Power Supply Fan Noise

[ping]

The fan on my power supply has started making a lot of noise but still blows air. Does this mean my power supply is about to die? My husband is already set to run out and pay $90 for a new one but is that necessary? If the fan does die couldn't I tape a $2.00 fan on the vent to keep it cool?

[samspade]

The fan on my power supply has started making a lot of noise but still blows air. Does this mean my power supply is about to die? My husband is already set to run out and pay $90 for a new one but is that necessary? If the fan does die couldn't I tape a $2.00 fan on the vent to keep it cool?

I do not think that putting a fan taped to the power supply would be your best bet and I think that buying a new one would be to your advantage.

I just replaced mine with a power supply that was two and a half more times powerful and it came with all the new cords for power supply.

This computer I had bought off the shelf instead of building like I usually do and it was under powered for some applications.

If you build your own and put a newer mother board in it the new power supply should be able to handle the new graphic cards.

[ping]

I do not think that putting a fan taped to the power supply would be your best bet and I think that buying a new one would be to your advantage.

I just replaced mine with a power supply that was two and a half more times powerful and it came with all the new cords for power supply.

This computer I had bought off the shelf instead of building like I usually do and it was under powered for some applications.

If you build your own and put a newer mother board in it the new power supply should be able to handle the new graphic cards.

This one is partially self built I think. I know my husband has replaced a lot of stuff in it before but what exactly I don't know.

[Maylar]

Ping, the powersupply may or may not be about to die. In my experience it kinda depends on if it's making more a buzzing or crackling noise. If it's buzzing I've seen them not really die but just sound REALLY annoying. I've seen crackling die pretty quick though.

Open up the case and pull out the power supply. If you can easily replace the fan without opening up the thing do that. Don't open it though, there is a component inside there that could potentially give you a rather "shocking" experience if you accidentally touch it. If you can't replace the fan easily, just replace it. Try and find a power supply = to or maybe a little greater than in power. No reason to go overkill like sam did.

[ping]

Ping, the powersupply may or may not be about to die. In my experience it kinda depends on if it's making more a buzzing or crackling noise. If it's buzzing I've seen them not really die but just sound REALLY annoying. I've seen crackling die pretty quick though.

Open up the case and pull out the power supply. If you can easily replace the fan without opening up the thing do that. Don't open it though, there is a component inside there that could potentially give you a rather "shocking" experience if you accidentally touch it. If you can't replace the fan easily, just replace it. Try and find a power supply = to or maybe a little greater than in power. No reason to go overkill like sam did.

My husband said it's definitely the fan making the noise. Sounds like it's wearing out. It hasn't been making an electrical noise like you describe but I think he's going to buy a new power supply if he hasn't ordered one already.

[Maylar]

My husband said it's definitely the fan making the noise. Sounds like it's wearing out. It hasn't been making an electrical noise like you describe but I think he's going to buy a new power supply if he hasn't ordered one already.

Sorry, I meant the crackling noise of the fan not an electrical noise. The crackling type noise of the fan is usually a broken piece inside the axle that is snapping as the fan turns.

[Tiny1]

My husband said it's definitely the fan making the noise. Sounds like it's wearing out. It hasn't been making an electrical noise like you describe but I think he's going to buy a new power supply if he hasn't ordered one already.

It's been my experience that when the PS fan starts making noise, it's time to replace it. That said, what does the 90 bucks include? I can buy a 600 watt case and supply for 55 dollars, complete with neon lights and such. All you need to replace is the Power Supply itself. I can buy a 500 watt PS for 35 dollars. It is as easy as falling off a log.
If you wait, and the powersupply burns out, it could cause other damage.

[EagleWings]

It's been my experience that when the PS fan starts making noise, it's time to replace it. That said, what does the 90 bucks include? I can buy a 600 watt case and supply for 55 dollars, complete with neon lights and such. All you need to replace is the Power Supply itself. I can buy a 500 watt PS for 35 dollars. It is as easy as falling off a log.
If you wait, and the powersupply burns out, it could cause other damage.

I agree; if you shop around you can get a good deal. Of course you do have the option of just replacing the fan, BUT I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT !.

To replace the fan requires opening the power supply, and as Maylar has stated, there are components (capacitors), that hold a very nasty charge, and if you accidentally discharge them they are capable of doing extreme harm. I have seen them melt the tip of a screwdriver. Also, to replace the fan requires soldering.

[rei-chan]

Knowing her she will beat on computer with hammer to make it quiets lol

[Tiny1]

I agree; if you shop around you can get a good deal. Of course you do have the option of just replacing the fan, BUT I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT !.

To replace the fan requires opening the power supply, and as Maylar has stated, there are components (capacitors), that hold a very nasty charge, and if you accidentally discharge them they are capable of doing extreme harm. I have seen them melt the tip of a screwdriver. Also, to replace the fan requires soldering.

Totally true. I replace the whole power supply. It's easy to do and cost effective. I think they cost me 35-40 bucks and are 500-600 watts. Besides, it is nice to know that your power supply is completely new.