Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: WSR on September 29, 2009, 03:36:01 AM

Title: Exhaust Fan acting up - unusually low/zero rpm
Post by: WSR on September 29, 2009, 03:36:01 AM
Hi all,

I've noticed for a couple of weeks now, my computer's exhaust case fan , (not sure on diameter), has been exhibiting strange behaviour.

This includes; unusually low RPM (from POST, it goes from 0-30-and so on progressively to 1130, then after much idle work for the system (web browsing and such), falls back to the 700-800 zone), and even now, the fan does not spin at all.

I have another 120mm case fan as an intake, running well, however it is only this exhaust fan that has been playing up. I used to see 1170 idle speeds, and 2450 rpm top speeds for this fan while heavy loads on the system.

As another detail, this fan is also definitely the loudest out of all of the fans in my system, especially at low speeds.

My other fans; CPU (running fine at 2228 RPM last time I checked), my Graphics card's fan (idles at 42/50% [950rpm] and maxes at 100% [2570 rpm] although gets stuck at 100% till next reboot) and intake (as mentioned before, yet is not plugged into Motherboard and is Molex powered) are functioning absolutely fine.

Is it possible to rectify this issue, or better the system by buying a replacement fan that is much quieter?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Exhaust Fan acting up - unusually low/zero rpm
Post by: truenorth on September 29, 2009, 09:58:26 AM
WSR, If indeed it is the fan that is on the way out then the  replacement of it is certainly a relatively easy option. They are readily available and can be very inexpensive depending on location of purchase. Retail bricks and mortar stores generally being more expensive than on line stores. My recommendation is with the power off and touching the case with your hand to discharge any static electricity--remove the errant fan and do a web search for the model which will be displayed on it and go from there.truenorth
Title: Re: Exhaust Fan acting up - unusually low/zero rpm
Post by: WSR on September 30, 2009, 06:32:16 AM
Thanks for replying truenorth,

I did happen to get the fan working, when I opened up my case, (then grounding myself to the case voltage), and plugged the fan into a different fan header on the motherboard.

However I think I still should replace the fan, as it has been in use for longer than I can remember...

It looks to be either 92/120mm, and the power requirement on the label said it was 0.25 Amps....

I will surely check again the exact name of the model of the fan, so as to follow your advice.

Title: Re: Exhaust Fan acting up - unusually low/zero rpm
Post by: patio on September 30, 2009, 07:17:39 AM
Just remove it and bring it to the PC store with you...then you can match it up with a suitable replacement...
It's coming out anyway....