Computers are complex technologies with many small components that must function smoothly. Fans are an important part of any computer, as they keep cool air flowing through your components. If your computer is overheating, or you need to replace the fan, installing a new fan can help lower the temperature and make your computer quieter.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Buying a Fan
Step 1. Check the chassis specifications of your computer
There are two main sizes for computer fans: 80 mm and 120 mm. Your computer may be able to fit other sizes, including 60mm or 140mm. If you're not sure, remove one of the fans that are currently installed and take it to your local computer store and ask for the size. Or, measure yourself.
- Most modern frames use a 120mm fan.
- If you're adding a new fan instead of replacing a faulty one, you'll need to find out how all of the fans interact with each other and whether they will circulate air along the components that need it. This topic is beyond the scope of this article. Items such as video cards and processors typically require individual cooling fans designed to draw air toward the heat exchanger or heat sink built into each of these items. Some older video cards also have a fan built into the hardware board.
Step 2. View your order
Look for empty spots where the fan can be installed. Usually there are fan locations on the back, sides, top, and front of the tower. Each frame has its own fan setting and maximum number.
Step 3. Choose bigger fans if you can
If your chassis supports a variety of fan sizes, bigger fans are almost always better than smaller ones. The 120mm fan is much quieter and moves more water per revolution, making it more efficient.
Step 4. Compare different fans
Read specs and reviews to compare different fans. Look for lower volume levels and higher resistance. Fans are usually inexpensive, and you might get a good deal if you buy four at a time. Some well-known fan manufacturers include:
- Cooler Master
- Evercool
- Deep Cool
- Corsair
- Thermaltake
Step 5. Select the LED type or standard
If you want to add a bit of flair to your frame, use an LED fan. This fan will power the frame in different colors, but is slightly more expensive.
Step 6. Make sure you choose a fan with the right plug for your computer
If you plan to connect the fan to a power supply, open your computer case and check the power cord inside to determine what type of power connector your fan should have. The most common types of connectors are molex, 3-pin, and 4-pin. Some power supplies have different types of connectors that will allow you to buy all types of fans, but make sure you check them anyway. If you want to be able to control the fan speed, connect the fan to the motherboard (unless you have a special feature on your computer, which allows you to control the speed without using the motherboard). Most motherboards provide type 3 and/or 4 pin connectors for fans.
Part 2 of 3: Unlocking the Skeleton
Step 1. Unplug the computer from the power supply
This step is self-explanatory.
Step 2. Remove all remaining power on your computer
Press and hold the power button for at least ten seconds.
Step 3. Open the side panel
You will need to remove the side panel of your computer on the opposite side of the motherboard to access its contents. Remove all the screws that secure the side panel to the rest of your computer frame and pry it out. Some frames have side panels that can swing.
- The side panel opposite the motherboard is usually the one on the left.
- There are dozens of panel arrangements, some using screws (as described above), some having flaps that fold down, and some using buttons to open the panels.
Step 4. Tie yourself up
Always do this before working on the computer. The release of electromagnetic waves can cause serious component damage. You can wear an electrostatic wrist strap, or touch a metal object.
Continue to tie yourself in as you work on the computer to release any accumulated current
Step 5. Locate all your vents
There are several vents in the computer chassis that can support the mounting of the fan. You can find vents on the back, front, sides, and top of your computer, depending on your chassis type.
Step 6. Locate the power connector against the motherboard
Maybe the locations are scattered, and there are only a few. Fan connectors are usually labeled CHA_FAN# or SYS_FAN#. Refer to your motherboard documentation if you have trouble finding the connector.
If you have more fans than connectors, you can use a Molex adapter to power your extra fans
Part 3 of 3: Setting the Fans
Step 1. Understand how efficient cooling works
The fan in the computer will not only blow air into your components. This is not the most efficient way to cool a computer. Supposedly, fans move air along the inside of the computer, allowing cool air to flow through your components.
Step 2. Check the fan
The fan moves air in one direction, which is indicated by the arrow above the fan housing. Find your new fan frame. At the top of the cover, you will see an arrow. This mark indicates the direction of blowing of the fan. If there is no arrow, you can check the fan mechanism label. Air usually flows out of the side where the sticker is attached.
Step 3. Adjust the fan to create a wind tunnel
This tunnel is made with an intake fan (which sucks in air) and an exhaust fan (which blows out air). Usually, there are more exhaust fans than intake fans, as this will help create a vacuum inside your computer case. When a vacuum is created, all the small cracks and openings in your frame will also draw cold air into it.
- Rear - The power supply on the back of your computer has a single fan that blows air from the back (exhaust). Install another fan or two on the back of the frame that has been prepared to also blow air.
- Front - Install a fan that draws air in (intake) on the front of your computer. You may want to install a second front fan in the hard drive area (if your computer chassis allows it).
- Side fans - Side fans must be installed to blow air out of the sides of your computer. Most frames can accommodate one side fan.
- Top - The fan at the top should be set up as any other intake fan. It might seem reasonable to set it up as an exhaust fan, so that hot air will collect at the top of the chassis, but this will result in too much air escaping, and not enough air inside your chassis.
Step 4. Install the fans
Use the screws provided. Make sure the fan is secure enough not to rock. Tighten the screws by hand, but don't overdo it so you can easily remove or replace them if needed later.
- Make sure all cables, including the fan power cable itself, are not caught in the fan blades. Use cable ties to keep cables apart if needed.
- If you have trouble keeping the fan in place while you tighten the screws, use a few small pieces of tape to secure it until all the screws are in place. Make sure you don't use tape on any components or circuits.
Step 5. Connect the fans
Connect the fan to the fan connector on your motherboard. If you have too many fans, or if the fan cables can't reach the connectors, use a Molex adapter to connect the fan directly to your power supply.
If the fan is plugged directly into the power supply, you will not be able to change the fan speed in the BIOS; the fan will always run at maximum speed
Step 6. Close your frame
Make sure you close the chassis before testing your fan. The frame and fan are designed with airflow in mind, and an open frame takes away all the advantages of airflow. An open frame cools much less efficiently than a closed frame.
Step 7. Keep an eye on your fans
If your fan is connected to the motherboard, you can check its functionality by opening your BIOS. You can also use the BIOS to change the fan speed. Use a program like SpeedFan to monitor your fan speed in Windows.
Any fans directly plugged into your power supply will not be able to be monitored this way
Step 8. Monitor the temperature of your computer
If the fan is spinning fine, then this is correct, but the end goal is to cool your computer's components. Download a temperature monitoring program (SpeedFan ensures this too). If your computer is still overheating, you may need to reset the location and direction of your fans, or consider more extreme cooling solutions.
