what kind of fan to cool computer?
 

Hello!

I just have a question about what type of fan to buy for my case. The fan outside the power supply seems to have died, so I bought a usb fan that sits right outside on the case with magnets. I feel warm air going out, so it seems to be working okay, and the computer doesn't do anything weird. However, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to buy a pci slot fan to sit in the back of the case, either to pull air in or push it out, or would a 3 fan system that fits in a hard drive bay and pushes/pulls air in be a better choice? So far, I turn the system off when I'm not home, but I'd like to keep it on all the time like I used to. As I said, there's nothing weird about how it runs with the fans it has, but I figure more cooling certainly wouldn't hurt. Any ideas on the best fan?

Thanks in advance!

Member response
 

Hi,

Depending on your case style a fan would be better mounted to help move air through the PSU. You could use one to move air into the case and force air out through the PSU.

Maybe you should consider getting a replacement PSU.

Did you remove the bad fan? A standard case fan would have more airflow and should have better cooling. If you didn't remove the old fan you reduce cooling.

More fans may not improve cooling. If the fans pushing have a larger cfm then pulling cooling is reduced. If the extra fans are in the wrong place than you might reduce cooling around some components.

So if the computer was working good then replacing the case fan with one that has the same specs should be all you need.

what kind of fan to cool computer?

one with blades , maybe

fans and type are dictated on the hardware and the layout
you CAN build a high-end computer that is all passively cooled ( or one SMALL fan -- the new apple )
or
liquid cooled
or
liquid submerged

or

one with 5 clunky NOISY fans that are NOT efficient

Or a devoted follower whose enthusiastic enough to keep it cool???

Make it plural and you'd have a club...

re: cooling fans
 

The type of case I have is a tall, rectangular one; pretty much standard, I guess. I've replaced a few components in computers before-hard drives, dvd drives, ram-, but power supplies and fans are new to me.
I didn't remove the old fan in front of the power supply; is it actually separate from the supply box? Or are they one whole unit? I can't really tell from looking at it. I was always told never to touch the power box; you can electrocute yourself, but if there's a safe way to simply replace the fan, then I would try that. Right now, the new one sits directly outside, right over the non-functioning fan.I feel warm air coming out from it, so it is pulling some heat from the case.
There's 3 bays in the front of the machine, one of which is open at the moment because I removed a cd-burner I no longer needed. It's directly opposite the power supply. I thought perhaps a fan in that slot would pull cool air in and across.
Thanks for everyone's advice so far!

The fan (the 80mm ones) sits outside the PSU but it is wired inside, and you would likely need to get inside the PSU to unmount it anyway. If you're at all familiar with working on electronic equipment, discharging capacitors, etc., replacing the fan is no big deal. If you're not, I'd recommend staying out of there. Yes, the capacitors should discharge in the time it takes you to open the case, but it's possible for that not to happen.

I seriously doubt that any tacked-on fan is going to provide as much cooling as the original one, but odds are that you're not pushing the PSU to more than half its rated capacity anyway, so you can probably get away with it. OTOH, replacement power supplies aren't terribly expensive. What are the ratings on the one you have now?

Member response
 

Hi,
Changing the PSU fan is not an easy task for someone who has not done it before. First, you would need to get a direct replacement for the fan. You would most likely need to move the old connections over to the new fan. Time & effort spent would exceed the purchase of a new PSU. Just be sure to get a PSU that will support the power needs of the system and have proper connectivity for the peripherals. Match the PSU to your system. Most vendors do have the means for a selection of the PSU type to match a given system.

Placement of a drive bay fan set may help but I would highly recommend the changing of the PSU and add fans to the chassis if really necessary. Be sure to control the fan flow into and out of the case. You want a good air exchange with a low noise level. I have heard some systems that would drive me nuts from the high noise level. Sure, cute with all the LED fans but over kill.

Change the PSU, safer and less chance of troubles ahead.
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!
:hattip:

Well,based on what everyone has said, I guess I'll replace the PSU. Even though it still works, I just don't trust leaving the computer on without proper cooling. I've learned the hard way not to rely on dodgy parts-(hard drive failure, anyone?)- and I'm not ready to go into the guts of a PSU just to change a fan.

At any rate, thanks to everyone who replied! (and onebuck, I like the little emoticon dude with the hat!)

Member response
 

Hi,

As I said before, I have taken on the task of swapping out a PSU fan. Not a task for a newbie. You have made a wise decision to replace the PSU. Please consider documenting your replacement experiences with fellow LQ members.

You can find other emoticons in the drop down smiley face at the top of the reply window.

Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!
:hattip: