Hello,

My computer is a Dell Dimension B110 manufactured August 2005 and moderately used since December 2005. Until 2 days ago, the fan has worked fine. I will run my computer for 45 minutes, then the fan makes a funny sound. I put my hand behind it and felt warm air coming out of the CPU fan. I turned the computer off yesterday, popped the cover off, and felt some of the heat sink components. The CPU and another chip nearby with a heatsink were buring hot. The powerpack was warm, but not unusual. I felt the air from behind another similar computer (Dell Dimension 2400, from 2003) and behind the CPU fan the current was much stronger and after a few hours was still cool. I have carried the computer around to test some monitors recently, but I have not dropped it. There is no difference with the issue about whether the computer is under Windows XP, openSUSE 11.2, or openSUSE 11.3.

I would like to know what is the issue with the fan, what caused it, and how to fix it and/or replace it. Thanks! Figure a lot of you are IT guys that know a bit about hardweare.

Hi,

Replace the fan. 5+ years and depending on runtime the fan's bearing/bushing would be the fault that creates the noise. Moving the system probably changed orientation(s) thus causing the bearing pitch angle changing thus probable rubbing or even shift for the carrier.

Replace the fan with the same physical size and air movement specs.
As for the CPU, I'm not sure but believe the HS is static without a fan because of space for this particular model. If you have good air flow then the CPU & chipset HS will be OK. Be sure your cabling is not blocking ports or flow thus restricting and causing heat issues. What does your BIOS health show? Before & after fan replacement.