Case fans not working. HELP

[forevertravis]

Hi guys, my PC has recently been randomly switching off I believe due to overheating as 2 of my fans aren't working (Both case fans) MY CPU, GFX card and Powersupply fans are running fine.

I've followed the wires for the fans and they're all connected correctly and doesn't seem like an issue.

A friend built the PC for me 2/3 years ago and it's been working perfect until recently.

Motherboard:Foxconn a74ml-k

Be very grateful if you could help me out

T

[aedipuss]

fans do die. if you have a known good one, plug it into the m.b. and see if the header is supplying power. if not just buy a couple replacements, they are very cheap.

if it's just the case fans not working, it's probably not them causing it to shut down. make sure the heatsink under the cpu fan isn't clogged with dust and crud.

you can monitor computer temps while it's running with cpuid hardware monitor or other software like it.

[forevertravis]

I just checked the CPU fan and it was quite grotty so I have cleaned that out which should hopefully solve the issue.

I will try and plug the case fans into the m.b but I don't really know where I could put them as currently it has it's own panel where I could change the speed it goes at.. then a wire comes from the panel and connects to a bunch of other wires and goes up to PWR2

Thanks for the speedy reply

[jman98]

You should be able to trace the power connection from the existing fans to the motherboard (it's likely a 4 pin cable) and just use that. If you are not experienced with doing your own PC builds/repairs and lack the motherboard manual, this may be a challenging task. I'm not saying that to offend, I'm just trying to point out that if you've never done this kind of thing before, it may be difficult for you.

[aedipuss]

the red arrow points to the fan header. white 4 pin connector on the board.

[forevertravis]

Thanks a lot aedipuss, I'll try that out once I have the time.

I believe the problem seems solved after cleaning my CPU fan out which was very, very dirty! Does feel a little hot inside after a long period of time but thats expected.

Only problem now is APB is crashing a lot.. problem after problem haha!

Thanks again.

[betwixt]

Do a quick check on the case fans: if they are completely free to rotate, you should check they have power to them and replace them if there is. If they are at all stiff to turn, remove and clean them of dust, then carefully remove the label in the center of the rotor. On almost all fans you will find a steel shaft and a circlip around it to keep the rotor in place. Try putting ONE small drop of thin oil (3-in-1 or similar) on the shaft. Too much oil will cause further damge, you only need enough for it to visibly run down the shaft. Flick it around a few times to spread the oil then power it up to se if it runs. If it does - replace the label so no dust can get in. It doesn't always work but I get good results maybe 7 out of 10 times. If it is stiff and it's been left too long, the motor circuit tends to burn out and you have no option but to buy a new fan.

Brian.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Your PSU could be dying, a PSU failing after 2-3 years is not uncommon.