This morning when we turned our computer on, a message popped up that said "CPU fan failure." Every once in a while, it would seem like the fan would make a weird louder noise, but that was like months ago. And I don't want any stupid answers like "you need to replace the fan." No duh. It's a Dell Dimension 8400, so we're probably just going to have to send it in?
2006-07-21 05:31:40 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
If you're getting that message it means that your CPU fan failed to spin up to the correct speed or failed to spin up at all. You're going to hate the answer but you do indeed need to replace the fan. This isn't an unusual problem as Dell desktops have been noted for cooling fan failures lately. As others have said if it's still under warranty you should send it back to Dell if they will let you. They may try to send you a fan and shroud assembly for you to change it yourself. If you're tired of arguing with the infamous Dell support folks you can buy and replace the fan yourself, it's not very difficult or expensive. The following link is for a fan/shroud assembly for your computer for only $5.50:
http://www.centrix-intl.com/?DirectBuy=yes&ItemPartNumber=0T4307&source=froogle
To change the fan, open your PC case. Your Dell will have a black plastic latch on the back, slide it down and then the side panel of the case will be able to slide back and off. With the open side of the case facing you, you'll see a green plastic shroud. This is part of the fan assembly. You may have to grasp it and pull it straight towards you. This will engage a hinge and you can now swing the shroud out towards the rear of the case revealing the CPU heat sink. If yours doesn't have a hinge then you don't have to do this.
You should now be able to see the power cord for the fan. It will have red, white and black wires braided together running just above the heat sink. It connects to motherboard at the top right corner of the heat sink, pull it gently to unplug it.
The fan itself is mounted to the back of the case and has a small tab at the bottom. Lift the tab and pull down. This will release the fan assembly and you can now pull it out.
At this point I would blow out the heat sink with a can of compressed air as others have suggested.
Putting the new fan in is pretty much the reverse of taking the old one out.
2006-07-21 07:42:59 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, what you can do is clean out the fan. Open up the case and and get one of those compact air blower bottles, they're about $3.00 at Walmart. Then blow all the dust out of your machine. IN most cases when this happens, the CPU fan is clogged up with dust bunnies that hold the motor from spinning.
If that does not work, then it might be the CPU fan connector on your mother board. Unplug the CPU fan and plug in another fan. Then power up the system, if that fan does not spin then it's the connector, if the fan does spin, then it's your CPU fan that may be broken, or choked from all the dust.
Lastly, if your computer is still in warrenty, contact DELL and send it in, most likely they'll do the two things above and if that doesn't work, then they'll replace your Heatsink and CPU fan.
Hope this helps.
2006-07-21 05:45:51 · answer #2 · answered by dukeofhmong 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a warning: Dealing with Dell 'customer service' is horrible. You will most likely reach someone who barely speaks english and is reading from a flow chart to diagnose your problem. You know what the problem is, but you'll still have to stay on the phone for about 45 minutes while someone is trying to figure it out for you. Then they'll either put you on hold for another 45 minutes until you can talk to tier two tech support who will tell you that you need to send it in for NON-WARRANTY repair (the fans are not a Dell proprietary product, therefore not covered under warranty), or they will tell you that themselves. Either way you'll end up paying the cost of one of their entry level pc's in order to get a new fan, and that's not including shipping.
I suggest replacing the fan yourself. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, then take it to a local shop. It really shouldn't cost more than $50 to get the fan replaced (parts and labor). Chances are you know someone who knows a little bit about computers that could do it for you.
Anyhow, take your chances with Dell if you choose, but just be prepared. Dell computers are not that bad, but their 'customer service' is the WORST in the industry....
You may also try to clean the dust out with dust-off as suggested in an earlier answer, but you need to take care of the problem fast. An overheated processor means: No computer, no warranty.
Hope this helps!
2006-07-21 06:03:11 · answer #3 · answered by badnervesjones 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but after a certain time, you do need to replace the fan. Its like a new car....once the car gets old, you have to start replacing parts. Sounds like your fan is getting old or is damaged so if you bring your Dell into tech support, then they will probably replace the fan for you. If you still have warranty, then they will do it for free.
Once the fan fails, you will have boot problems and if your computer gets overheated, your other hardwares will get messed up and you will end up replacing those too. The fans are installed so that your system does not overheat.
2006-07-21 05:34:23 · answer #4 · answered by Sean I.T ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the fan is failing the pc could turn on on each occasion it has no longer been working for it sluggish, say an hour. If the pc does not turn on at random durations it is a few thing else. of direction open up the case and see if the fan is even working. despite if that's working in any respect you may would desire to envision yet another source. you could then try re seating the upward push enjoying cards such via fact the video card.
2016-10-08 04:09:24 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fans are easy to replace. They only have a few wires and are held in with a few screws. Put internet fans into a search engine and call one of the toll free numbers. They will sell you the fan you need.
2006-07-21 05:37:49 · answer #6 · answered by Dennis Fargo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By coincidence it also happened to my CPU today so I turned it off but when I turned it on later it was working perfectly ( per monitor alert). Just have another try working on your CPU but if persists to be malfunctional then I suggest it is the time to have it changed.
2006-07-22 09:18:27 · answer #7 · answered by ♥ lani s 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you fan is failing, turn off your computer and don't turn it back on. Your computer will overheat and it won't be a pretty sight.
2006-07-21 05:35:50 · answer #8 · answered by christigmc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a fan tester program.
2006-07-21 05:39:22 · answer #9 · answered by sokootemahz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy a new fan for heatsink.
2006-07-21 05:35:28 · answer #10 · answered by midi_junkie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