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!

[Nita Nupress]

Then I took the tower apart again and found a smaller second fan,

Yes, I can see that one. The noise doesn't stop when I stop that fan. It's gotta be the PS fan.

[js1138]

How about inside the PSU?

Never checked, but two things come to mind. First, if you attempt to open the PS while it's plugged in, you are in Darwin territory. There will be at least a few spots with 110v ac. Second, computer power supplies uses switching technology. Simply put, they use high frequency transformers for small size and low weight. I suspect that some combination of loose screwdrivers could encounter something higher than 12v. At the very least you might melt a screwdriver, and that's no fun.

My daughters PS filled with dust and caught on fire. Some combination of events fried the motherboard, CD and hard drive.

[Bikers4Bush]

There's your answer.

[danmar]

Will it hurt the computer if I leave it on as long as it's turning?

Well Nita it looks that your power supply cooling fan is just about to go out.Eventually if the fan goes out it will burn up the power supply.

The only remedy is to open up the box, measure the size of the power supply box, usually held in place on the back of the computer case by 3 or 4 screws. Go to a computer store, and buy similar size, power supply and reinstall. Since power supplys units are of different "Wattage" output, the bigger the better.

Do not get discouraged, if is not the same shape as the old one; as long it fits the space and can be mounted, this is what you need. Good Luck!

[RoughDobermann]

I guess that whatever did the sticking wasn't conductive!

[nothingnew]

My PackardBell has done this for years. Clean it and give it a kick once in awhile. I've had no problems as far as performance.

FMCDH

[js1138]

I don't want to advise this,but I can be pretty cheap. My actual solution for noisy fans is to remove the label over the bearings or punch a hole in it, and drop in some good all-purpose household oil, like 3-in-one.

[RoughDobermann]

First, if you attempt to open the PS while it's plugged in, you are in Darwin territory

I've personally seen people do this and, yes, I hope that they never breed.

[Bikers4Bush]

That same trick works for the venting fan in my bathroom.

You'd think I'd just bite the bullet since the thing gets used every day but ooooooh no. Gotta keep it going til it dies.

[glock rocks]

a year and a half ago, I put a drop of militec-1 gun oil on the fan shaft in the power supply.

it's been running silent since.

[Nita Nupress]

NO, silly! I didn't stick something in the power supply! I'm very familiar with the 2 fans in it because I've taken this thing apart several times. I knew exactly where to put my finger to slow down/stop the fans because I've done it before. There are grills over the fans, and if you press your finger against them in just the right spot...

[Bikers4Bush]

If she's got gun oil on hand and she's single I'll be disappointed if someone doesn't propose to her.

[RoughDobermann]

Just checking!

[Bikers4Bush]

Just wanted to make sure you weren't trying to get the Don King look.

[Nita Nupress]

small capacitors do carry a bite!

Okay, dumb question, but there's not any way I can hurt myself as long as it's unplugged, right? The battery isn't going to make something bite me, is it?

[Izzy Dunne]

Surely you've seen those signs saying "Computer Spin Balancing"...

Take the computer to that shop, and tell them you want it spin-balanced.

[Bikers4Bush]

If you've taken it apart that many times without issue then you should be fine.

[VRWC_minion]

Okay, dumb question, but there's not any way I can hurt myself as long as it's unplugged, right? The battery isn't going to make something bite me, is it?

PRobably not, but always treat electric parts with respect. But just in case, get a liberal to change the power supply for you.

[Zavien Doombringer]

Capacitors are like batteries...but they hold a different kind of charge. A capacitor builds up voltage to be release when the charge has reached it's limit. Not like a battery where you can touch the positive and negative at the same time, a capacitor will discharge all of its charge when grounded, resulting in what the Viking Kitties call a "ZOT"

[RoughDobermann]

Okay, dumb question, but there's not any way I can hurt myself as long as it's unplugged, right?

Not a dumb question at all. Capacitors are not your friends!