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]

Thank ALL of you for your help! This place has some awesome people on board.

[commandante_zero]

Thank you. Made my day.

[Nita Nupress]

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

Should I ask them to rotate all the wires, too? ;-)

[RadioAstronomer]

If its the power supply fan, replace the power supply. If it is the back chassis fan replace the fan. One good thing about a new power supply is that you can a) get whisper quiet fans and b) one with a higher wattage rating. I suggest 350 or better. DONT take the power supply itself apart. I have built many many computers and just replacing a power supply is not a big deal. Take a look at the Antec true power types. One thing you need to make sure is on some of the pre-made computers, the power supply size is a bit smaller than a large wattage one. If you buy one, ensure it fits!

[Zavien Doombringer]

oh yeah, capacitors hold this charge, even unplugged, until it is released. CRT's Cathode Ray Tubes (televisions and Monitors) have much larger "caps" and have much higher voltage, do not touch the red wire on a monitors tube, or the sparkplug looking thingy either :)

[RoughDobermann]

Should I ask them to rotate all the wires, too? ;-)

Just make sure that you don't ask them to replace the keyboard because your's is missing the "any" key... ;-)

[Nita Nupress]

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"

Thanks. I think I'll backup everything and then take it to my local computer shop. I don't trust myself!

[RadioAstronomer]

oh yeah, capacitors hold this charge, even unplugged, until it is released. CRT's Cathode Ray Tubes (televisions and Monitors) have much larger "caps" and have much higher voltage, do not touch the red wire on a monitors tube, or the sparkplug looking thingy either :)

I got "bit" once from a RADAR magnetron! 20kv was just tons of fun! LOL!

[RoughDobermann]

20kv was just tons of fun!

Must have been a shocking experience, ahem...

[RadioAstronomer]

Thanks. I think I'll backup everything and then take it to my local computer shop. I don't trust myself!

Just don't let em sell you something you DONT need!

[Nita Nupress]

I believe Homeland Security is mirroring your hard drive and they're probably laughing at the way you're swearing like a sailor trying to fix it. You know with that mic thingy they can hear you and with the monitor they can see you.

Hope that helps.

LOL! Fred, I KNEW you would come through for me. Actually, I meant to add your name to Dog Gone and RBbert, but forgot.

[BlazingArizona]

First try vacuuming out the interior of the case, concentrating on the fan itself, then leave the computer on. A computer left on all the time will last longer than one that is started and stopped every day. Just turn the monitor off when you're not using it.

[RadioAstronomer]

Must have been a shocking experience, ahem...

Indeed! LMAO!

[Zavien Doombringer]

Actually you will be fine...Your computer shop will charge you an arm and a leg...

look here, try this...

1. Remove the power cable from power supply

2. Open case, remove the power connector P1 on the motherboard (if it is an ATX form factor) or P8 and P9.

3. Unscrew the 4 mount screws from the power supply, slide out power supply.

4. Unscrew the 4 Power supply screws, open box...This just killed the warrantee

5. Unscrew the fan support screws (4 each). Follow the leads (wires) to the connection on the circuit board. If it is soldered, un-solder, if it is plugged, unplug, remove fan.

6. Instalation is the opposite procedure

You can do this!

[js1138]

Capacitors are like batteries...but they hold a different kind of charge...

The capacitors in a computer will discharge within a few second after you unplug it. This is because parts of the system are always on. The switches on recent computers are really just telling the motherboard to activate a relay. Parts of the motherboard are always active, and will drain the capacitors.

[bootless]

A computer left on all the time will last longer than one that is started and stopped every day. Just turn the monitor off when you're not using it.

I've always wondered about that ... how much longer will it last? Thanks.

[Nita Nupress]

Thanks. I'm writing this down before I shut down...

[Zavien Doombringer]

OOOOOooo, that must have felt good. I had a similar experience, courtesy of the USAF. I was out fixing aircraft during monsoon season, when Avionics shop was running up some equipment, heavy duty electrical stuff, well, boots in water, aircraft lit up with power, I became the grounding rod...115 VAC/28VDC 4000Htz ...That felt good!

[Dog Gone]

(Shutup Dog Gone and razorback bert. No smart-alek comments from you!)

I think we wuz pre-emptively dissed by a blonde.

[Nita Nupress]

If the connection is soldered and I have to undo it, how do I get it back without a soldering iron? Actually, I may have one around here somewhere....