PSU Fan replacement

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Hey guys i have noticed sometimes when i start my computer up the fan makes a strange loud noise (as if its hitting something, have checked that and its all clear) only thing i think it could be is the bearings going on the fan.

since i dont want to RMA this i would rather buy a replacement fan, one that is better, but i have no idea what kind of fan this would need, does anyone on here have any ideas ?

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oh btw its this PSU http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-059-OP&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1709
 
The current fan should have a rating on it either in Watts or Amps, the replacement ideally will be the same or less than the current one.

It's probably a standard 120mm fan but check how it's connected to the PCB as it may be a three or four pin connection. If you get the info on the current fan (rating/connection) we should be able to come up with some alternatives.
 
its a 120mm or 12cm fan,one like the akasa apache or the more expensive noctua 120mm fan should do you fine
 
Such a cheap PSU will need a fair amount of air cooling imo, so you can rule out many of the "silent" fans.

1. Find a fan wth good static pressure (Gentle Typhoon comes to mind).
2. Make sure the fan has similar or less amp/watts rating
3. You don't want a PWM fan because...
4. The PSU fan will be voltage controlled and use 2 cables (red+black). You will need to cut the connector off the fan you purchase and rewire/solder/bodge it into the PSU.
 
Sorry it has taken so long for me to get back, i was waiting for my new case to arrive before i took apart the PSU anyway here is a screenshot of the fan + connector

sfgj7b.jpg


I don't even think this fan is capable of cooling the unit properly as it gets very hot, might of just been my old case i don't know, i will find out with my new case though.

I don't want to spend a ton of money on a new fan for this as i am going to be using this PSU as a spare (i seem to have no luck with PSU fans) so just something that will keep it cool and reasonably quiet.

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Luckily for me it is a 3pin connector and not soldered to the unit :D
 
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First that's not a 3 pin connector. It looks like a XHP-2 which has a different pitch to the standard fan connector we see on standard fans. I could be wrong about the part number and pin pitch though but it's definitely not 3 pin :)

I must admit I'm quite surprised to see a 120mm@1400 RPM fan unit inside a cheap PSU as they'd normally throw a 2500 RPM in there just to be safe. It could be that the included fan isn't regulated and just purrs along at 1400 RPM all the time.

I'd replace it with one of these perhaps..

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-019-BQ&groupid=701&catid=2331&subcat=4

What you need to be sure of is that the fan is around the same speed or slightly higher and that it does not have a sleeve bearing. Cheaper fans sometimes come with sleeve bearing and they just won't work for very long in the horizontal plane.

What about Xilence fans? They are around 1500 RPM, are quiet-ish and have a hydro bearing and are quite reasonable. I believe Xilence have a range of PSUs which they use them in too.
 
I replaced a PSU fan a few years back. Took the precaution of leaving it for a few days outside the case for any current to discharge first, and was *very* careful. It made a massive difference in noise, and the PSU still seemed to stay cool.
 
After putting the PSU in the new case, i can say it has most certainly made a huge different to the PSU in terms of its actually throwing out cool air at the back now, and not *HOT* air anymore.

I think i will take a run over to maplins tomorow and see if i can buy a replacement fan there for it.

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sorry yea i meant 2 pin
 
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