Wild Fan Mod Idea! Share your knowledge and opinions!

Here I am 4am in the morning looking at some records of my stress tests, suddenly an interesting idea popped into my mind.
Seeing my 3920xm in my M17xR4 down clock to prevent it from passing the 91C mark and knowing that the GPU fan pumps out much more air than the CPU fan, I wondered if it's possible to modify the CPU fan to use the GPU fan so it is able to pump out even more air to cool down the components.

This idea isn't completely random as I know the GPU fan with a bit of trimming can easily fit in the CPU fan space. But I am not sure the fan plugs is compatible with each other.

Getting a R4 fan from eBay isn't very hard either.

Looking forward to seeing your opinions and advices!

 

Plugs and power requirements should be the same (5v under 1a). Just the matter of fitting the fan there, not sure if it will fit properly though.

Plugs should be identical and compatible in terms of wiring, just make sure both fans have same ratings for v/a.

 

if that is true, it would be awesome. The fitting isn't as big of a problem when compared with compatibility. Unfortunately, I currently lack a spare fan and the proper tools to check the specs of the fan plugs. Can somebody with the tool please check for me. Thanks ahead of time.

 

If you can get that done please let us see some pics

 

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread. I've looked into this and the fans in the M18x are all like the ones in the M17x R3/R4 for the GPU. The M18x Left side fan MIGHT fit as is. I'll try it, If it won't fit I'll mod it by cutting it out.

 

I have the m18xr2 and the new 17 system. When I go home I will try to see if it fits and and post back here. If possible, I will also add pictures. Btw, it seams that the new 17 has the same fans as the previous version (I had the m17xR3), but they must have changed the part no. I will get back later today.

Hi again (sorry about the late reply). As far as I could see at both fans they are 5v and 0.5A, so this is not an issue.

The problem is that the m18x fans are bigger (6.5cm or if you want 65mm ), I checked and measured all of them and the m17x / 17 systems have the fan smaller for the CPU (6cm or 60mm). It is not difficult to swap the blade, the issue is if you are willing to cut them to the size. I wouldn't do that because the bigger blade from the 18" system has a limit to it's size and if you reduce that, the air intake will be much less than expected + if you are not able to cut the blades to an exact size, you may experience noise distortion and probably in a short time, damage the fan itself (this is my opinion). If I had spare both the fans, I would have tried this mod, but since those are the only ones I have fixed in the systems, I will have to pass this test... I hope my info's have been of any use (or atleast some of them).

Best of luck!

 

Changing the fan blade alone is a bad idea in my book. Fan blades have more design in them than we realise, unbalanced/thickness/width all are very important issues, screw up either one and the fan won't perform as well as it should.

Best bet is, if the whole fan can be changed or a more powerful fan can be installed.

 

if it can been done I would do it asap.......

 

Do it!!!!!

 

Once I get some time and money I'll look into it.

 

If I remember, over at Tech Inferno, someone took the M14X R2 fan which has 10CFM compared to the 2 in ours and managed to fit it in. Thus making lots more noise but lowering CPU temps
M17x CPU Fan Upgrade/Mod (2CFM->10.4CFM)

 

I'm sold. I'm on it. Anything to keep my CPU a bit cooler during rendering.

 

Tech inferno seems to be the forum to go to when it comes to mods, they do such crazy things
Heat pipe mods on Clevo systems to adding another whole fan system

EDIT: You could also use HWiNFO to manual fan. But youll also be controlling the GPU fan at the same time, which could be problematic for your ears.

 

I will try it with the triple pipe heatsink (mod) if dell takes too long to release it. http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...17x-r3-680m-compatability-81.html#post9203475

After removing the c-clips reduce the htsnk copper plate as much as you can and use gelid extreme.
3DMark11, CPU/GPU/PCH heatsink mod.

 

Or you can just simply do this without too much pain and reduce the temps for about 4-5 degrees (I bought 2 sets of 8 pieces; each set about $4).

 

Looks funny I think these stick on the GPU heatsink but suggested that the inside so hot and after the addition of heat dissipation modules will be even hotter. Need to add a fan to be pulling hot air from the case, the question is - where to plug its power supply?

 

Could you explain more on what you mean by reducing the htsnk copper plate? and c-clips?

 

Fan on its way, direct from Dell. Results come in October.

 

i think he is refering to the retention mod. the c-clips holds the heatsink a certain distance away from the die. by taking out the c-clips, you can tighten the heatsink closer to the die. it does improve on the heat dissipation, but too tight can have adverse effects and possibly break the die.

