uhh... changing PSU fan

[flashbacck]

I'd like to change the fan in my PSU. How dumb would this be? Anybody have any experiences with this? Thanks.

edit: just a side note. the PSU is the small form factor type (SFX?). I don't know if that matters...

 

[TonyH]

Not really any big deal changing out the fan and its not a dumb idea. I switched out the fan on a microatx power supply that I have to reduce the noise.

You'll need to figure out the size of the fan, how much air you need it to move (CFM) and how much noise you can tolerate from it (dB).

After that you'll need to do a bit of research finding a fan that meets those qualifications. Then its a simple matter of removing the power supply from the case and removing the cover to swap out the fans. Make sure that you match which way the fans blow. And be sure that you properly slice the wires so there's no chance of a short, and route them where they won't interfere with or get caught in the fan.

 

[Peter D]

My bro has done it once (recently) and it went fine. He pulled off all the metal casing and just unsoldered the wires from the board, and soldered in the ones and works like a charm Just dont touch anything you shouldnt be

 

[Motorheader]

Go for it.

You might want to contact Anandtech member Gizzo as well - he has his own fan database and I found him to be quite knowledgeable.

 

[stevennoland]

Just remember, you will void your warranty. Just wondering, why do you wan't to change the fan? I would assume you want a quieter one or want to add some bling. In either case, it is possible. If you don't want to bother, and have the $$$, get a new power supply. Vantec and Antec make excellent PSU's. If $$$ is no object, get a PC Power and Cooling.

 

[Bookie]

i have changed the fans in my three computers. I put in panaflos (l1a) in each of them. This helped dramatically with the noise. I can honestly say that the loudest part of any of my computers is the panaflo fans (11 in total). I just cut the wires and used those screw caps to put the new ones in. If your power supply isn't see-through then this will work just fine.

 

[QTPie]

I've changed fan in several PSUs without any problem. Just read the power rating on the fan and decide if what your new fan will be. I put panaflow fan to make the PSU quieter.

 

[0roo0roo]

wow, no one bothered to warn you of the danger? don't touch the big capacitors, you'll get a big shock. discharge the thing by leaving it unplugged and flipping the power a couple times. leave for hours or even 24 hrs if your paranoid. and then still be careful and don't touch internal components. easiiest way is to cut or unplug internal fan, put in new fan and simply string wire through grate to power like a normal case fan.