pc fans

[lepers]

are the fans on pc's easy to change? our current one seems to be working over time and think it might be a result of dust or age and was thinking about opening the case and trying to get rid of some of the dust and putting in a new fan. is it a simple operation?

[vehelpfulguy]

Before replacing the fans try to clear out the dust.

Over time dust gathers around the fans and heat sinks and can block up the air vents.

If the vents are blocked up the fans have to work harder to keep inside the case cool.

Take the PC case outside, take off the cover and carefully blow out the dust with a hair drier.

Dislodge the dust CAREFULLY with a small piece of wood (a pencil or lollystick or similar - DONT USE METAL) or brush it off with a small CLEAN paintbrush.

Blow out all the dust you have dislodged.

Make sure you have not dislodged any cables or cards.

Before you put the cover back on plug in the PC unit and make sure the fans are still going round.

When you are happy put the cover back on and reconnect everything.

Make sure there is plenty of room round the PC case and that air can circulate. Dont box the PC case in tightly so there is no room for air.

[stefos]

If you do need to change the fan check with the motherboard manufacturer first to see how the retention mechanism works and if perhaps you need an adhesive.
You can get a very decent replacement fan for under �20 and if you download a free program such as 'speedfan', you can regulate the speed and therefore the noise level of the fan yourself.

[ACtheTROLL]

When you open the box ... look at all the fans - make sure they are all spinning.

if they are - what VHG says should work a treat
(you have to be very thorough)

my favourite implement is one of the wife's blusher brushes... nice long and soft real bristle ...
gets right down into the processor's heatsink

be careful before you go for stefos' solution.
if you're not tekky its a fairly big job with quite a few pitfalls.

[garlandk9]

try giving it a good going over with a mini hoover