Power Supply Fan Dead?

CameraGirl87 · 02-25-2009, 08:19 PM

Okay, I set up our HDTV to my computer so I could use it as a DVR/media center. However, whenever I switch from the HDMI input that I have for the computer over to regular TV, then back again, my computer is locked up. When it goes to screen saver and I try to turn it back again - it's locked up. I haven't tried plugging a regular monitor in yet, but I can't see how that would be the problem as the TV is plugged in via DVI port (I have a DVI to HDMI converter plugged in)

Anyway, today when I went to reboot the computer I felt the back of it and the power supply fan was HOT to the touch and there was very little coming out of the back. I'm wondering...could the constant freezing be a symptom of a dead fan...

I figure one way or another I have to replace the power supply fan - but I'm kind of hoping that the two are related.

I'm a little put off that I have to replace the fan though...the computer isn't THAT old - I bought it July of 06 - is it state of the art new? no...but I had a computer that ran for 8 years before I couldn't stand how slow it was any longer...and I never had to replace the fan...I just had to replace the mother board battery again too and I've never had to replace that before...wondering if there is a bigger problem with the thing I'm over looking.

Thanks...if you need to know parts just ask...not sure what to give in the initial post.

dai · 02-25-2009, 08:34 PM

as computers have evolved they have become more power hungry which causes heat and components deteriorate faster
some power supply fans are thermostat controlled and only cut in when needed
power supplies hold enough power to give a fatal shock weeks after being disconnected
care needs to be taken when replacing a fan

http://www.extensiontech.net/articles/howto/dk/psufan/

what are you running
video card
cpu
m/board
ram
power supply
brand
wattage

check the listings in the bios for voltages and temperatures and post them

**twajetmech** · 02-25-2009, 08:39 PM

Generally, you'd replace the psu and not the fan within, not unless you feel comfortable soldering. You could check the psu/computer for dust accumulation and blow any out, that may get the fan working again. Chances are that the overheated psu and your need to replace the cmos battery are related. If you can post more detailed info of the computer that would be helpful....mobo, psu, case, fans etc.

02-25-2009, 08:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
CameraGirl87 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4 OS: VistaSP1(laptop)XPSP2(desktop)	Power Supply Fan Dead? Okay, I set up our HDTV to my computer so I could use it as a DVR/media center. However, whenever I switch from the HDMI input that I have for the computer over to regular TV, then back again, my computer is locked up. When it goes to screen saver and I try to turn it back again - it's locked up. I haven't tried plugging a regular monitor in yet, but I can't see how that would be the problem as the TV is plugged in via DVI port (I have a DVI to HDMI converter plugged in) Anyway, today when I went to reboot the computer I felt the back of it and the power supply fan was HOT to the touch and there was very little coming out of the back. I'm wondering...could the constant freezing be a symptom of a dead fan... I figure one way or another I have to replace the power supply fan - but I'm kind of hoping that the two are related. I'm a little put off that I have to replace the fan though...the computer isn't THAT old - I bought it July of 06 - is it state of the art new? no...but I had a computer that ran for 8 years before I couldn't stand how slow it was any longer...and I never had to replace the fan...I just had to replace the mother board battery again too and I've never had to replace that before...wondering if there is a bigger problem with the thing I'm over looking. Thanks...if you need to know parts just ask...not sure what to give in the initial post.

02-25-2009, 08:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,714 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Power Supply Fan Dead? as computers have evolved they have become more power hungry which causes heat and components deteriorate faster some power supply fans are thermostat controlled and only cut in when needed power supplies hold enough power to give a fatal shock weeks after being disconnected care needs to be taken when replacing a fan http://www.extensiontech.net/articles/howto/dk/psufan/ what are you running video card cpu m/board ram power supply brand wattage check the listings in the bios for voltages and temperatures and post them __________________

02-25-2009, 08:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
twajetmech I helped the forums. Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: LGA, NYC Posts: 2,388 OS: XP-Pro Sp2 & XP-Pro Sp2 Tablet Edition, Vista Ultimate My System	Re: Power Supply Fan Dead? Generally, you'd replace the psu and not the fan within, not unless you feel comfortable soldering. You could check the psu/computer for dust accumulation and blow any out, that may get the fan working again. Chances are that the overheated psu and your need to replace the cmos battery are related. If you can post more detailed info of the computer that would be helpful....mobo, psu, case, fans etc. __________________ PSU Selection/Info // Bench test // Thermal Paste // Memory Selection // Bios Beep Codes // CPU-Z// Posting System Specs