replacing fans on laptop

[Osteole]

I have a Dell Inspiron 8200 laptop whose fans are becoming unbelievably noisy. I've tried to blast them with air to unlodge dust bunnies, but the noise still persists.

I think the system is overheating because the fans are not working at an optimum lvl. Is it possible to replace these two fans on the back of the laptop? I've searched in all the forums, but haven't found anyone with a similiar problem.

Short term solution seems to buy a laptop cooling pad, but how effective are these really?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

We do have a SSF, Notebooks Forum

 

[MWink]

I had the exact same laptop with the exact same problem (though mine probably hadn't gone as bad as yours). What a hellish experience that was. Both fans are one assembly, so you'll have to get an exact replacement from Dell. That was the worst part for me. The first time they sent me the heat pipe. After spending forever on the phone with them trying to get them to figure out the right part (I think I even had the exact part number) he said he found it and would send it. A few days later an entire motherboard arrived. Luckly it had the fan assembly attached so I kept it.

Once you get the fans you'll have to take the laptop completely apart. You'll probably have to take out the motherboard to replace the fan assembly. I wouldn't suggest trying unless you have experience working on laptops. Given the age of the laptop it might be a better idea just to replace it. If you do decide to try, good luck, you'll need it!

BTW laptop cooling pads can help a little but I've had bad luck with some.

 

[John]

Yes, you can replace the fans. Call Dell and navigate thru the call queue to the Spare Parts division.