Question about changing out PSU fan...URGENT!

[MagicMan17]

Hi, I need to change out the PSU fan bc it has gotten really noisy and makes weird noises...really pisses me off plus it can't be working as good as it used to. What type of fan do people recommend, I mean I run 44 degrees C for the motherboard as of now and I want to keep it at least that cool if not lower it a bit along with making the entire case MUCH MUCH quieter.

Also, is it really that hard/dangerous changing out a PSU fan? Any recommended techniques to discharge the PSU?

Thanks,

Prav

 

[Metalloid]

My only advice is to not touch the capacitors

 

[Slappy00]

Quote: "My only advice is to not touch the capacitors"

werd and I would let the PSU sit around at least 24-48hrs unplugged from the wall and computer before messing with it...

 

[Zepper]

Just be careful and only handle the fan leads and you should be OK. Any decent 80x80x25, 12Volt, ball bearing fan should do the trick.
. Try to pick one about 32CFM or more. They used to use a plug on them now most are soldered in so you'll either have to unsolder/resolder or cut and splice the wires.
Use an insulated, crimp-type connector, a small wire nut, or a simple soldered twist splice covered w/ heat shrink tubing.
.b h.

 

[pspada]

Perhaps you don't understand. Capacitors are basically batteries, so they store a charge - for a long time. You short them out and it will be a shocking experience, possibly your last.

 

[cheapgoose]

well, I asked my EE prof. the same thing and she said grab a screw driver with those rubber handles and short the capacitors out. then you don't have to wait. if this was one of our test questions, a capacitor should hold a charge forever, so I don't really know what good waiting would do.

 

[mechBgon]

Hitting the power button on the case after unplugging the PSU from the wall may partially or fully drain the capacitors, too... typically you see the fans spin a few revolutions when you do this. I'd still recommend keeping your hands off anything but the fan wires like Zepper says, just in case. My usual technique is to cut the wires and go with the solder/heatshrink method.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: pspada
Perhaps you don't understand. Capacitors are basically batteries, so they store a charge - for a long time. You short them out and it will be a shocking experience, possibly your last.

You beat me to it. Glad someone besides me knows this! :Q

Don't fret too much about opening up the PS. Just make sure it's NOT PLUGGED IN to the wall socket. And don't go poking around where the capacitors are and you'll be fine.

Once you open it up, you'll easily see where/how the fan plugs in. I know in Antec PSs, the fan uses a proprietary connector, so what I do is:

1. Remove stock fan with wires/connector attached
2. Clip off wire w/proprietary connector attached, as close to the fan as possible so you have plenty of slack
3. Clip connector off new fan (if attached) leaving plenty of slack
4. Strip wires and solder together new fan + old connector ensuring you keep proper polarity! Use shrink wrap (preferred) or black tape
5. Put it all back together
6. Test, ensuring that fan is blowing OUT (exhaust)

It's really easy and will take you 45 minutes if you take your time. I've done it about six times and I can usually get it done in about 20 minutes or so.

 

[huesmann]

Dude, just wear some latex gloves when you work on the sucka. No worries about shorting anything out.

You may want to open the thing up before ordering fans. I wanted to replace a noisy fan and discovered that it wasn't the standard 80x25, it was 80x15. So if I'd ordered an 80x25 fan before checking it out, I'd have been screwed. Also, you'll probably have to clip the plug off the old fan and solder it to the new one. Make sure you get the polarity the same...

 

[0roo0roo]

easiest solution, don't bother connecting fans to psu. screw em in, string wire through grates or cracks or where the bvundle of wires comes into pc. connect as normal case fan. playing with the weenie fan connectors is pointless for noob. no difference either. just cut the old one out if it doesn't disconnect easily.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Hitting the power button on the case after unplugging the PSU from the wall may partially or fully drain the capacitors, too... typically you see the fans spin a few revolutions when you do this. I'd still recommend keeping your hands off anything but the fan wires like Zepper says, just in case. My usual technique is to cut the wires and go with the solder/heatshrink method.

Make sure the fan is pointed to blow the hot air OUT!

i have done several fan changes,
i have never even thought about the capacitors,
i just pretend the units plugged in, and do 1 wire at a time,
and i cut the +{positive,red} wire a little longer than the negative wire,
so if my splice fails,it will not be directly across from the other wire,lessening the chances of a short.

this is something i learned in electricity class,in 11th grade,high school.
{almost 30 years ago! }

small wire nuts are ok,but solder with heatshrink tubing,or heat shrink tape;is better.
You can get the stuff at RadioShack,if you have none.


take your time..