Is it okay to run a power supply without fan?

[rc5]

This sucker makes too much noise with the fan on. Can I unplug the fan to eliminate the noise without damaging the power supply?

 

[micron]

Why don't you just replace the fan with a quite one?

 

[Mikewarrior2]

running without a fan is usually a very bad idea. power supplies can get quite warm.



Mike

 

[JesseKnows]

You can but you shouldn't, unless you run it with no load (and if it's ATX it will refuse to run without any load). It will surely melt if you do run it loaded with no fan. Also, what other outflow of air do you have in your case? Unless you have a supercooled case, the power supply is the main outflow.

In short - don't.

 

[Confused]

on the quiet fan note: i cracked open my power supply bacause it was the only thing making any real noise in my box, and when i did open it, i found an Adda fan in there. when i saw this, i thought, "hey, but Adda fans are quiet, the people on Anadtech forums are always goin on bout them, so why is mine so loud?". so, i unscrewed it from the psu, sat it next to it on the table, booted it up, and.....silence......nowt. i put it back, lots of noise.

the moral of the story here is, u can have a really quiet fan, but if the power supply hasn't got good ways for the air to move round, then it will just create turbulence, and therefore, noise.


as for the unplugging of it - don't, UNLESS u have very good airflow in the case anyway

 

[EvilDonnyboy]

Use a dremel to cut out the "grill" on the PS's fan. should help a bit. also get some light machine oil and lubricate the fan. if ur mom/wife has a sewing machine, she prolly have light machine oil for it. 5w30 engine oil or WD40 are ok for replacements, but light machine oil would be best.

Just peel off the label off the back of the fan, if it has another cover take that off too. then put a single drop of oil. then put back any covers/labels that were there. If they don't stink anymore, just use tape. Oil old fans works wonders.

Also try putting on some rubber grommets when you put the fan back in.

 

[Maverick2002]

Yes, turbulence, that dang enemy! That's one of the reasons the FOP-38 is so freakin loud!!!!