power supply fan is making noise.

[ArkiStan]

I'm sure you've all expreienced this before, cause this has happened to all of my previous computers.

Recently I've been getting some whirring fan noise from the computer. It started getting unbearable so I opened the baby up today to check which one it is. The noise is coming from the fan on the power supply(At least I think that's what it is. the big box in the back with all the power cables coming out or it). Pressing lightly against the fan reduces the noise for a couple minutes then starts up again. When I turn on my computer the fan comes to a screeching stop. It sounds like it just needs some greasing up or something. What can I do?

BTW, I tend to never turn my computer off. Is that the problem?

[Markel]

It is possible that you might be able to find a replacement fan for the power supply. Oiling a fan is usually a temporary fix. Don't put things off for long, thought, because once the fan stops spinning, the power supply burns up, and when the power supply burns up it can take other components with it.

[ArkiStan]

True.
The computer is a Dell Dimension 9100 I bought last fall. I'll check to see what I can find at Dell's support page.

[Jeffbx]

If it's still under warranty they'll ship you a new one. Otherwise you should replace it yourself - they're pretty easy to find on ebay

[ArkiStan]

Unfortunately it's out of warranty. Should I look for a new Power Supply or will I be able to buy just the fan?

I've installed parts on my computer before, but never actually repaired something like this. It should be fun to try this out. Thanks for the input people.

edit:
just found out that trying to take the power supply apart is NOT a good idea. Found a crash-course tutorial on CNet video if anybody else is interested:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Soundproof_your_PC_Hush_the_power_supply/4660-3118_7-5683271.html

[ArkiStan]

okay, here is the label on my current PSU. Can somebody recommend a good QUIET PSU that is equal or better than this? I want to get the quietest one under $40.

http://www.raymondkwan.com/uploader2/files/790/DSC_0112.JPG

[Markel]

One thing I found when replacing a power supply on a Dell. The back (where the plug, switch, etc., of all power supplies is not the same. Some put the plug in one place, some in another. The Dell PSU did not have an on/off switch, but the replacement I got did, so I had to cut an opening for the power switch in the sheet metal on the back of the case. You would do best to take careful note of the layout of the one you have, then go to a Fry's, etc., to get one that matches. (Of course, Dell may have moved to the standard "full opening" back, in which case any standard PSU should fit ok.)

[GilbertsGrape]

i had this happen to me before. i was able to open up my powersupply and replace the fan for about $3 just take the PS apart and measure the fan then buy a new one and install it.

[ArkiStan]

One thing I found when replacing a power supply on a Dell. The back (where the plug, switch, etc., of all power supplies is not the same....
thanks for the heads up. i'll make sure to check that before I buy anything.


i had this happen to me before. i was able to open up my powersupply and replace the fan for about $3 just take the PS apart and measure the fan then buy a new one and install it.
Are there any risk factors in opening up the PSU?

[ArkiStan]

Can somebody tell me if this would be a decent PSU?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Silent-500W-ATX-Blue-Quiet-Power-Supply-for-P3-P4-AMD_W0QQitemZ330060660902QQihZ014QQcategoryZ80173QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It's has a higher wattage than my current one and it has a 12cm fan which I've heard is quieter than the usuall ones.

BTW, I have several SATA hard drives that are connected to the motherboard's SATA controller. Does that mean I need the PSU to have SATA cables?

[GilbertsGrape]

Are there any risk factors in opening up the PSU?i would for sure unplug it first. and as long as you just work on the fan don't go poking around at stuff in there you should be ok stay away from any capacitors if you see any in there they store energy. the fans only use 3-5Volts

http://www.ba-electronics.com/images/nte-cap.jpg