Processor Fan not Working

Zaronit · Post by **Zaronit** » Fri May 27, 2005 10:37 am

I recently bought a computer and I set it up; worked fine for a couple of weeks when I noticed it was getting really hot, 112 F and higher. I checked all the fans and noticed the processor fan was not working.

I'm not a smart guy with hardware, I only do the software etc thing, so if you can explain you're replies in easy-to-understand terms it'll be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Zaronit

ghost · Post by **ghost** » Fri May 27, 2005 11:07 am

If the fan is securely plugged into the motherboard then your fan has died. Just replace it. You probably got a bum fan, it happens sometimes.

When you shop for fans, it's easy to get confused. What you want is a CPU fan, not a case fan, although on occasion one can interchange the two. They're measured in millimeters (mm) and are usually specific to the processor.

What processor are you using?

Keep in mind that some fans spin VERY fast, like the Vantec Tornado series, and they're very loud - literally like a hair dryer - so if you want peace and quiet, pay attention to user reviews for the sound level.

If you overclock your processor now would be a good time to upgrade your fan to something that pushes more air. If you don't, then a stock replacement can be had for about $10.

You'd be wise to not run your computer until you have replaced the fan - it's extremely easy to burn up the processor when the sole source of heat dissipation is the heat sink by itself. The only exceptions are the older Pentium 1, 2, 3 and PRO processors, which only used heat sinks for cooling (for consumer applications) and I believe some of the early AMDs.

Zaronit · Post by **Zaronit** » Fri May 27, 2005 11:12 am

Processor: Pentium 4.. and this was taken from system information: x86 Family 15 Model 3 Stepping 4 GenuineIntel ~3072 Mhz.

I'll probably open it up and check if it is securely placed; and if not, it's off to a store I go.

drdoug99 · Post by **drdoug99** » Fri May 27, 2005 1:28 pm

112 F is not really hot.....I would think with a CPU fan dead it would skyrocket to well over 200 F...but of course get a new fan..

I say this because i'm at 52C....which is about 125F....and this is still very safe operating temps..I wouldn't worry until 70C or 158F, this is when the processor is in danger.

Zaronit · Post by **Zaronit** » Fri May 27, 2005 2:53 pm

Will leaving my computer on for extended periods of time at this temperature damage any hardware?

ghost · Post by **ghost** » Fri May 27, 2005 3:14 pm

Zaronit wrote:Will leaving my computer on for extended periods of time at this temperature damage any hardware?

Just don't use the computer until you get your fan.

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Fri May 27, 2005 6:16 pm

112F is not too hot, my AMD 3500+ @ 2.4Ghz right now 100% usage is @ 120F or 49C 24/7, of course my room is kinda warm about 82F or 28C so you should be okay.

Subsane · Post by **Subsane** » Fri May 27, 2005 6:26 pm

Zaronit wrote:Will leaving my computer on for extended periods of time at this temperature damage any hardware?

I have an Intel P43E 3.0GHz Prescot. I have 2 intake fans, 4 exhaust fans as well as 2 cpu heatsink fans. Under heavy load she runs average 60 degrees which I thought was waqy too hot but apparently this is a normal temperature for a prescott.

Not that it helps you much but ya....um.....k bye.

Zaronit · Post by **Zaronit** » Fri May 27, 2005 7:26 pm

Well I finally opened the case and I took off the CPU fan and then put it back on, and now it is working again. I only decreased about 6-7 degrees, though, which is a dissapointment.

caveman · Post by **caveman** » Sat May 28, 2005 5:53 am

It`s probably labouring then (not running at its full speed)

The grease/lubricant has probably dried out.