Computer Chip Fan Issues

pliang

So I started up my computer early today and when it entered the BIOS it displayed this message like
"Warning* your computer chip may fail/running slow"

I went to check the temperature on the fan and it doesn't seem to be out of the norm...so then rebooted...got into the desktop without slowing down or recreating the warning message.

This is the first time it happened after 2 and a half years...i guess its time to take it apart and clean it up or replace fan/heat sink ?

Anyone else experienced something similar first hand?

pliang

It has also been making pretty noticeable sounds...louder than usual (Guess that's what happens before it stops working?)

Xenobond

Yeah, definitely disconnect your box, open up the case and blow/vac all the dust out of there. Make sure to hit all the fans real good, too. This should be a regular occurring event. Depending on how dusty your room is/how dry the weather is, you'd need to do it more often.

Living in Arizona I had to do this/check at least once a month to see how much build up there was.

pliang

Yeah my comp also happens to be in a pretty compact room nestled between tables and shelves...and its next to an open window...I just blew out all the dust in vincinity and so far its not making that sound or the warning display...guess time will tell.

Thanks for the reminder...I only do it once a month as well.

Illusions

Since I just cleaned out a 5 year old computer that wouldn't boot due to something (probably dust), I would suggest a few air cans, opening the case up, and wearing a painter's mask and goggles and just blowing the thing out, with an active vacuum cleaner in the other hand to suck up the blown dust so it doesn't go everywhere. Work from one end of the case to the other.

notman

Your fan may be dying. That warning may have been based on the fan RPM. If the bearings are going, the fan RPM will drop occassionally (or more). That's probably the sound you heard also (the bearing locking). Fans are cheap, it's worth the insurance

hawken

I'm a fan of Two 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Harpertown” processors

pliang

notman wrote: »

Your fan may be dying. That warning may have been based on the fan RPM. If the bearings are going, the fan RPM will drop occassionally (or more). That's probably the sound you heard also (the bearing locking). Fans are cheap, it's worth the insurance

Yeah had them all on warranty...I think they have expired by now though...

Next time I'll be sure to smash them before warranty and get a renewal like my laptop...

notman

Most computer fans are only around $15, so it's easier to replace than to deal with a warranty on one (unless it's unique)

HonkyPunch

The other day a spider got sucked into my computer fan after I crippled two of it's legs.
Shit was awesome

pliang

notman wrote: »

Most computer fans are only around $15, so it's easier to replace than to deal with a warranty on one (unless it's unique)

Yep...