Wow, what a difference!

[Gambitt]

I came down to use this computer after dinner last night, and it was making a "strange noise"    so I opened up the case and started poking around. 

  Turns out, the CPU fan was so clogged with dust, that the fan was rubbing on the housing. 

Then, while cleaning the fan, I managed to damage a couple of the fins on the fan, so I had to leave the computer down last night.  Overheating can destroy your cpu in minutes. 

A quick trip up to Staples this morning, a new CPU fan and heat sink , and 2 new case fans to replace a couple that were rather sluggish, and the computer is working better than new!    New clean fans, means I was able to slow the fans down (less noise) and still get the same cooling. 

For anyone who is the least bit mechanically inclined, it's an easy fix; and makes your computer much better to use! 

[Milli]

For anyone who is the least bit mechanically inclined, it's an easy fix; and makes your computer much better to use! 

   And for those of us who are technically challenged??? 

[Jammyisme]

   dont touch it.

[LindaBT]

My husband who is much more computer savvy than I will EVER be, has changed a few fans in our computers over the years.  They do get very dusty and need to be cleaned or changed to make your computer run smoothly.

[Gambitt]

I have to agree with everything above...   

If you are replacing the CPU fan & heat sink, you have to make sure it's seated properly on top of the processor, because if the contact isn't solid, the CPU will overheat.

On the other hand, case fans just clip or screw into place, so they are much easier and anyone can do it!

Oh, and another tip.  After doing a repair like this, check with the manufacturer of your motherboard for a control/monitoring program.  It's a small utility that keeps track of your fans and temperatures, to make sure everything is really ok.  If you're running an Asus motherboard, the program is called Asus Probe.

[Bulldog]

Sounds like a small business for you Gambitt, could make enough for a extra holiday each year 

[Gambitt]

That would be cool!