The fan in my power supply is acting weird.... does it need replacing?

Question

Recently when I turn my computer on, the fan in the power supply starts up normally, but then suuddenly sounds like it's hitting something, or is about to explode. I shined a light into it to see if it was hitting any wires, but there was nothing it could touch. Could it be that the fan has been 'popped out' of it's base?

The only thing that seems to keep it from making noise is turning the computer back off, and shacking the entire computer tower hard enough until it stops.... and that can't be good for the rest of the computer. :(

Answer 1

hit it with a vaccum first - may be a dust build-up, possibly in the fan-motor's axle/pin

And DON'T shake your tower!

Answer 2

Sounds like the bearings in at least one of the fans have gone bad.

First, if you're up to it, open the case and check for physical obstructions - even if you did shine a light in, looking at the fan from the other side might show you something you've missed.

If that doesn't help, you can bet one of the fans, most systems have 1 or 2 in the case and at least 1 in the power supply, is beginning to go bad.

If it's under warranty, contact your manufacturer - if not try replacing the cpu and system fans, first. This is the easiest and least costly thing to do, and you could probably do it yourself.

If you're still having the same problem, then consider replacing the power supply. This is an easy enough task for most people, and only requires a phillips head screwdriver. Be sure to get the correct type of power supply ... if you don't know what you need, bring the old one to the store.

Answer 3

A bearing could be going bad on the fan making a lot of noise. It this is the case just get another power supply unless you can find a kit to replace the bearing in the fan.(Doubtful this exists) If the power supply gets too hot it will burn out and can damage the rest of your computer by sending the wrong amount of power to the rest of your compenents frying them.(This would be called a Surge) I would just get another power supply. A power supply can range in price between $50 and $125 dollars. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Don't hit the computer. That may aggrivate the problem.

Your choices are to ensure that the fan is secured (it may be shaking). The motor could also be defective... some power supplies regulate the fan speed to the temperature, this could also be an issue... the thing is overheating so the fan is pushed too hard.

I'd try to buy a new power supply. Don't buy just the fan... too hard to replace.

If you're talking about the fan thats attached to the case, just get a new fan. (Try to go with the fan with the best air speed.) But make sure you get the right size!

Answer 5

At first you can try cleaning it with a vacuum cleaner. Start by turning off the computer and then place the vacuum cleaner's nozzle towards the fan so that it spins. This way it will clean it much better.

If it remains noisy you should get it replaced. Most often the power supply should be replaced as opening a power supply can result in fire hazard and will void any warranty and insurance!

Answer 6

properly, from the way i'm interpreting it, you wasted your money on the flexibility furnish using fact it became maximum probable the two a decrease priced cpu cooling fan working at too severe an RPM speed making racket, or it became a decrease priced cpu fan with a ball bearing fan going out. something above approximately 3000 RPMs is gong to make a super form of noise, no count what fan/heatsink that's. so which you pick for to maintain it down there at around 3000 RPMs or much less. yet in any case, you have a marvelous, new ability furnish - yet do no longer swap the connector to the flexibility from the motherboard to the flexibility furnish without delay using fact then you definately will loose the indoors controller for the fan on the motherboard. The motherboard probable has a temperature detector which adjusts the RPM speed of the fan without delay to atone for overheating. in case you connect the cpu fan directly to the flexibility furnish, the motherboard heavily isn't waiting to atone for overheating and the cpu ought to expend. 50C is somewhat severe, yet no longer unacceptable. For AMD's, the max is approximately sixty 5 C and for Intels it may run as severe as seventy 8 C, staring on the specs for the cpu. you're able to desire to income with AMD or Intel on your particular cpu to be certain what the traditional working selection is on your cpu via checking its specs. I many times use Zahlman cpu cooler/heatsinks, the copper finned sort, and that they are VERY quiet and useful yet I pay approximately $sixty 5 for certainly one of those, so as that they are no longer decrease priced. in case you purchase the cheap sort, you could't assume or call for that it extremely is quiet.

Answer 7

usually the fans of this type have soft metal internal bushes for less friction and these do wear out over time (usually years but depends on the amount of on time) when this happens, the fans run off centre and can sound terrible.

Take it to your local tech store and they should be able to replace the fan in the power supply.

Also check that the whole unit isnt too dust filled, a good vacuum often helps minor noise but otherwise it is off to the tech store for you.

Answer 8

replace the Fan and or Power supply before it over heats.

Answer 9

Best suggestion would be to take your tower to a professional for servicing. Money well-spent to maintain your system, or a new tower when you over-heat and fry everything.

Answer 10

Your suggestion may be the case, however it may be cheaper to purchase a new power supply than get it fixed.

Opening the PSU yourself can be dangerous unless you really know what you are doing.