My case fan all of a sudden got REALLY LOUD!!

Discussion in 'hardware' started by BlackScarletLove, Sep 28, 2011.

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  1. BlackScarletLove

    BlackScarletLove Registered Member

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    It just started rattling and grinding and sounding terrible. It's the case fan on the back, not the side, not the power supply or the psu, I know this because I reached in and put my finger in the fan on the back, stopping it, and it was what was causing the noise.
    It was so loud that I actually inhibited the fan so it's not working now. My case is open so I figured it wouldn't get too hot in there, but what can I do to fix the fan?
    Blowing it out with an air can didn't do any good.
     
  2. Seer

    Seer Registered Member

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    Not a good practice. Actually, that way it is getting hotter in there than when the case is closed, as the fans can't get the air flow to properly cool the components.

    My guess is that the fan fell out of its axis, so the cleaning won't help.

    Take out the fan, go to your local store and buy a new exact one. They are cheap and easy to replace. Close the case afterwards.

    There's 'hardware' board on Wilders for issues like this one.
     
  3. cozumel

    cozumel Registered Member

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    If the airflow is 'disturbed' due to a fan not functioning, then having the case open will aid cooling. I've compared internal temperatures with case open and closed when there have been similar problems and have found temps lower with case open. Is dependant on ambient room temperature. If the room is 50c then having the case open would not help for instance. Indeed, I build my test rigs without a case on a workbench. All hardware running and only the cpu fan connected.


    @BlackScarletLove
    Make sure the fan is securely mounted as the noise could also be caused by vibrations. Other than that your fan is in the process of failing and needs to be replaced.

    If the fan is at the rear of the case, most standard configurations would make this the exhaust fan and it's main role is to remove heat from the case. Hot air rises. So opening the case would reduce heat build up inside the case as a temporary measure.
     
  4. jonyjoe81

    jonyjoe81 Registered Member

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    you can probably run the computer without the fan with no problem even with cover on.
    Your cpu and your powersupply and video card all have fans installed these are the components that are sensitive to heat. The case fan is mainly an auxillary fan. the powersupply especially the more expensive ones have large fans that will suck the air out of the case.
    I usually use a software called speedfan to measure my temps. It will let you know if your cpu is running too hot and weather the case fan is actually doing anything to keep your computer cool.
    If you have multiple hard drives and a highend video card than you will need all the case fans you can fit in your computer, the more the better.
    A generic case fan will cost about 5 dollars and is usually just 4 screws to replace.
     
  5. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    All fans have bearings in that WILL eventually wear out. I suspect the noise has gradually been getting louder and louder and has not gotten to the point it finally got your attention. Replacing the fan is the only option.

    A generic case fan is likely to have cheap sleeve bearings and in that case, you will soon have to replace it again too. Therefore, I highly recommend getting a quality precision ball, or fluid bearing fan. They will last longer and run quieter than fans with cheap bearings.

    Case fans come in standard sizes (with some exceptions). Most older cases support 80mm fans. Better cases support larger (120mm, 140mm or larger). You want to get the largest fan your case supports because (1) it will move more air and (2) they typically turn at a lower RPM, meaning less noise.

    Fans with fancy lights do nothing for performance, consume some power, generate some heat, and do nothing for performance (worth repeating).
     
  6. mirimir

    mirimir Registered Member

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    Rear case fans are generally quieter than front ones. That's because there's usually more crowding in front, and non-uniform flow causes noise.
     
  7. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    I don't agree with that. If anything, front fans are louder because they are closer to our ears. Also, rear fans are often connected to the motherboard fan headers where the speeds are controlled by the system, meaning they are often toggled down in speed, resulting in quieter operation. Front fans are typically "extra" fans, and therefore are typically direct connected to the PSU, meaning they run full speed and louder.

    That I do agree with and this is where good cable management helps.
     
  8. mirimir

    mirimir Registered Member

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    I agree with your points about location and speed control. But I know from testing that same fan at same constant voltage sounds way louder at front, with fat drives 1-2 cm away, than at back, with just thin cards and cables. Also, rear fans cool all drives more uniformly.
     
  9. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    Right! But that is because it is closer to the users ears.

    But it may also be because the air intake path in the front typically is much more restrictive. The intake fan has to suck air through the faceplate AND the chassis (case frame), while the rear fan just blows air through a relatively open vent in the chassis only.
     
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