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I have a fan on my motherboard that sometimes decides to buzz real loudly. It's not the CPU fan, it's another one directly attached to what looks like a motherboard heat sink.
That worked, thanks. I've done it before, though, and it comes back. Is there a safe way to use WD-40 or something or no?
NO! Do not use that stuff! Conducting liquids are bad news for mobos.
Agreed.
You can try and take the fan off, lightly lubricate with some light machine oil (not WD40), ensure it's well dried, and put it back. But to be honest, almost every computer fan is certain to have sealed, "permanently lubricated" bearings. It means you don't have to worry about servicing them, but it means once they do go, the only option is to replace it.
Most case/heatsink fans actually aren't permanently sealed, though smaller fans like chipset fans most likely are, so this may or may not help you.
Remove the sticker over the middle of the fan (if there is one). There should be a small rubber stopper under there. Remove said stopper carefully. I found that the tip of a knife works wells. Put 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil in the well that is there. Replace stopper, replace sticker. Reinstall fan. Done.
I've brought back 3 fans this way. Two were temporary till I could get replacements, one is still in use. They all worked great.
Posts
jesus I use em all the time and can't think of what they're called.
anyways, blow the dust out of it and clean the case. That ought to help some
barring that, replace the fan.
Compressed air canister?
hehe
thank you
I wouldn't personally, but I suppose if you knew exactly where it needed to go then you might be safe.
I'd hate for it to spray on something it shouldn't.
those kind of fans are only maybe 20-40 for a decent one (If memory serves)
NO! Do not use that stuff! Conducting liquids are bad news for mobos.
Agreed.
You can try and take the fan off, lightly lubricate with some light machine oil (not WD40), ensure it's well dried, and put it back. But to be honest, almost every computer fan is certain to have sealed, "permanently lubricated" bearings. It means you don't have to worry about servicing them, but it means once they do go, the only option is to replace it.
Remove the sticker over the middle of the fan (if there is one). There should be a small rubber stopper under there. Remove said stopper carefully. I found that the tip of a knife works wells. Put 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil in the well that is there. Replace stopper, replace sticker. Reinstall fan. Done.
I've brought back 3 fans this way. Two were temporary till I could get replacements, one is still in use. They all worked great.