Abit IC7 Max3 Fan noise

[MBurke]

Hello. I have a Abit IC7 Max3 motherboard and the small chipset fan ( the small fan below the CPU fan) is going bad, makeing alot of noise. Is there a place to get a replacement ? Is there a aftermarket one that will work ? or do I have to go back thru Abit to get one ?? Or...........does anyone have on laying around ???

Thanks
Mike

 

[wwswimming]

i have an IC7Max3 also.

that small fan + plastic shroud assembly is just to make sure there's airflow
around the power processing components near the CPU.

i suggest measuring the temp if you can get a multimeter with a thermocouple/
digital thermometer, then setting up a case fan to cool the same components.

or else use a heat-sink fan like the Zalman 7000 that blows air directly onto
the components around the CPU. perhaps the HSF you have already does
that.

how about buying a set of small heatsinks
& some thermal adhesive so the MOSFET's etc. have a chance to stay cool.

last time i looked, Newegg had a set of small coolers for $5. with a
similar price for thermal adhesive.

finding a fan to replace the Abit "OTES" fan ? sounds like the kind of thing
you see at a surplus electronics store
http://www.halted.com/
http://www.alltronics.com/

both those stores are in Silicon Valley, been around a long time since
before the Internet. hopefully they'll be just as helpful helping you
get a small fan if you decide to go that route.

oh yeah, and then going back for another temp. measurement to
make sure your improvised solution is as good as or better than
the Abit "OTES" assembly.

 

[MBurke]

Thanks for the reply and info but I dont think we are on the same page. It says in my manual that the fan that is going bad is the NB Fan and plugs into the NBFAN plug. It is a small fan with a Metal heat sink. It clips on to the motherboard . The metal heatsink is round and blue in color. Iuncliped it and it has just a little sticky stuff between it and what ever in is supposed to be cooling.

I lookd at the Abit parts web page
http://www.abit-usa.com/abitparts/chipset_fan.php
and it looks kindof like the third fan down, but they dont show the heatsink..and it says there that is a Northbridge fan.....is that right ?


I might get one of these and see if it is the right one.


Do you have anymore suggestions ??

Thanks
Mike