Noisy PSU- replace/remove?

Budza

Budza

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Noisy PSU Fan- replace/remove?

Wasn't thinking right when I bought the PSU for my HTPC. Instead of getting one with a single 120mm fan, I got one with 2*80mm :mad: Idiot!

Anyway, this thing gets frikken noisy at the most inopportune times. Scary movie, killer is sneaking around... whoaar zzzzzz rrrrrrrrmmmmmmm frakking fan starts up and scares the shyte outta me :(

Anyway, opened the thing up (instant warranty void). One fan is an average 80mm, the other a higher rpm type- shorter flatter blades. Think this is the culprit. Have removed this one, as it was the intake and if I have to choose to keep one, I'd prefer the exhaust stays...

The fan I removed is a bit thinner than standard fans, so I cannot directly replace it with another 80mm. I do not mind having an intake fan screwed onto the outside of the PSU (as this is still inside the case). There is space for it.

Was wondering if it'd be safe to leave the fan off, and just run PSU with the one fan? Just sits there when not gaming/watching HD. Fan only seems to come on when system is loaded.

Other (better I think) alternative, is to replace it- I'd want to add a 120mm fan to the intake hole- are there adaptors available for this? 120-80mm? Otherwise, is there a decent DIY method to producing a fan duct/reducer??

EDIT: Found this- http://www.jab-tech.com/80mm-to-120mm-Fan-Adapter-pr-1508.html

Anybody know where I can find one locally?
 
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What PSU is it? And case?

It's generally accepted to not open PSUs as there are huge charges stored inside that can be deadly.
 
Googled around, and knew which bits of the thing to avoid. Think they do discharge after a certain period. I left it for a day or two before opening.

PSU is an Omega 600 Watt. Case a CM-282: http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/cooler_master_cmmedia_282/

Case sits in desktop config (does not stand up like a tower case). PSU is in back left corner, so doesn't do much/anything for additional exhaust and cooling.
 
I had the same problem a couple of month back. I replaced both fans with normal 80mm fans. One inside and the other one I mounted on the outside. Now it runs very quiet could not be happier.
 
I have read around a bit- seems fans have different bearings. PSU fans are supposed to be ball, others can be sleeve. Any idea what the difference is? Will a sleeve bearing fan pack up sooner if run in a hotter, PSU type environment?

Still keen to get a 120mm to 80mm reducer going- then can have some decent cooling for less noise :)

Postman- when my fiddling results in an explosion or meltdown, I'll get hold of you for some new stuff ;)
 
In my experience, ball-bearing fans lasts longer than sleeve-bearing fans, but might be more expensive.

Have replaced countless fans in PSU's, quite easy if you do know how.
 
Sleeve bearing fans are designed to run vertically and don't last nearly as long if they run horizontally, plus are generally noisier, and cheaper.

Ball bearing's best.
 
Tarzan said:
I had the same problem a couple of month back. I replaced both fans with normal 80mm fans. One inside and the other one I mounted on the outside. Now it runs very quiet could not be happier.
Click to expand...

+1

I also had the noisy type 2x80mm Omega PSU (but 500W).. I replaced mine with a HX520, but in retrospect shoulda just replaced the fans..

All the articles I've read state that Sleeve is slightly quieter (depending on the brand/model of course), although the life expectancy is shorter than ball-bearing, +/- 30 000 hrs compared to 50 000 respectively.

I have Zalman Sleeve fans in my pc, volt modded to around 1200 rpms, whisper quiet and move a decent amount of air.
 
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I have a 80mm Coolermaster fan with a rifle bearing, according to the packaging. Anyone know something about a rifle bearing?
 
Viva said:
I have a 80mm Coolermaster fan with a rifle bearing, according to the packaging. Anyone know something about a rifle bearing?
Click to expand...

Any excuse to include the word "Rifle". Probably just marketing BS.

As for my original problem, I played Modern Warfare 2 last night for about 2 hours- no problems. This is with the intake fan disabled. The exhaust still comes on occasionally, and is louder than I would like. I think plakking a 120mm fan at intake should sort that out :)

Will post back here if I come up with some amazing means of making a fan reducer:cool:
 
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