Replacing power supply fan

[needhelp]

I have a computer that makes a squealing noise after about an hour and then after about ten minutes of this, the computer reboots. Then I have to wait for another hour or so before I can get the thing to work again.
I have found that there is no airflow coming from the back of the power supply where the fan housing is and I guess this is causing the problem by overheating.
I would like to know if there is anything that I should know before attempting to install a new fan into the power supply or should I not attempt it.
Is there any safety procedures to follow. Is it dangerous? or is it pretty straight forward. I have never taken off the power supply cover before so am a bit weary of doing this until I get some advice from you guys.

[eXiledSniper]

Are you sure it is overheating or is the computer not getting enough power? how many W is your PSU?

[ZeratulsAvenger]

I would say buy a new one... Its easier, safer, and doesnt cost any outrageous cost. That's just me though.

Oh and it might also be a good upgrade from a generic PSU, although if you have a Dell or another large brand computer, you could have a proprietary PSU an dnot one you ocul dget from Newegg or similar sites.

[Hi Ho]

If you are using a generic PSU you should replace the entire unit rather than the fan.

[eXiledSniper]

Yea i agree with zeratul. Just buy a new PSU from Newegg. they are only liike $40 for a 250W. You dont want to put in a new fan and have it mess up inside your psu then reck your whole system. Just save it and buy a ew one

[Hi Ho]

they are only liike $40 for a 250W

Actually for $40 you can get a good quality 420w PSU, the Enlight 420w. For $34 you can get the Enlight 360w and for $27 there's the Enlight 300w. All are good quality PSU's and great values.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by needhelp I would like to know if there is anything that I should know before attempting to install a new fan into the power supply or should I not attempt it.

First of all, is it a good quality power supply or a generic/no name unit? If it's a good one, you'll want to remove it from case and leave it unplugged for 24 hours before you open it up. If it isn't a good one, just replace it with a new good quality power supply.

Originally Posted by needhelp Is there any safety procedures to follow. Is it dangerous?

Yes, it's very dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. You don't want to ever open a power supply up right after you unplug it from the wall outlet because the big capacitors inside still hold a potent charge. Leaving it unplugged for 24 hours gives the capacitors a chance to slowly discharge.

And once you open the power supply up you only want to touch the fan and wires that are coming out of the fan...nothing else. Don't go poking your screwdriver into anything.

Originally Posted by needhelp I have never taken off the power supply cover before so am a bit weary of doing this until I get some advice from you guys.

It's safer to just replace the whole unit. But if it's a good brand then changing just the fan is what I would normally do...but only if it's a good brand.

What brand is your power supply?

Cricket

[g-dogg]

Definatley never open the powersupply right after you plug it out, i did that once and got electrecuted thank god, i was standing on a rubber mat. So becareful.

[kram 2.0]

Originally Posted by g-dogg Definatley never open the powersupply right after you plug it out, i did that once and got electrecuted thank god, i was standing on a rubber mat. So becareful.

Ditto. Never open a power supply - on top of potentially destroying it, it can be potentially rather dangerous. Just get a new Unit or send it back. I like the recommendations that Hi Ho made - Enlights make rather inexpensive good quality PSUs.

kram

[Panama Red]

I've replaced a couple of psu fans and it's no big deal. Just have to be aware of the potential energy stored in the capacitors and keep away from them. If you have experience splicing wires, it's easy. If you don't, this is no place to learn. One of the units I worked on had a fan header that the fan just plugged into. Simple unplug the old and plug in the new. If you're inexperienced at all, follow the suggestion of others and buy a new psu.

[needhelp]

Thanks guys sorry for not replying sooner but been away for a while.
The power supply is 300watts but in view of the advice I have got here I think I will just fork out for a new one. Not worth risking for the sake of $30 or $40 dollars.