Is It Okay To Run A KT400 Without A Fan?

[clicknext]

The fan on my KT400 chipset (lower one, of course) is commonly making weird noises. I get annoyed so I stick my finger in it to stop it sometimes, and the noise stops and the fan keeps spinning (not a good idea, probably). I was just wondering if anyone knows what I should try to do. I'm afraid to try to pull it off because I might damage it, and also I don't have a spare thermal pad or thermal glue to put it back on if it uses those. That fan is probably one of the loudest in my case even when not making a weird sound, so can I replace it with a heatsink? If so, anyone know where a heatsink and a thermal pad/glue might be obtained somewhere other than a computer store?

 

[clicknext]

Actually, is it okay if I just run with the fan out of there and just the heatsink under the fan? I took the fan off to see if it gets really hot and so far it's quite cool.

 

[TourGuide]

It's probably OK to run it without the fan, but if you're paranoid I'd recommend this solution from Zalman. I had the exact same thing happen to an MSI KT4 and I replaced the stock fan with that. Works fine.

 

[Kipper]

The Asus A7V8X uses the KT400 chipset and has a heatsink with no fan mounted onto the motherboard. Mine runs just fine.

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

yeah you dont need one
if you are overclocking and it gets too hot, then you may (depending on case airflow)
but for now its ok if the temps are the same (or almost same) with fan off as they were wtih fan on

 

[clicknext]

Hmm... I've run Prime95 for half an hour and it's actually quite hot now. No system crash or slowdown yet, though.

 

[Iron Woode]

The fan is not really needed, unless you are overclocking or want the added piece of mind.

My DFI AD77 Infinity came with just the heatsink, just like my MSI KT4VL. Works just fine.

 

[CraigRT]

Id say no chipset needs any cooling if they are running at stock speeds.

fans always die on mobos, and if they are just computers at work (not my own) then i just leave them dead. doesn't hurt a damn thing as long as you're not trying to squeeze MHz from the NB.

 

[clicknext]

I have the fsb overclocked 6 or 7 mhz. Oh well, I think I fixed the fan. Put a little oil in it and gave it a twirl. No weird sound so far. =)

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

Originally posted by: clicknext
I have the fsb overclocked 6 or 7 mhz. Oh well, I think I fixed the fan. Put a little oil in it and gave it a twirl. No weird sound so far. =)

yeah that works too sometimes (if the fan really isnt dead)

it would have been fine, 6 or 7mhz overclock is nothing hehe

 

[Matt]

I have a 7VAXP too and that fan made a lot of noise so I just removed it and the system is as stable as a rock.

IMHO the chipset fans are often put there more for show rather than a requirement for cooling. To be honest though, I haven't seen a single hardware review made were they actually test whether it makes a difference or not.
If you are overclocking rather go for a big Zalman heatsink as previously mentioned.

Usually the success of overclocking is more dependent on other components such as CPU and memory quality rather than MoBo heat issues.

Sincerely

Matt

 

[Jeff7]

You can get a Blue Orb, Chrome Orb, or maybe just some chipset cooler; look for ball bearings in the fan though. Too often, motherboard makers use cheap sleeve bearing fans, which have a tendency to die early.