psu fan running crazy high

[QueBert]

I expected the fan to be semi loud at times, it's an SFX PSU so that's just how things with little fans work. I still have the 2 stock 120mm fans at the top of the case (ECFA Hadron air) I'm sure they're pretty crummy at best. So I'm wondering if replacing them with some Corsair HP or Cougar fans will effect the temps inside enough to make the PSU pipe down. I Googled this PSU and have seen people who have replaced the PSU fan but that's a bit more than I was wanting to do. Plus the results weren't that much better for everyone any ways.

I'm not expecting swapping 2 fans to make a night and day difference, but wondering if it will at least help enough to notice a db drop in sound. The noise from the fan is annoying me, it's hot in the room the PC's in and there's nothing else I can think of doing. Outside of getting a new case, which I plan to do before the summers over. Looking for a temporary solution though for now.

 

[ClockHound]

What SFX PSU? Silverstone?

Replacing the weak case fans will help - maybe as much as 3dB. On a cool day. But, if the room is hot, it's only going to be hotter in the case, so there's that.

If there's some extra space in the case, here's a couple suggestions:

Is the PSU fan an exhaust or intake style? If exhaust style, you could install a larger quieter fan in a shroud and duct tape to the power supply intake. Would be a significant difference. If the PSU fan is intake, could still do the same and over power the bearings of the stock fan and have a better reason to replace it.

SFX supplies are a great idea...their server room origins, not so much.

 

[jji7skyline]

If you're not comfortable with replacing the PSU fan and you are sure that it is the source of the noise (you can temporarily unplug the other fans or hold your finger on them to stop them to check), then you can try this method.

Stop the psu fan by either unplugging it, or if you're not comfortable with opening the psu, using zip-ties or similar to stop the fan. Then mount a quiet fan externally on the grille of the power supply, either inside or outside the case.

 

[Blain]

Is the PS dirty inside?

 

[ClockHound]

Is the PS dirty inside?

Always asking the personal questions....;-)

 

[TomFoster]

Has it always been so loud? Try giving it a clean. One of my old graphics cards got ridiculously loud due to dust in the fan.