris7

Hey, is it a case fan that you are talking about?! If so, then you will be fine. I only say that because perhaps it could be your fan in your PSU or the one over your processors heatsink...

They usually come in 80mm, but there are some bigger 120mm ones. The one on the back of your PSU is probably 80mm so you could use that as a reference (or even use a ruler if you are feeling energetic!).

You will have to open up the side of your case, unscrew the old one which will be attatched to a power lead, and the screw in the new one and plug it into the socket the other one was attatched too. The fan may also be leading power to another item inside your PC, but just look and plug the new one in as the old one was!

pretty simple really. Just try not to touch too much stuff inside your computer because static is bad. not that changing a fan would really involve this.

BeerBelly

The small fan's that cool your CPU are very quick and easy to replace - just one small clip/cable and they are out/in.

If its the fan inside your Power Supply (can see at back of PC through grill need where 'kettle' lead goes in, you may need a replacement or what I would do, is remove it from the PC (make sure you remember what plugs into what!), take off the casing and make sure the fan isn't rubbing on any thing.

Jet

I happened to mention it to someone in work and he's offered to have a look for me. I'll feel more confident having a nose around inside my pc with someone knowledgeable next to me!

BeerBelly

Thats the way.

Hope you sort it, should be fine.

tankard_2

I've just done the same as you

Never been inside my desktop case before. Dead easy. Take a note of what you undo, and make sure you put things back as they were. If you are uncertain write it down as you undo and then when you put it back tick it off. OR take some photos to remind you.

These are good to use instead of the case screws.
Acousti Ultra-Soft Arrowhead Fan Mounts
http://www.quietpc.com/gb-en-gbp/products/casefanaccessories/afm02b-group

Shhhhhh, it's soooo quiet now LOL

Jet

Well I took it all apart and........ the dust :eek:

Gave it a bit of a hoover and clean up and (touch wood) it seems fine now.