Noisy Fan - Problem?

[daamon]

Hi All,

Recently, as soon as I power up my PC, the fan (I believe I only have one - on the CPU) whirrs really loudly for a minute or so, and then settles down to its normal quiet hum.

I've checked the CPU and mobo temps and all's well OK there.

Should I be worried? Is it a sign that the fan's on its way out?

Thanks.

[budz]

shoot some compressed air on the fan.....there's probably dust build up on the fan....do this with the power unplugged.

[daamon]

Thanks. I'll give it a go...

[hudsonf]

It may also be the fan in power supply. If it still makes noise after you give your computer a good dusting then I would replace the fan or power supply before it stops working.

[redwudz]

Pull the side cover off and start it up. May need to start it up cold to check properly. You should be able to tell quickly if it's the CPU fan. Usually easier to replace the cooler instead of the fan.

They will last quite a while that way but will fail eventually. Not good. The noise when starting is usually the first sign of bearing failure. PS fans are more difficult to replace, depends on the PS. Case fans only take a minute or two.

[daamon]

@ hudsonf & redwudz - Thanks for the additional suggestions.

The noise when starting is usually the first sign of bearing failure.

That struck me as being a possibility - it's that kind of noise...

I'll whip the side off and have a look / listen. Give ita blast of compressed air and see how I go...

Cheers all.

[d_unbeliever]

i also experienced exactly this kind of problem and ive remember posting it right here...

solution:
either replace the fan or

just like what i did i open up the power supply detached the fan from the power supply. open the rubber stopper in the center of the fan. put oil on the whole. put the rubber stopper back and viola no more noise for my power supply fan.

[redwudz]

d_unbeliever, while you had it open, it would be easy to replace the fan. (As long as it's a standard size.) While oiling it may cure the immediate problem, the damage to the bearings is probably already done. It's just delaying the inevitable fan failure for a while longer.

If the PS fan quits and the PS overheats and burns up, hopefully not taking the MB with it, replacing the fan, or the PS now will seem cheap.

BTW, if you replace a fan, go for the ball bearing models. Some quality fans have two sets. The cheaper sleeve bearing fans have a much shorter lifespan. Most PS's use a standard 80mm fan and if the connector is different or soldered in, it's not that hard to splice the leads. Get one without the thermal sensor (2 leads) if that's what your old one is.

Also be careful inside a unplugged PS. The capacitors can hold a charge and while not dangerous to you, a short from a screwdriver can melt things down quickly.

[d_unbeliever]

ya i know easy to replace it. i just kind of experiment on it just for the sake of trying...

[greymalkin]

my chipset fan did that and i just put some non-conductive lubricant in it :P...not suggesting you do that, but it has bought me some time...

[SLK001]

You'll be okay with the noisy fan as long as it doesn't freeze up (RE: stop turning). Then you'll see temp problems that can damage your system. I use the "apply oil" technique to revitalize the bearings, just like d_u did. This can give you added months of life.

[hudsonf]

If the fan is still making noise I would replace it. A new fan is cheaper than a new system.