BrokenDream

Ok so I have a Dell dimension 3000

just like about 2 day i notice that the fans was getting louder and that was not only nerve wrecking sound but not right.

I took it to a shop to able to get clean quick so now it sound silent again

But then i check my computer and I notice that 1 fan was was moving but the other one isn't.

I'm not really much of a computer expert but I think both fan suppose to be moving if im not mistaken. Is there any way i can fix the problem by myself without going to someone to fix it?

Robert Burlin

The BEST THING you can do is REPLACE THE FAN THAT IS NOT WORKING!

ITS EASY TO SEE THAT ITS NOT A PROBLEM WITH SOFTWARE you are having. it is a part of your HARDWARE that is FAILING! so the ANSWER TO YOUR PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE THE FAILING PARTS!

simpswr

Which fan is running and which is not?

BrokenDream

Purple arrow: not working

Black arrow: working

I'm just really not sure what to do, i just don't want to spend more money for expensive equipment, the comp was expensive as it is

BrokenDream

anyone?

simpswr

The top fan is inside the Power Supply and not easily replaced. Some P/S fans will only come on when the P/S gets warm . . have you left it on long enough to see if it comes on later? . .

BrokenDream

yes i did but no matter what, it just won't seem to budge

simpswr

Well . . you may need to replace the power supply

-LONGBOW-

It depends on how badly you want to save money...

a new PSU can cost upwards of 60$...
a new 80mm (8cm) fan costs ~10$
solder costs ~5$

Replacing a PSU fan:

• 1. Unplug the PSU. (completely)
• 2. Remove 4 screws in rear of PSU to remove from tower.
• 3. Remove 4 screws on top of PSU to remove cover.
• 4a. If lucky;

i) unplug/unscrew old 80mm PSU fan.
ii) plug/scew in new 80mm fan.

• 4b. If unlucky;

i) cut wires as close as possible to the old 80mm PSU fan. staggered, so they are different lengths.
ii) strip 1 cm of insulation from each wire.
iii) slip 2x2cm pieces of heat shrink tubing on the wires.(or use electricians tape later)
iv) cut&strip the wires on your new 80mm fan staggered (opposite the stagger on the PSU wires), close to the connector.
v) observing polarity (+/-), wrap the appropriate wires together.
vi) solder wires and heat up the shrink tubing or insulate each wire with electrician's tape.

• 5. do the opposite of what steps 3,2, and 1 tell you to do, in reverse order.

I did this to my PSU and it works great, The PSU was brand new out of the box though... I just wanted illuminated fans inside.

insane tip of the day: if you don't own a soldering iron, you can solder with a bic if you use the blue part of the flame. (burns clean)

Disclaimer: It's not my fault if you touch something you shouldn't and get electrocuted. Stay away from the capacitors!!!!