ok/possible to change PSU fan?

[techhippi]

I have a generic power supply anf the fan seems to be in its last stages. Its getting quite noisy too. If its a bearing type maybe the bearings are wearing out or if its the sleeve type maybe its life is just up.

Is it allright to change it?
How does one go about doing it?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

/accepts zero responsibility

Just open up the PSU, remove the screws holding the fan in, and pop it out.

Most PSU fans will use a 2-pin connector internally, so you may have to remove the plastic cover on the fan plug in order to fit a 3-pin fan in. Just replace it with one of around the same CFM, and you'll be fine.

- M4H

 

[zzzz]

be careful and dont touch other electronic components in the PSU(like capacitors).

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: zzzz
be careful and dont touch other electronic components in the PSU(like capacitors).

It's a shock hazard, just like with a TV.

Anyone know if a power supply tester like Antec makes can be used to drain the caps?

 

[kpb]

Done that in the powersupplies of 2 of my 3 current systems.

Main thing to watch is make sure you get the fan pointing the right way for the air flow. Backwords and air flow threw your system will be messed up.

I just clipped the 3 wire connectors off the new fans and twisted them to the old 2 wires, worked fine for me.

Like people said tho make sure you don't touch anything in the powersupply. Could potentially shock yourself pretty badly even with it unplugged. Fans are usually pretty simple to get and seperated off some so wasn't bad when I did it.

I did 2 safely but I take no responsibility if you decide to do it and fry your self. Dealing with high voltage components can potentially be deadly so proced at your own risk.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

You say generic PSU, how much will it cost to get a new one?

 

[techhippi]

I have seen atleast one big capacitor discharge a huge spark (when shorted) in an electrical lab a few years ago. In fact one fella was about to touch it before the lab assistant stopped him just in time. He later dishcrged it.

Anyways, though the risk stays, I am going to give it a shot. I just hope I dont accidently touch a cap. I think I might just write my will before I get working on it.

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
You say generic PSU, how much will it cost to get a new one?

I wouldn't get a generic a second time around. Plus, its not just about the money. Its just bad environmentally to waste finished products (read energy) like this - when they cud be fixed.

 

[ethebubbeth]

My friend wanted an led fan in his power supply for the comp i built him.... wasn't too hard swapping it out but be careful as everyone else says.... amazingly easy to really fsck yourself up in the process.

 

[0roo0roo]

yup just be careful. i ussually don't bother wiring the fan to the oriingal connectors since its too short a cable and its dangerous. i just use the normal fan connector and string that through whatever crack or hole into the case and get power from a normal connector. also did that so i could connect the psu fans to a fan speed controller nice and quiet.

i think theres a procedure to semi discharge the thing.. i'm sure someone knows about it. i just turn the pc on a few times with no power plugged in then leave it there for an hour b4 i bother. then i'm really really careful.

 

[Stunt]

when im fooling around in my psu (which seems to be a lot lately - like 15 times...:S), i touch the casing while plugged in (gets rid of your static electricity), unplug the unit, and finally press power button.
This should eliminate any energy in the capacitors.
never been socked in my life using this technique.

about your fan. just put in an 80mm panaflo and run the power wires out the box to the 4-pin connectors.
you will enjoy the quietness

 

[ethebubbeth]

actually, i forgot that if you use a screwdriver to connect the ground and hot wires of the PSU while it's turned off, it will dissipate a bunch of the charge stored in the capacitors.

 

[techhippi]

Just changed the fan.
cut the wires to join them to the PSU board wires.
seems to be working allright.

The slight bother is that its a 4 W fan and the original was 2 W. Will this in any way blow off the PSU board? If any of you know, what's the worry behind pulling too much power off a board (i hear that with motherboard fans - 3 pin vs 4 pin too)?? Does it have to do with the connectors not being able to handle the extra current and melting? In that case the max damage wud be just lose connections and no other damage huh?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

You're worried about an extra 2W draw?

- M4H

 

[techhippi]

The case is running much quieter after the PSU fan change. Thanks to you all.