Replacing PSU fan?

antonusklesk · 18 Sep 2008 at 15:38

I've trawled through the forum looking for a definitive answer but didn't find one about whether or not it's safe to change the PSU fan.

I have the OCZ StealthXStream 600W and the "woosh" coming from its fan is the loudest thing in my case.

I was considering replacing it with the Xilence 120mm: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-000-XI&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=4&name=Xilence%20XPF120R%20Red%20Wing%20120mm%20Quiet%20Fan

I have one of these running in my case already and it's quiet and pushes a fair amount of air through.

Any opinions on changing the PSU fan, or is my current fan fast and loud for a reason

Hamoodii · 18 Sep 2008 at 15:54

Well I'm pretty sure that replacing the fan will involve you voiding the warranty

Admiral Huddy · 18 Sep 2008 at 16:43

Don't do it.. If you don't take the appropriate discharing then you'll end up accross the room.

wsgroves · 18 Sep 2008 at 16:46

I absolutely would not replace the fan yourself. Parts in PSU's typically are not meant to be user serviceable.

jak731 · 18 Sep 2008 at 16:57

As mentioned above it could be potentially very dangerous, if you are absolutely set on doing it i would turn the switch on the back of the psu to the off position then press the power button on your pc, this *should* drain any charge remaining in the capacitors. Also bear in mind the cables from the stock fan may be soldered onto the PSU's PCB or use a weird connector.

I would recomend replacing the whole unit with a quieter one if it annoys you that much.

Monkeynut · 18 Sep 2008 at 17:04

You can replace the fan provided you are careful. You may have to cut off the wires to the old fan and solder the remaining part (leave 10cm) of wire from the PCB to your new fans.

antonusklesk · 18 Sep 2008 at 17:20

Thanks for the replies.

Being as the general concensus seems to be that it's not the best idea, I think I'll just try investing in some dampening material before even thinking about replacing anything

EsaT · 18 Sep 2008 at 17:59

You have to make sure new fan is capable to roughly same speeds as stock fan because otherwise PSU might turn to time bomb.
And that FSP design has very small surface area heatsinks so it might need more airflow for cooling.

And sleeve bearing fans don't generally work well in horizontal position and neither they tolerate heat well so finding well fitting replacement might not be easy.