How to Fix a CPU Fan
Modern CPUs get so hot that if left without cooling, they could easily burn out after a day's use. Thus, when a CPU fan starts acting up, it's a fairly serious problem. Basic maintenance and cleaning, coupled with a few freeware programs and a few tools, should keep your CPU fan -- and by extension, your CPU -- in good working order.
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Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment, brush and small nozzle
- Antistatic wristband or gloves
- Can of compressed air
- Clean, dry toothbrush
- Small bottle of machine oil
- Small Phillips-head screwdriver
Instructions
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Repair
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1
Turn off all power sources from your computer, then remove the casing and anything else necessary to gain access to the fan. If necessary, keep detailed notes of what goes where and the precise manner in which cables are laid out within the case.
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2
Remove dust from your computer by using the brush attachment on the vacuum. There are kits on the market for precisely this purpose, with small brushes and a tapering nozzle ideal for your needs. Clean between the fan blades as far as you can without bending them.
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Use the can of air to blast loose the remaining dust and debris, then vacuum everything you just knocked loose. It's a good idea at this point to go ahead and vacuum the rest of the case as well, using the brush attachment (a larger one will make quick work of this, but you should be careful.)
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4
Remove the fan from its mount by removing the screws or latches holding it in place. If it's held in by latches, be careful when removing the fan to not break or bend the latches.. Laptop fans tend to be a little more difficult to remove. Refer to your laptop's manual or manufacturer for further instructions.
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Use the toothbrush (or cotton swabs) to scrub the fan blades clean. Clean fan blades move more air than dirty ones. If there is a radiator assembly, you should clean that as well; give it an hour to cool down after removing power from the case before you do so.
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6
Put a drop of machine oil between the fan and its motor. Some fans have a channel specifically for this purpose; others don't, but most of them have a small visible space between the fan and motor where oil can be applied. Use your fingers to turn the fan through several rotations, and then twist it back and forth to make certain the oil works into the places where it's needed. If you encounter a lot of resistance here, it's probably time to replace the fan.
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Replace the fan and any other parts you had to remove to get at it. For desktops, you can then leave the casing off, replace the power cables and start your machine. If the fan works, you'll be able to see it moving. Turn your machine off again and replace the outer casing. If it doesn't work, you need to replace the fan. See your manual or contact your manufacturer for information about replacement parts.
Laptops are a bit harder to test. Return all components and casing pieces to their proper places and start your machine. Many laptops do not have fans that run constantly; you'll have to leave your computer on long enough for the fan to kick on to test it. If the fan doesn't work, you'll need to replace it. Refer to your manual or manufacturer for details.
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Tips & Warnings
Make it a habit to vacuum the inside of your case and its exhaust ports at least once a month. For a desktop, remove the outer casing and gently use the brush attachment. In the case of a laptop, simply run a vacuum hose over the exhaust ports on the side and bottom of the case.
It's a foregone conclusion that eventually your fan will wear out. This goes for most computer parts, and doubly so for the moving ones. Fans aren't usually very expensive; keeping a replacement on hand couldn't hurt, and might just save your computer from some very costly damage.
Various manufacturers use different brands of fans. It's typically advisable to use an identical replacement part when possible.
Always remove all sources of electricity from your computer before touching anything inside the case. This will save you from personal injury as well as keep you from frying the delicate components inside the computer. After removing outside sources, you should press and hold the power button for five to ten seconds to discharge any residual energy in the capacitors as well to prevent any potential accidents.
Never apply excessive physical force to anything that looks delicate inside your computer's case, which include circuit boards, anything sticking out of the motherboard, any and all cards attached to the board.
Be as gentle as possible when brushing components.
References
- Photo Credit cpu image by Aussiebloke from Fotolia.com
