Nita needs help with computer... It's about to blow!! [Vanity]

today | Nita Nupress

[Nita Nupress]

This computer is making a grinding noise; it sounds like it might be the fan. I have the cover off and it really sounds like the fan in the back is about to go out. Will it hurt the computer if I leave it on as long as it's turning?

The computer is an HP Pavillion 6535, about 3 or 4 years old...

Can it be fixed at home if I go buy a new fan, or is this a do-it-yourself project that blondes should avoid?

I added some RAM to it a few months ago with no problem. And I also took out the old CD drive and added a new one, so I'm not the stereotypical dumb blonde (Shutup Dog Gone and razorback bert. No smart-alek comments from you!)

Help! I need feedback!

[steve50]

If it's the fan in the power supply it should be easy. Four little screws usually hold the power supply in place and one electrical snap connector. You can pick up a replacement power supply at places like TigerDirect for $30-$35 bucks. Most fix it shops will try to nail you for $100+ for 5 mins work.

[Pro-Bush]

Nita,

I have a pavillion 6000 series. (don't know what model, I am at work). I had the same problem. I replaced the fan in the back of the tower and still had the same problem. So I thought it was my hard drive, so I bought a new one and installed it. Still had the noise. I was bummed. Then I took the tower apart again and found a smaller second fan, near the CD rom, replaced it, and everything is fine again. I should have taken it to CompUSA initally. It would have been faster and cheaper. And, yes, I am blonde.

[RoughDobermann]

It's the fan by the power cord

Time for a new power supply...

[6ppc]

If the fan is the problem, you can run (indefinitely) by opening the case and pointing a small fan at the motherboard. I ran that way for almost a year once.

[Nita Nupress]

I had that problem before. Turn the computer off and make sure that the fan is clear of wires

Already did that. Thanks, though.

[mitchbert]

I'm assuming that "the fan in the back" would be the one inside the power supply. If so, if it seizes you could burn out the power supply and maybe damage other stuff as well.

Power supplies are cheap. As for replacing it yourself it will involve removing the old PS and disconnecting the power cables from the motherboard and all drives, so a little more involved than adding RAM. It is possible with some motherboards and drives to accidentally reverse the positive/negative wires when plugging in the new power supply, another danger is knocking loose a drive cable (the big wide grey multi-wire things) as depending on how much stuff you've got crammed into the box things may be a little tight for space.

If you haven't ever built a PC from absolute scratch (successfully!) I'd shy away from it. Any decent small computer shop would likely do the job for you in no time for a very minimal cost.

Good luck!

[Cyber Liberty]

Kanooter Valve?

[js1138]

Why am I getting the feeling that she touched something she shouldn't have and is currently out cold on the floor?

The highest voltage inside a computer is 12v. Not enough to shock you, even if you are standing in a puddle. Of course you can obliterate most of the innards by touching something with a screwdriver or dropping one of the screws inside.

[6ppc]

What he said ;^)

[RoughDobermann]

Here's a link that will help if you choose to replace the power supply yourself. It isn't much harder than working on drive, IMO. More wires though..

[SamAdams76]

Fans in computers get very dusty over time and get noisy. Since you have the computer opened up, just power the system down and unplug the fan (should be a two or three wire connector) from the motherboard. Then turn the system back on. If the noise is gone, that was your problem. They are very easy to replace and any computer store (such as CompUSA) will have replacement fans. Bring the bad one with you just so you get the right type. Pay a little extra and get one of those "noiseless" fans with sealed bearings.

[RoughDobermann]

The highest voltage inside a computer is 12v

How about inside the PSU?

[Bikers4Bush]

I was just kidding around with the fact that it seemed to be taking her awhile to get back with an answer.

[Zavien Doombringer]

If you are electricaly inclinded, you can remove the power supply and remove the 4 screw holding the box together, follow the leads from the fan, most are pluged to the circiut card, but older ones are soldered in..get a fan and remove and replace. Fans are cheap, infact I have one you can have!

[bootless]

Hi Nita,

Been there - it can be ugly. When I had that problem, I took the cover off the computer, aimed a small room fan at the innards, and then handed it over to a friend who put a new fan in.

That's all I know. I hope it doesn't turn into "Nita New Computer." Good luck!

[6ppc]

mitch is right...it doesn't take a huge amount of mechanical skill to do this, but it is a pain. Most small PC shops will do it for around $25 plus the cost of the power supply...a lot of them will do it while you wait.

[Zavien Doombringer]

Power supplies are cheap. As for replacing it yourself it will involve removing the old PS and disconnecting the power cables from the motherboard and all drives, so a little more involved than adding RAM

Power supplies are not cheap and if you are looking for a proprietary one, they are more. It is cheaper to buy a new chasis! You also have to get the proper power supply for that board, Volts/Wattage/and amps...Consult the manufacturer!

[Nita Nupress]

Stick a stick in the fan and see if the noise stops. If it is just a fan, you should be OK. If it is the power supply, that's not good.

The noise stopped.

[Bikers4Bush]

We have a winner!

[RoughDobermann]

I thought you said the noise was coming from teh power supply fan? Please tell me you didn't stick something into the power supply...