chipset fan making buzzing noise

[Dabamf]

My chipset fan just recently started making a buzzing noise when it runs. It never did this before, was always quiet. At times though during startup it stopped buzzing and it seems like when its running at high RPMs (ie when the chipset is working hard) the buzzing goes away, but at lower RPMs it comes back. Its hitting lower RPMs than it usually does during idle (set off the low rpm alarm on MBM multiple times) and definately seems to be having problems.

My question is: Is it dying and do I need to replace it? If so how? Never replaced or messed with a mobo fan before.

I appreciate any assistance.

 

[Deadbot1_1973]

That buzzing indicates a failing bearing. It should be a standard 40 mm fan. The lower RPMs would be from increased friction due to the bad bearing. Replacing it should be as simple as 4 screws and a replacement fan. Make sure to get one with a similar power connector. Since it has RPM monitoring you will need a 3 pin power connector.

you say when it's working hard....do you mean chipset(generally 40mm), or the main CPU fan(between 60 and 120mm)?

 

[inkfx]

It's possible that it is dying. Is it a stock heatsink/fan? If so I wouldn't be suprised by it's dying. I've found that the stock chipset coolers aren't so great and will need replacing after a certain amount of time. If you can, just purchase another fan to slap on there. If not, look around for a chipset cooler that will fit your motherboard.

 

[Gnufsh]

You could try lubricating it.

 

[redrumy3]

if u have to replace it go with this

http://svc.com/vc-re.html

worked well when i replaced mine

 

[freakdiablo]

some people say this one works pretty well.

 

[InThrees]

regardless, the safe answer is 'replace it'. When a fan starts making noises, you MIGHT extend the life by lubing it, but it's better just to axe it and put a new one on. Fans are cheap vs motherboards are not.

 

[dfonda]

Make sure its tight first, I have had fans loosen up and it sounds like a failure. Its one of the easiest things to replace if you have to.

There is a chance you don't even need it.(If its just for the chipset.)

 

[Dabamf]

I checked the screws and they are tightly fastened. I can wiggle the fan/fins around the base quite easilly so a failed bearing (whatever that physically entails) seems likely.

So now the question is which fan do I get? Mobo is in the sig, and my gfx card overhangs almost the entire chipset so a thick/big fan is not an option. I want a cheap (<$10 preferred, <$15 definately) FAN replacement. My chipset never gets really hot and I don't want to change the stock sink so all I want is a replacement chipset FAN.

All of the 40x10mm fans I've looked at have their own encasement which looks like it would interfere with mounting the fan within the existing sink. I don't know anything about changing a chipset fan or sink or about fans for that as I've never done it before, so talk to me like a newbie about this if you don't mind. Thanks for the help.

 

[Deadbot1_1973]

Yeah, that a special type known as a bury frame fan. Seems that DFI also had this one specially made(I think it's just that it uses the Sony FLEX bearing). Your best bet is likely contacting DFI about a replacement.

 

[tyler_bishop]

some people say this one works pretty well.

Thats total overkill.. It waste so much space!! LOL

 

[Gnufsh]

Sometimes better chipset cooling can help you hit higher bus speeds, and let you get higher chipset voltages, which let you hit higher bus speeds.

 

[Dabamf]

I can currently get up to almost 300mhz bus completely stable, but I am only running at 250 as performance is more than satisfactory. Plus I'm a poor college student and all I really want is a $10 or less cheap fan replacement. I guess I'll call DFI about replacement options.

 

[Gnufsh]

I have had good luck lubricating noisy fans, some will last for years more, I suggest giving that a try if cash is short.

 

[Dabamf]

Oddly enough the fan no longers makes any loud sound. One day I turned on the computer and it stopped. That being said, I would still replace it if there was a cheap/easy alternative (ie if some website had chipset replacement fans that were without the casing made to fit into an existing sink), so let me know if anyone knows where I can get one. I've had no luck finding them anywhere.

 

[Gnufsh]

To lubricate, remove the fan from the sink and peel back the sticker over the hub. Put a couple drops of oil (sewing machine oil works best, 3-in-1 is OK if you have it laying around) in the hole and replace the sticker.