Fitting new cpu fan

sue5665

Hi,

I have been having real problems with my computer, it just keeps shutting down after a few hours, I have tried everything and I think it is the cpu fan as it is making a noise and it is really hot when the computer shuts down.
What i need to know is it easy to replace, as I am a novice?
I am sitting here looking into the computer at the fan and it seems straight forward, but if I removed it will I find any surprizes!.

Also where can I get one, I have been looking for new ones on the web, but they don't look the same as the one fitted. (The computer I got is from Australia)

My system is AMD Athlon (TM) XP 2000+
1.67GHz, 224 MB Ram

Any help please ,

Thanks Sue

Little_John

They are pretty easy to replace. the socket A uses clips on 2 of the 4 sides, 1 side will have a notch in it where you can use a flat blade screwdriver to push the clip down and out to un hook it from the 3 hooks. one that is done lift the clip and push it inwards to the cooler and it will release the clip on the other side.

remove the cooler from the top of the cpu and thats it. becarefull as some times if the cooler has been there for a while and with some heat transfer compounds you can end up with the cooler stuck to the CPU too much foarce will remove the cpu from the socket without lifting the leaver and could damage the CPU.

If it wont lift off easily then run the pc for 10 minutes and try again the heat should soften its hold on the CPU, if that fails then stop the fan spinning for a few seconds to build the heat up and try again.

A good way to tell if the cpu fan is your problem is to clear out any dust in the cooler and see if it makes a difference. also use somthing to stop the fan and see if the noise goes away if it does then it is a cpu fan problem. Most noisy PC problems are the power supply fan not the cpu fan the power supply overheating will also cause your pc to sut down.

sue5665

Little_John wrote: »

.


A good way to tell if the cpu fan is your problem is to clear out any dust in the cooler and see if it makes a difference. also use somthing to stop the fan and see if the noise goes away if it does then it is a cpu fan problem. Most noisy PC problems are the power supply fan not the cpu fan the power supply overheating will also cause your pc to sut down.

Thanks for the quick responce.
I have cleared all dust and when I stop the fan there is no noise so I guess this is the problem.
Can I ask you what fan will I need as there are so many and I havent a clue also some have got heatsink do I need this?
Sorry to be a pain.
Thanks Sue

Idiophreak

You should be able to search on ebuyer/scan or the like specifically for Socket A heatsinks/fans (HSF)...you can get one as big and fancy as you want. They're pretty cheap (<£10) and (as above) they're not hard to replace.
(excellent description btw, LJ)

If the noise doesn't really bother you that much, though, in the first instance it might be worth removing the HSF and checking that the thermal compound/paste (normally white/orange paste between the processor and HSF) is correctly aligned, so it's in contact with both HSF and processor. If it isn't, gently move it back into position using a cotton bud or similar and replace the fan...

Quite often I've found that just adjusting the thermal paste and re-seating the heat sink cures overheating issues.

If the fan noise is winding you up, though, it's probably time for a new one

Little_John

As the fan is makeing a noise the bearing is failing an needs replaceing.

You have 2 options either replace jsut the fan, buying on that will replace your existing one and screw on tot he heatsink will be tough so I wouldnt really bother with that option.

You need to find out which type of socket you have I assume it is a Socket A but if you have a look at the motherboard it will tell you the make and model of the board it and I can find out exactly to advise on which cooler to buy. as you have realised there is a huge choice of what is out there.
Scan.co.uk AMD cooler list

Snow_Dog

If you have access at work to an airline take the PC in and blow the airline into the PSU case, if the PC is a couple of years old then you will be amazed at the amount of dust that comes out, also blow the air round inside the rest of the case.

It dont do electronics much good to be covered in a fur coat of dust.

Asus_Mobo

Snow_Dog wrote: »

If you have access at work to an airline take the PC in and blow the airline into the PSU case, if the PC is a couple of years old then you will be amazed at the amount of dust that comes out, also blow the air round inside the rest of the case.

It dont do electronics much good to be covered in a fur coat of dust.

Be sure not to have too much pressure, a compressed can of air is preffereable, also if using an airline make sure it has an inline regulator to remove any moisture or you will spray water droplets inside the case.

Snow_Dog

Thanks, forgot those provisos, i just took them for granted.

Asus_Mobo

Snow_Dog wrote: »

Thanks, forgot those provisos, i just took them for granted.

No worries mate, I usually forget to move fingers away from the bread knife :eek:

:beer:

Snow_Dog

:rotfl:Mine is to absentmindedly use a finger instead of the scope probe inside a bit of live equipement.

Its quite amazing how quickly shock therapy can wake you up:D:eek:

sue5665

Little_John wrote: »

You need to find out which type of socket you have I assume it is a Socket A but if you have a look at the motherboard it will tell you the make and model of the board it and I can find out exactly to advise on which cooler to buy. as you have realised there is a huge choice of what is out there.
Scan.co.uk AMD cooler list

All that is written on the motherboard is A7NZ66-VM ^SUS

I have already ordered this one from ebuyer, but if its not going to be any good, then any suggestions
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/086519

Thanks guys & yes I am a dumb blonde!