computer fan

[bazza26]

Recently my fan on my computer keeps cutting in for no reason whats so ever. It even happens when i have no web page up.My friend said said it could be cpu processer due to it cutting in when im watching videos online but that doesnt explain why it cuts in when im not doing anything at all! Plus it has never done this before at all. Anyone with any ideas would be greatlt appreciated!!

[puzzlesRus]

The fan should be running constantly, otherwise the cpu would get too hot.

[bazza26]

but it kicks in really loud and never used to do it

[puzzlesRus]

Perhaps it's the hot weather we're having, causing the fan speed to increase, as the temperature inside the case rises.

[Ethel]

I bet you smoke, or have the pc in a smoky atmosphere.

Your fan is not working efficiently because it needs cleaning - so your processor gets hot causing your fan to kick in more often:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11319_7-6240575-5 .html

[Ethel]

If that really is not the problem, make sure the vents are clear - so the air can circulate. Keep it out of direct sunlight.

If it's a laptop, make sure it is not sitting on a squidgy surface - your bed, a cushion and so on, as this will block the vents causing it to overheat. Keep it on a firm surface.

[bazza26]

Thanks ethel, I used to smoke and as a male try to avoid dusting so this could definatly be the reason i will definatly try that thanks for all your help!!!!

[poinsy]

Strangely enough, fans, the very things that are meant to keep the processor cool, sometimes get so clogged up with dirt, that they work overtime and end up producing more heat, which needs cooling...

So, is it a desktop or a laptop? Hopefully a desktop and you can simply take the back panel off (very easy) and apply a can of compressed air (about �3.50) to the various fans, grills and anywhere else that looks mucky. It could be the best few quid you ever spend :)

[Mac70]

Mine started doing it a while ago too. One time I had to re-install Spybot as that made the cpu run at 100%. Then it was Site Advisor, which I just removed in the end.
Very strange.

[Paulst30]

If your pc has a 478 pin socket CPU then you probably have the old retention module that the fan and heatsink fit into. This works with 4 clips that clip into each corner of the retention clip on the motherboard.

In dry, hot environments, these retention clips can sometimes break at one of the corners due to constant sprung pressure from the fan clips.

This would mean that your heatsink would be sitting off the processor by milimeters, enough to create a hot zone of air between the cpu and base of the heatsink.

Its the only reason a cpu fan can spin so fast and so loud as you explain.

If you dont have this type of fixture then i advise, cleaning the old heatpaste from the CPU and replacing it with Arctic Coolling paste. Easy done with the blade from a Stanley knife.

Good luck