930 Forums
=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: bellenseb on May 22, 2006, 02:43:00 pm
-
Anyone? I'd prefer not to take my computer to Best Buy et al. Preferably in NOVA but anywhere really. Thanks much.
-
What seems to be the problem?
-
Not entirely sure. Possibly one or more fans are malfunctioning. Causing spontaneous shutdowns. I'd rather not take the time to diagnose/fix it myself...
-
Is there a lot of dust visible on the back of the case? Try opening it up and blowing all the dust out, especially off the fan on the processor and off the vents on the back of the case. Excess dust can cause over heating and when the processor overheats it will just shut down.
Once you've got the case open turn on the power and see if the fans spin...both the one on the processor and the one on the power supply.
As your using it, does the time period in between these shut-downs get shorter and shorter?
-
I'm pretty sure the fan on the processor is not spinning when it should. Is this easy to fix yourself?
-
I wonder if Chaz is posting from Bangalore?
-
Originally posted by bellenseb:
I'm pretty sure the fan on the processor is not spinning when it should. Is this easy to fix yourself?
How about the power supply fan? You can test it by jamming something in the vents in the back of the tower (paper clip or something) and see if you hear the fan stop.....scientific I know.
Replacing processor fan is easy - as long as you have the right part it's just a few screws and plug the fan into the power supply. If it's the fan on the power supply it's easy to replace the whole power supply. If the pc is from a major manufacturer then you can just call them and give them the model # and they can send you a new one. Should be cheap.
My goal is to provide you with a satisfactory support experience. It was my pleasure to serve you during your random shutdown/processor fan not spinning issue. I hope that you were delighted with the service provided to you.
-
OK, I'll give it a try. Thanks much. :)
-
Unplug the puter from the wall socket and discharge static electricity from yourself before beginning.
-
Actually, you don't usually need to replace the fan(s). The ball bearings in the fan(s) probably just need to be oiled. I need to oil all the fans in my workstation about once a year or else they start to make the most annoying noise. Most computer fans have a sticker on them. Just peel back that sticker to reveal the hole where the oil goes. Depending on the fan manufacturer, you might need a tiny screwdriver (like they use for eyeglasses) to open it up to put the oil in. Other times, there's like a rubber stoper that you need to remove. It's not that hard really. You can probably buy a little can of oil especially for CPU fans at CompUSA or Best Buy for less than $10.
Now power supply fans are a little trickier (not to mention dangerous). I wouldn't advise messing with the power supply at all unless the fan for the power supply is very easily accessible. It may not be.
FYI, desktop computers can have upwards of four or more fans. Depending upon the type of CPU and how old it is, there could be a CPU fan. The graphics card will probably have its own fan. The power supply may have its own fan. The case itself will have at least one fan, typically.
-
Also, you probably shouldn't repair your computer in the shower.
-
Oh well, this is all becoming more than I wanted...I guess I'll take it to Comp USA unless someone can recommend any mom and pop operation. I'd rather leave this to a professional.
-
There's a little store on K street called Computer Accessory Store that would fix it for you. Between 16th and 17th I think, maybe 15th and 16th, on the south side of K.
-
Originally posted by bellenseb:
Anyone? I'd prefer not to take my computer to Best Buy et al. Preferably in NOVA but anywhere really. Thanks much.
not really mom and pop but helped me out something big and they are in NoVa in Merrifield.
http://www.richardscomputer.com/ (http://www.richardscomputer.com/)
-
throw the computer away and buy a new one from dell for $300 which includes a crt monitor and a printer. they might charge $100 for s/h.