cpu fan question

T

tantalus

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 25, 2006
Messages
272
i need to replace my cpu fan. it's making a loud, horrible vibrating noise. i think maybe the bearing is going out. i want to replace just the fan, b/c it seems cheaper, and _a lot_ easier.

here's my (noob) question: when i go to newegg, for example, all i see are "case fans." can i use a "case fan" as my cpu fan? i can't seem to find anything labeled "cpu fan" unless it comes bundled with a heatsink.

thanks for your help!

[i'm running an msi socket 478 mobo with a p4 2.4 ghz intel processor.]
 
yes! You can! Just make sure that the new fan you order is the same size as the fan that's already on your CPU HS. The best thing would be to research the CFM of your current fan and get one that's rated equal or higher on the new fan...
 
cool. is CFM the measure of airflow or what? i though i just needed to match size and rpms.

thanks!
 
CFM = Cubic Feet (of air) per Minute.

A fan of the same size with the same RPM rating does not mean the CFM rating will be the same (although it usually gets you in the same ballpark).
 
CFM is airflow. Don't use rpm as a guide.

Are you saying it is a replacement fan for stock intel heatsink supplied with CPU? If so, standard case fans would not fit directly onto heatsink and you may have to make a wire clip for fitting.

Visit this site:
http://www.cralyn.com/product_info.php?cPath=0_1&products_id=101
They state that for $5.75 they sell genuine replacement Intel HSF for socket 478.

IMHO a new HSF is a far better investment. It will lengthen the life of your CPU and surrounding components by providing better cooling. (Don't forget to use Artic Silver 5 if you do this).
A decent HSF knocks about 10c off CPU temps and cools RAM, northbridge etc
 
Or he could do the easy/cheap thing and just ziptie any old fan the same size back onto the old heatsink :p
 
actually, i'm not sure if i'm right. the fan with the problem is the big ass fan that sits above the small fan (on my mobo). what fan is this?

here's a pic of my mobo so you can see what i'm talking about. (although the mobo in the picture has a blank patch where i have a huge fan). http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=845PE_Max2-FISR


with regard to the big ass fan:
there are 4 mounting screws with what appear to be springs. if i push on those screws, the fan stops making noise. do i simply need to tighten those things? i don't want to crack my mobo.

sorry, i'm new to all of this. thanks for your patience.
 
Uh...dude, that "big blank patch" is where your CPU and its (usualy large) heatsink and fan are supposed to go. That small orange fan on your motherboard with the MSI sticker is your chipset fan.

So the problem IS with your cpu fan :p ...wait, are you telling me that you've been calling your chipset fan yoru CPU fan this whole time? 0_o
 
well, i'm only kind of an idiot. the problem _is_ with my cpu fan. heh heh.
 
Are use the noise is coming from the CPU "big huge" and not from small fan sitting on the orange northbridge heatsink that has MSI written on it? It usually the northbridge fan that squeals like a bitch!!! :D If so, you can get a replacement for that no problem.

BTW, I,ve just checked in my supplies and I have a Intel HSF for a socket 478 and there is no screws to hold fan on to heatsink. It is held with plastic clips that fit into heatsink.

The northbridge fan, may have four screws to hold it to the orange heatsink.

Are you sure it is CPU fan we're talking about?
 
it is definitely the big ass fan, i.e., the cpu fan. it is _not_ stock intel. the brand is aeroflow. i don't know what model.

there is a metal plate over the fan, and the plate is mounted to the heatsink by 4 screws. then the heatsink is mounted by 4 other screws that look like they have springs on them. when i push one of the top screws, the noise stops. so i think it might be that i have a vibration problem, rather than a fan problem.

so can i just tighten these screws that mount the heatsking to the mobo? as i said, i'm worried about messing up the mount or cracking the mobo or something.
 
yeah, i just googled it. the brand is vantac, the model is aeroflow.

but none of the vantac's on newegg look like mine. mine is mounted to the mobo with 4 screws with what look like springs on them. (i know i keep repeating myself...) it doesn't have those clips.

and those screws are what i think is the problem...
 
This is the vantec website.
http://www.vantecusa.com/product-cooling.html#

Before you buy anything try to tighten the four screws that are on the top metal plate. They attach directly to the fan to hold it in place and stop vibration. Make sure that you are earthed by holding the side of the case while you are doing this.
 
thanks for the link! unfortunately, my heatsink must be an older model, b/c none of these have mounting screws, only clips.

actually, i think it's the 4 mounting screws, because they go through a metal plate at the bottom of the heatsink. but i'll try tightening them all.
 
I'm confused now.

I've never seen a socket 478 heatsink that is screwed into mobo.

They all clip in one way or another.

If you're going near the motherboard itself, turn off the power and unplug the power connector that plugs into the motherboard from the Power Supply Unit. Make sure you are earthed so no static goes from you to the motherboard. Be careful that the screwdriver doesn't slip.

If there is still a problem write down the exact model number written on the side of the heatsink or fan. Go to Vantec website and send email asking if they sell a replacement fan for your heatsink.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top