CPU fan failed error, but still spinning.

[tara]

I didn't touch the fan or heatsink. The only things that have been touched since I got this pc are the hard drive, power supply, and RAM. The hard drive and power supply were put in by Best Buy.

[Karnac]

I just saw the clip on one side of my heatsink is loose. I can't lock it in place because the a piece of the plastic you hook it onto broke off. Could this be the problem?

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That's your problem...the cpu is overheating and shuts itself down in auto protect so no further damage occurs......I would recommend that  you not use the computer until it's fixed.....otherwise you 'll need a cpu as well.

[TheHoFL]

I agree. If you want to order one that is cheap and got great reviews, this one did pretty good...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200029

[tara]

There's nothing wrong with my fan or heatsink.

Buying a new one wouldn't help because I still wouldn't be able to clip it into place.

I just googled this but you see how silver part of the clip hooks into the black plastic part? That's what broke. The little black tab. Not the actual heatsink.

[Karnac]

The problem is the heatsink must be FIRMLY in place over the processor otherwise the cpu overheats....The clips exert downward pressure onto the processor to effectively disperse the heat .......no pressure = no heat dispersal.

[tara]

Darn. Can best buy fix that?

[Karnac]

Probably....Here's a link for intel boards.

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-021983.htm

http://www.thefind.com/computers/info-heatsink-retention-bracket

[Aegis]

I missed the part about the broken clip.  I'd have to agree that it's up for a motherboard replacement.  Check out the link so you'll have an idea of prices when you go back to Best Buy.

[tara]

Probably....Here's a link for intel boards.
http://www.thefind.com/computers/info-heatsink-retention-bracket

This looks like the one I have now. 1 of the 4 broke.


Would I be able to put a new one in myself? Like could I just pull the heatsink out, remove the broken bracket, and put a new one in?

[Karnac]

If you are comfortable inside the case and practice safe ESD(static) procedures I don't forsee a problem...I've seen some of these with pins and some that screw in so make sure you get the right one.

[tara]

Is there any way to figure out which bracket to buy? I have no idea. It looks like the pic I posted above.

[jestersflunky]

I went into BIOS and it says this:

CPU fan speed: O PPM
System fan spped - 2362 PPM
CPU Temp: 73°C

I just saw the clip on one side of my heatsink is loose. I can't lock it in place because the a piece of the plastic you hook it onto broke off. Could this be the problem?
Take a pencil point it at the dealy bob, take another shot, Ican't see, I can't see.
Here are pics.

Fan


Fan and heatsink


Heat sink with loose clip

[Karnac]

Confirm your Pentium 4 socket as 478 and that clip is the one you need.

Download Everest to find out your socket

[tara]

I have Everest. What do I look under?

Under CPU Properties I see:
CPU Type: Intel Pentium 4, 2533 MHz (19 x 133)

Under CPU Physical Info:
Package Type: 478 Pin uPGA


Is that the info you need?

[patio]

That bracket is known to be fragile and can be easily replaced...
You don't need a new MBoard.
However that being said instead of letting BestBuy do it find a local PC shop that will sell you it for 8 Bucks or so and if you want them to do it it may cost you an extra 20 Bucks...
BestBuy won't let you leave the store for less than a Hundred Bucks.....

Good Luck to you.