Chip fan problem...

Whitefish

Whitefish

Whitefish

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Joined
22 Apr 2004
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287
When I start my PC I get a POST error saying that my 'Chip Fan' has failed. When I open the side of the case I see it's a small fan on the motherboard that's struggling to get spinning. However, if I just knock it with my finger to get it going it can go okay on its own.

I'm guessing I need to replace this fan, but I don't know if that's easy to do. Can I simply unscrew it and put a new one on? If so is there a special sort of fan I need to make sure I get?


Thanks.
 
Had the exact same problem on mine, give Asus Technical Support UK a ring.

This is the only UK number i found +44(0)870 1208340. But there were more numbers on this page incase another one helps.

http://uk.asus.com/aboutasus.aspx?show=3

They will email you a form, on the form put your motherboard model address and problem etc, and request a new chipset fan and email it to the address they give you. They should then send you a new fan.

Fitting it is a little tricky, you need the motherboard out of the case and need to force the two black little butterfly type pins legs (on the underside of the motherboard) together to pull the fan out, these two pins are all that hold it, and unplug the power connector, then clean the chipset off and put a tiny bit of thermal material (AS5 is the best). Then you can just clip on the new fan carefully and plug it into the board. Theres a bit of plastic you need to peel off the fan. It may come with some thermal material already attached so use that if you want.

People have been known to do it with the motherboard in the case, but you have to go underneath the board with long scissors/snippers to clip off the little pins, which can be tricky at best.
 
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Anybody else read this title as 'Chip Pan Problem'? :o
That's what lack of sleep does :(

Anyway, have you tried just unplugging it, it might be fine and not need it to be spinning depending on the chipset. What board do you have?

Oh and don't worry about it being fiddly, it's an easy thing to fix :)
 
subxero said:
Anyway, have you tried just unplugging it, it might be fine and not need it to be spinning depending on the chipset. What board do you have?
Click to expand...

When you do this send me pictures of the damage :D

Only joking, never tried this myself.
 
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You can always oil the fan bearings, unscrew the fan from the heatsink (should be able to do this with the mobo attached to the board if you have a steady hand and good light), peel the sticker off the rear of the fan and put a drop or two of oil on the bearings.
 
subxero said:
Anybody else read this title as 'Chip Pan Problem'? :o
That's what lack of sleep does :(

Anyway, have you tried just unplugging it, it might be fine and not need it to be spinning depending on the chipset. What board do you have?

Oh and don't worry about it being fiddly, it's an easy thing to fix :)
Click to expand...

I have an Asus A8N SLi Deluxe. I have wondered about trying it without the fan but I worry about things catching fire. I mean, I assume it has a fan on it for a reason.

Just to clarify, what chip is this exactly? The BIOS or the CMOS or something?

Thanks for the tip about oiling the fan bearings. I'll try that if all else fails.

I did try to phone the helpline, but it gave me three options. One was about PDAs and another was about 'flatscreens' and the final one was 'anything else'. I pressed button 3 for 'anything else' and was told I'd have to use the support forms on the website, all of which are totally unhelpful. I'm going to try and fill one out.

The other option is to try and just do it myself without getting Asus involved. Is there any way I'll be able to get hold of a suitable fan just on the general market, or do I need a specific Asus one? I'd rather pay £5 and do it quickly by myself than **** around with Asus and wait 10 weeks to get a simple fan.
 
LoadsaMoney

I tried the "oling" thing, it worked for a couple of days jist fine and then again it failed.

ASUS were very helpful indeed. You call their Notebook Dept and they will provide you with the application. Then you get the fan i two days.

Piece of cake.

Cheers.
 
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