NF7-M Northbridge Chipset fan getting really loud

[haze111]

I have a very basic PC at work using the NF7-M which is an nForce 2 board with integrated GeForce 4 video. Runs fine, is perfect for work.

Just this past week, one of the fans inside has become very noisy. The fan is failing or has just decided to become annoying. I have narrowed it down to the Abit Northbridge fan that came with the system. I can buy a replacement from Abit, but wonder if anyone has any experience with alternatives like a heatsink or maybe, just maybe, could it run find if I just unplug the annoying fan?

I have looked at the Zalman ZM-NB47J heatsink, but on zipzoomfly they say, "ZM-NB47J is compatible with all Northbridge chipsets that do not have a built-in graphics chipset."

Here is a link to a picture of my motherboard and the failing fan:

Link

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Zepper]

Abit doesn't (at least they didn't last I checked) warranty their replacement fans - 'nuff said...

You may be able to find a quality replacement fan at one of these sites (prefix all with www. as sometimes you'll get the wrong site if you don't) : jab-tech.com, svc.com, sidewindercomputers.com, nexfan.com, buyextras.com or thermalfx.com. Or you may be able to get an appropriate passive heatsink from the same sites plus Newegg/ChiefValue (same company), ZipZoomFly, MWave.com and others.

.bh.

 

[InlineFive]

I used the smaller Zalman northbridge heatsink on my NF7-M when the fan went and it worked very well.

 

[Zepper]

And some of the big names in fan-powered CPU coolers have gotten into the same for chipsets.

.bh.

 

[Susquehannock]

Very common problem. Many mobo makers use sleeve bearing fans on the NB because they are both cheap & quiet.
Well, until they wear out of course.

A quick solution is to lube the fan bearing with a bit of oil.

Take the fan off & find the sticker on the center hub - peel that back, there should be a small rubber plug - remove that & place a small drop of motor oil in there - reassemble.

Has worked for me many times.

 

[Operandi]

The Zalman ZM-NBF47 should be able to handle that no problem.

 

[haze111]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'll either try one of the heatsink suggestions or oil the fan. The Zalman ZM-NBF47 looks interesting, but it bends over so far I think it will hit one of the other motherboard parts so I'm not sure that one would work.

 

[BassBomb]

HR05 FTW


PASSIVE FTW


VIA FTW

 

[Noubourne]

The HR-05 is not listed as compatible with his mobo.

Not that it won't work. I didn't see it on their site though.

I was going to recommed this too, b/c I use the SLi version, and it was well worth the $17 it cost me!! I went from a 6000RPM DFI fan to NO fan, and I DROPPED 5C in the process. Frickin' godly.

 

[haze111]

The HR-05 looks interesting. I wish I was sure of it's compatibility. Going to check a local shop and see if they have it or something similar.