How do I find out what kind of fan my computer needs?

Question

I have to replace the fans in my computer, where do I look to find out what sort to buy?

Answer 1

There are a couple things to look at.

First, as far as the computer is concerned, You have case fans, and then you have the CPU fan.

I hope I'm not insulting you here, but when you pop the side of your case off, you will see a fan "stuck" on top of the processor, that most likely is plugged into your mother board somewhere.

That is the most critical fan as it cools off the processor (Duh!).

Hopefully there will be some printing on the fan that will give you it's specifications. There are really only two specifications you have to deal with. One is the CFM (cubic feet per minute) that will tell you how strong the fan is. And the other is the size of the fan.

Typically, standard case fans are 80mm, which is pretty close to a 3-inch fan, but with the casing around it, it's about 3 3/8's square, or there abouts. Your processor fan could be the same size or perhaps a little smaller depending on the heat sink.

What I would do is remove the CPU fan (and remember how you took it off, as some screw on and some clip on, and also remember where it plugged in) and then mark it as the CPU fan.

Then take off one of the case fans. Chances are these are screwed into the back of the case from the outside (with really wierd looking screws) and mark this as a case fan.

Then take them both to a Radio Shack, or a computer store, and one of the techs can show you a close replacement.

The replacement fans will have identical casings, and screw in or clip on just like the originals, and you really shouldn't have any problems.

And one other thing, don't think that getting a much more powerful fan will do that much better a job at cooling things down.
I mean, they will, but it won't be necessary. There are some monster fans on the market, and when you plug them in, your computer will sound like a vacuum cleaner! It's entirely unnecessary, and a huge distraction.

Answer 2

looks like an entire length field from right here. open the case whilst this is plugged in yet became off. check out the gap above and around the cpu. you will be able to desire to even degree it. Tom's Hardware [on line] reviewed heatshink/followers for many fancier packing containers than yours some months back. i think of they even got here upon one that is purely a large heatsink and has no fan in any respect yet nevertheless does the interest for greater or less 50 USD *** the heatsink you elect must be rated for the socket you have. we don't comprehend that yet, so .... in case you have a socket 775 P4 [Pentium] cpu, there are 4 columns on each and every of the corners of the heatsink assembly whose backside ends lock into the mummy board. scrounge on the information superhighway somewhat to work out what i'm talking approximately and make beneficial that's what you have. [eMachines is a pita approximately no longer telling which motherboards are of their machines, so looking the specs for the socket on line could be troublesome.] you will additionally choose thermal paste whether this is not blanketed with the heatsink.

Answer 3

Depends "what" the fan is for...Is it cooling your CPU? Is it for exhausting heat out of the case??? How big is it?
Measure horizontally the mounting holes (where the screws hold it) to find out how big it is and make sure the measurement is in mm not inches. Most common for case fans is 80mm. The larger ones are 120mm.
"Stock" CPU cooling fans are usually around 60mm.
But you need to look, measure to see...then shop around for them...Most are pretty cheap...If they're ball bearing, then they are more and will last longer as well...

Answer 4

take it out and have it with you when you go to a computer store, one who specilizes in computer repair, not sales

Answer 5

On the fan!