Computer Processor Fan

[BertiWooster]

This might be a silly question - the fan that you can see looking at the back of the processor on the outside - is it suppose to turn constantly ?

I've just cleaned it off - however it is not turning at all when i have now switched the processor back on

[johntywino]

Isn't that the one that comes on when starting up?

[BertiWooster]

If the fan is faulty - is it a component that is worth replacing , in terms of costs ?

How much would a replacement fan cost ?

[baitress]

have you opened the case to clean the fan on the CPU
or do you mean the fan that you can see on the outside
of your computer case.that one is the one that runs
your PSU(power supply unit). the one on the inside of
the case is the one that stops your CPU(central
processor unit) from overheating.If either is not
running then you run the risk of burning out
your computer.

[deggers316]

if its your power fan it will burn out your power supply or if its your cpu fan it will burn out your processor
renew the fans cheap and easy don't wait to do this

[ChuckFickens]

As others have indicated, it sounds like you are getting some terms muddled up.

The processor fan will be inside the computer attached to the largest heat sink in there on the main processor chip.

The fan you can see when looking at the back of the machine from the out side is the power supply fan.

You may also have any number of other fans scattered around the general casing of the computer, these are simply called case fans.

As a general rule, all these fans should be running at all times, there are a few rare exceptions to this when certain machines can and will shut the processor fan down completely if the computer is not doing much (this is very much the exception and not the rule though!)

If the fan you can see from the rear of the computer is not working then you really need a new power supply (it's possible to replace the fans, but they are not generally considered to be a user replaceable part)

[Vagrant]

BW - unless you're competent to change the PSU fan, don't attempt it - the PSU can have lethal voltages inside, even after it's been switched off for hours

[BertiWooster]

Thanks guys

The one i've noticed is not working is the one you can see looking at the back of the machine from the outside . I haven't looked at the processor fan .

So , do i need to repalce the PSU - OR the fan - OR do they come together ?

In the meantime , while I sort this out , would it be ok to use the computer if I have a room fan directing air at the processor ?

[BertiWooster]

I dont think I made that clear .

What i'm asking is - can the fan on the PSU be repalced separately OR does the PSU and fan come as one unit

[ChuckFickens]

generally you would replace the power supply. Assuming it's a standard power supply they are pretty cheap...

Most full size computers do have standard power supplies, but of course, check before buying. if you are not sure take a couple of pictures of it in your case and post them and somebody will soon be able to identify it for you.

[ChuckFickens]

http://www.amazon.co....=atx%20power%20supply

[BertiWooster]

Thanks again

// In the meantime , while I sort this out , would it be ok to use the computer if I have a room fan directing air at the processor ? //

Through the holes at the back and side of casing

Would teh above be ok

[BertiWooster]

Following on from my posting below

If the PSU fan or the CPU fan is not working - would directing a room fan at the processor so that air is going into the casing through the holes ; serve as a temporary measure while I get replacements ?