[SOLVED] Curious if aging desktops should get a new fan (?)

kernelhead · 02-17-2023, 12:15 AM

Curious if aging desktops should get a new fan (?)

My desktop is the HP EliteDesk G1 SFF. It has an Intel Core i5-4750CPU@3.2Ghz, I've upgraded it to 1 TB SSD and 16 GB Ram. It runs really great, for what I do, but I feel it is getting some years on it and wander if I should consider putting a new fan in it - I imagine if the fan goes down in an aging system then it would overheat and die quickly, eh?

lvm_ · 02-17-2023, 12:59 AM

Install psensors and check temperatures.

szboardstretcher · 02-17-2023, 01:02 AM

If a computer overheats, the machine will shutdown to prevent damage. I personally don't see any reason to replace a fan unless that has happened. Keep the fan clean and replace it when/if the fan fails.

Here is a list of warning signs to replace/clean a fan:

Quote:

Overheating: When your fans aren’t working, you’re going to be experiencing a lot of overheating problems, whether it be with the video card, CPU or other components. You can usually get a pretty good idea that your computer is overheating if you experience frequent system shutdowns with no apparent cause.
System shutdown: Like we said, a system shutting down randomly is a pretty good indication that you might be facing overheating problems, and thus, issues with your fans. If your main CPU fan/heatsink stopped working, often you’ll get a “CPU fan failure” error or similar message. You might even see errors for different component-related fans, such as “power supply fan failure.” These errors are usually followed by a complete and automatic system shutdown if you aren’t able to get the fans working within one to three minutes after the error message popping up.
Fan noise: When fans are running, generally, you can hear them. It’s not a loud sound by any means, but is certainly noticeable. That said, when running your computer, if you just hear dead silence, it might be best to pop the hood and take a look at what’s going on. Not only that, but fans on the way out can make strange noises, too. Not all the time, but they can, so that’s something to keep an eye out for as well.

https://www.techjunkie.com/how-to-te...eed-replacing/

Jan K. · 02-17-2023, 10:58 AM

With the machine turned off (...) feel how freely the fans are turning with your finger.

If any resistance is felt, replace the thing. Fans of today are cheap and moves tons of air practically noiseless...

If you can hear the fans, replace them. I say!

dugan · 02-17-2023, 12:54 PM

Keep in mind that the biggest problem might not be the fan. It might be the thermal paste.

leclerc78 · 02-17-2023, 01:26 PM

I operate them with at least one side panel removed as long as that does not create an eyesore.

rclark · 02-17-2023, 02:24 PM

Quote:

If you can hear the fans, replace them. I say

yep, If a fan starts to buzz, squeal, doesn't move, etc... Or smell something hot. Had that happen once too! As said above fans are cheap, although I tend to buy the better quality ones which ups the price by a couple of dollars.

mrmazda · 02-18-2023, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kernelhead

Curious if aging desktops should get a new fan (?)

My desktop is the HP EliteDesk G1 SFF. It has an Intel Core i5-4750CPU@3.2Ghz, I've upgraded it to 1 TB SSD and 16 GB Ram. It runs really great, for what I do, but I feel it is getting some years on it and wander if I should consider putting a new fan in it - I imagine if the fan goes down in an aging system then it would overheat and die quickly, eh?

An OEM fan will typically never need replacing if the PC is one that only runs a small portion of your days or weeks. If you run it 24/7, then after 5 or more years a replacement might be considered preventive maintenance. I don't replace them before they make unreasonable noise to indicate replacement is prudent.

Simple fan replacement may not be possible. Some coolers are equipped with fans difficult or impossible find, requiring a complete cooler replacement or improvisation is required. IME, HP desktops usually come with good fans that last long and are easily replaced if necessary. The hard part can be cooler removal to inspect and/or replace the thermal material. Typically OEM material must be replaced if the cooler is removed for any reason, but is good enough that the cooler shouldn't need to be removed to inspect the material. IOW, don't remove unless your are committed to replacing the material with quality thermal paste.

astrogeek · 02-18-2023, 03:04 AM

FWIW - I have been building out an EliteDesk 800 G1 SFF with i7 CPU with Slackware64-15.0 this week.

The CPU heatsink is easily servicable, although the original paste material looked good to me (this is a low hours machine too).

I would not worry about the fan unless I had an actual problem.

Good luck!

kernelhead · 02-19-2023, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lvm_

Install psensors and check temperatures.

I know I marked this thread solved, but shouldn't the program called "System Profiler and Benchmark" be adequate to see if temperatures are ok. Like in this screenshot: