Why Is a Computer Fan Really Loud?
Typically, loud computer fans are the result of one or more of three causes: dirt or dust buildup, a fan that has too high an RPM coupled with too small a diameter and failure of the fan's bearing, which is usually caused by dirt. While it's possible to extend the useful life of a fan by cleaning it, the reality is that this will be a temporary repair and that the best way to fix the problem is to replace the fan itself.
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Fan Locations
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Most desktop PCs use several fans to control the heat that's generated during the computer's operation. Most newer computers will have a CPU cooling fan, one or more fans inside the power supply and a fan attached to the video card, with the possibility of additional fans being located on the computer case itself and rarely attached to the computer's hard drive. There are also add-on fans that mount into one of the computer's expansion slots or can be installed in one of the computer's external drive bays, even though these types are almost always an aftermarket addition and not provided from the factory.
Troubleshooting
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Narrowing down which fan out of the many is the culprit is actually an easy process. When the noisy fan is stopped, the noise will vanish. Certainly it's possible that more than one fan is causing noise, but if you stop a noisy fan you will hear a decrease in the amount of noise the computer is making.
To stop a fan, take a nonconducting object--a pencil will work fine--and touch the eraser end to the center of the fan using very little pressure. The fan will stop and you will immediately be able to determine if this fan is the culprit. This technique works well with fans that are exposed, like the CPU cooling fan and case fans.
To stop a power-supply fan, slide the pencil into the power supply a little way and catch one of the fan blades. Anything more than a half inch is probably going too far. Any other fans that are not easily reachable should be unplugged from their power source--but before doing so power the computer down and then unplug the fan for safety's sake.
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Fan Sizes
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Computer fans are sized based on millimeters. The average case fan is the 80-millimeter size, with the some of the better-built cases using the 120-millimeter size to decrease the sound they emit. Small form-factor cases, like those used for media centers, often come equipped with the 70-millimeter size. CPU fans are almost always either 60 or 70 millimeters, but be aware that many of these cannot be replaced without replacing the entire heat sink/fan assembly. Power supplies are not user serviceable and should be replaced as a modular unit.
User Serviceability
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Power supplies and CPU fans are usually better to replace as an entire assembly. Power supplies contain high voltage and can injure a person even when they are unplugged.
Optional Cooling Techniques
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Water cooling has entered the mainstream and is available at a moderate price point. While most people do not water cool their power supplies, consumer-installable water cooling does exist for video cards and CPUs, although the installation process can be somewhat involved.
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