i have a computer i built myself about 3 years ago. i dont know a whole lot about whats really going on but my cpu fan keeps either cutting off or slowing down to <300 rpms. of course this is making my processor temps go out the roof. what would the most typical solutions in this case? is the fan just getting old and its time to replace or is it something more complicated?

11/8/2007 10:16:56 AM

update the bios, then if no improvement buy a new fan?

11/8/2007 10:19:19 AM

Sounds right to me. I personally have had a CPU fan die for no apparent reason (other than perhaps age), can't imagine it's too uncommon.

11/8/2007 10:24:57 AM

Open up your laptop and clear out the dust from the fan. If the fan is actually just not working anymore, check ebay for "[insert laptop type here] cpu fan".

11/8/2007 12:12:50 PM

^ learn to read

11/8/2007 12:14:16 PM

v.common for sleeve bearing cpu fans.

invest in a fluid dynamic bearing type fan or at least a double ball bearing fan, they'll be quieter and last twice as long.

it does sound like a dying fan... assuming it's 3-pin

if it's a 4-pin PWM type fan (i'd be surprised if it was for 3+y.o. computer) then it could be something with the motherboard

11/8/2007 12:22:04 PM

^^Heh ... thanks not sure how I misread that either.

Yea, buy a new CPU HS/Fan.

11/8/2007 2:49:51 PM