Fan for computer power supply: description and photo

Many potential buyers in the computer components market are alarmed by the fact that it is impossible to find a fan for the power supply in store windows. Here for the processor, video card, case, hard disk - please, and for the BS there is nothing. It really looks very strange and causes a lot of negative emotions, judging by the feedback of users. However, you do not need to get upset. Any expert will say that a conventional cooler is installed in the power supply for cooling the case. The difference can be only in the size range - 120, 80, 60 or 40 millimeters. By the way, any user can verify this by disassembling his PSU.

The focus of this article is a fan for the computer power supply. The reader is invited to get acquainted not only with worthy models, their description and photos, but also with the maintenance of the inoperative cooling system. After all, in 90% of cases, the replacement of the fan is not needed at all, it is enough to only make a small cleaning.

Fascinating mathematics

It is better not to start with choosing a particular model or brand, but with the technical requirements that are imposed on the fan. Yes, such a simple component of the computer has a number of limitations, which will have to be tolerated by the user, because the right choice depends on the user's comfortable work at the computer. It follows that the basic requirements are the noiselessness and efficiency of blowing.

The cooling fan of the computer power supply unit in most cases does not know how to independently adjust the rotational speed of the impeller. By supplying the cooler with 5 volts, the PSU uses the maximum speed that is inherent in this voltage. That's where the interesting events begin, because the characteristics for all fans are indicated for the 12-volt line. The options here are few - trust the flair or the recommendations of experts, because mathematically accurately calculate the behavior of the impeller is impossible.

How to be?

Here works such a factor as the credibility of a well-known brand, which worried about the buyer and independently conducted measurements of the rotational speed of the impeller and air flow on the 5-volt line. True, such brands are not so much in the market, plus the prices for their products are quite high. But this option can be safely considered, because it will satisfy the wishes of users in terms of silent operation and efficient cooling.

The fan for the computer power supply is better to search among the products of world famous manufacturers, such as Thermaltake, Zalman, be quiet, Noctua, Scythe. On the cooler package there are data on the operation of the fan at 5 and 12 volts. Accordingly, the data on turnover and noise level are indicated. For example, Noctua NF-P12 - 600 rpm (12 dB). Or Thermaltake Riing 12 - 1000 rpm (18 dB). By the way, in the last example the fan is backlit.

Basic requirements for the fan

Having dealt with the technique of choosing a worthy product in the computer components market, it's time to go directly to the requirements. The noise level should not exceed 20 decibels. This is a very important factor, because this indicator is a certain threshold of audibility. As for the rotational speed of the impeller, everything here depends on the quality of the assembly. There are models that spin a noiseless fan and at a frequency of 2000 rpm. However, experts recommend limiting the figure to 1200 rpm.

Many users have already heard many times that all fans in the system are resonating, because of which there is a terrible rumble in the system unit, and the case begins to rattle. Ironically, a computer power supply may be involved here. The fan in it jerks not only because of a malfunction. The problem can be in too high a rotational speed of the impeller. Also, cheap Chinese fans have a problem with the skewing of the rotor, which causes the device to hear a constant knocking, and the cooler starts to twitch.

From theory to practice

Having figured out which fan in the power supply unit of the computer, the user can only buy his analog and make a replacement. True, here the owner expects a small surprise. It's about the interface to connect to the power supply. Virtually all fans are sold with a 4-pin connector, and on the power supply board - only two contacts, plus they are soldered. Do not get upset, in most cases on the board - a dummy ration. In fact, the two wires from the fan are just glue-free.

Naturally, having unscrewed the cooler from the BP casing, you need to carefully remove the glue from the contacts (you may need a knife). At the end of the cleaning procedure, the user will have a board with two pins. The main thing here is to remember where the plus (red wire), and where the minus (black wire). Next is the matter of technology: you need to put a 4-pin connector on these two contacts so that the polarity matches the color of the cables. And there is nothing terrible in that two contacts remained unconnected.

Foreboding

Is the fan blowing in the computer power supply? This event causes a lot of indignation on the part of users who begin to calculate the cost of purchasing a new cooler. It is at this stage that you do not need to hurry, the fact is that noise is not a breakdown. This is a signal to the computer owner that there are some difficulties in the work of the fan, which must be immediately corrected. Here everything is quite simple:

• The power supply is removed and disassembled and blown away from dust;
• The fan is unscrewed and removed;
• Removes the protective sticker on the rotor of the cooler, 3-4 drops of oil are poured inside;
• The sticker returns to its place, the PSU is assembled and installed into the computer.

The algorithm is fairly simple, but very productive. Possible problems with the sticker, which has lost its sticky properties. Put it in this form is not necessary, it will still fall off and will crash inside the shell. It is better to install a new sticker. Where to get? Cut out of dense tape, use a liner from the chewing gum, or buy in the store any children's stickers of similar sizes.

Grease

Having determined that the replacement of the fan of the power supply of the computer is not needed, it will not be difficult for the user to perform measures for cleaning and lubricating the cooler. However, there is one factor that all readers should pay attention to. It's about lubrication. The fact is that the rumble in the work does not emit fan blades, but the bearing, which from drying begins to distort the motion of the rotor.

The user should only use fluid oils that are able to lubricate the bearing. However, do not forget about the high viscosity, because the lubricant must remain inside, and not flow outward under the influence of centrifugal force. It is better to use lubricant for sewing machines (analogue brand I-8). In extreme cases, the engine oil will do.

Time to say good-bye

The only symptom that requires the user's attention to himself when it comes to such an element as a computer power supply is that the fan does not turn. In such cases, the lubrication of the bearing can only prolong the life of the cooler for several days (if you can unscrew the impeller after applying oil). But leaving the power supply in this state is not recommended. It is the impossibility of cooling the defective fan board that can disable the power supply, which, in turn, can burn the motherboard and other components of the system unit.

Work on bugs

It is not every user who changes the fan for the computer power supply. Often, many owners trust this service to service centers that specialize in such breakdowns. In fact, this is the right decision, however, judging by the feedback of the owners, there are exceptions. We are talking about the installation in the case of the BP of used fans, exhausted their life in the system unit. Many users are not running a fan in the power supply of the computer after the repair is because of this.

The second problem that users may face is the lack of contacts in the PSU to connect the cooler. This is found only in cheap Chinese devices, where the economical manufacturer soldered all the components of the power unit. In such cases, the user must also clean the contacts and solder the fan to the board (no twisting should be).

Finally

As practice shows, in 99% of cases, it is not necessary to change the fan for the computer power supply. It's enough just to disassemble the power unit, clean it of dust and lubricate the cooler. All this suggests that the electrical component of the computer just needs constant cleaning (once a year). Yes, there are situations when you need to install a new cooler, but here the user will not have any problems. After all, the market is quite a large range of decent fans, which can be safely installed as a cooling system power supply.