M17x Retention Mod

 

Start with the retention mod, careful not to add too much pressure, gently remove the black isolating tape (you'll need to place it back) sand the copper plate without exposing the heatpipes (heatpipe cover area is smaller than the cpu die so you'll end with huge temperature difference between cores), use a perfectly even instrument to look for imperfections, cover it with soft paper or rice paper and use carbon powder/ink or carbon paper, pressure it against the copper plate and start correcting imperfections with thin sandpaper, finish it with copper polisher 3M Wetordry Sandpaper, 9-Inch by 11-Inch, Super Fine 400 Grit, 5-Sheet - Amazon.com better have a spare heatsink for this.

 

So I got the new fan. I cut off the clips as they didn't fit. Put it in and stuck them down using some sticky pads for now before I get some superglue to stick the clips back onto the correct parts of the fan. The higher CFM is definitely noticeable. With both CPU and GPU fans max, they both feel now like they are ejecting the same amount of air which is great. The old fan pales in comparison. The noise isn't a huge issue in fact I think it's better because both fans now whirr at the same pitch. With the old fan, there were two distinct sounds that harmonically clashed.

Overall I'm satisfied. We shall wait until October once all my papers have been handed in and let the true tests begin. I'm feeling optimistic. A short test the CPU can now sustain the full 8 threaded 4.0Ghz clock speed for the whole time until the CPU decides to downclock for Ivy Bridge reasons. Temperatures Maxed out at 83C.

 

Congratulations, my fan, too, in a way. I noticed that the inside of a plate temperature is very high. I want to try to establish a little extra fan for sucking hot air. R3\R4 has a vent near the graphics card I want to install it

 

Sorry, for replying to an old post, but I did you do the mod with the GPU fans or the M14xR2 fans? Also it would be great if you could post some pictures of your modded fan/ the inside of your computer.
Couldn't find anytime to visit the forums the past month :/

 

This should definitely work well. I recently discovered there were two different CPU fans available for the M18x. My original CPU fan was a wimpy 4 CFM, but I replaced it with an 11.7 CFM unit and it made a noticeable difference.

 

I never paid any attention to the fans itself. Would the different CPU fan is because of the CPU itself ? say any CPU below 3840QM will have a 4 cfm , and CPU 3840QM and above will have the 11.7 cfm ?

 

I don't know, but it's easy enough to look at the decal on yours to see what your fan output is. I did not know until recently that there were two different CPU fans. I believe the 11.7 CFM was released sometime after the M18xR2 launch, but have no idea when exactly that took place. I don't really notice any difference in sound, but you can easily measure the lower temps and it definitely blows more air out the back. I immediately felt the difference in air velocity by placing my hand behind the vent with the fan running full speed. It must be the blade pitch because the maximum RPM is the same (if the HWiNFO64 and ePSA test data are accurate) on both my original and replacement fans.

 

Will the fan fit in a M17xR4? Can you give me a link to where I would get the fan.
I upgraded my computer from a 3610m to a 3920XM ES and now my fan isn't up for the job anymore, I needed an ungrade.

 

The fans from 18" system will not fit in the 17" models. You can only change the CPU fan with the m14xR2. I have for the new 17 installed the m14xR2 fan; I only had to remove the bracket from the back and one of the screws on the side (little filing). I still have both sides fixed in the system and fit perfect on the new 17 model, probably better than the previous models because I did not have to do any modding with the fan (like sticking something or adding anything). It's already fixed on 2 screws and works wonders... I have to try some overclocking to notice the difference... If anybody interested, I will see if I can take some pictures soon and post them (I am moving from one house to another, so I am replying a little slow; please accept my apology).

 

juliant, so my only option would be getting a M14R2 fan? Please post some pics, I will appreciate it very much.

 

Hmmmm, so the m14x r2 fans are 10 cfm... The stock m17x cpu is 2 cfm, and the gpu is 3 cfm.

So why not mod the m14x r2 fan to fit the gpu heatsink as well?

 

you got a point there, but it's going to be a bit more work as the wires are on the wrong side and the fan placement bias is on the different side. I wonder if the fan position bias affects the performance?
pic from AngieAndretti
CPU fan
GPU fan

 

3cfm?! My GPU fan is 11cfm.

 

Hmm. Not sure which I have, I need to check when I get home.. Where did you get the higher output fan? Different part number?

Edit : I found the high output fan online via part number. Couldn't find the other one though

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

 

Yep, i just checked now again and it is a 3cfm fan. I found the 11cfm fan on the bay ( its incorrectly labeled as a CPU fan) but it aint cheap: R4 GPU fan

So to get my full cooling capacity looks like I'll have to change both fans in the 'ol R3. I keep thinking about selling my R3 and going for a brand new 17... But after changing CPU to 2960xm, ram to 16gb corsair, graphics to 680 and now 780m, etc etc, I think i would end up spending too much money getting equivalent performance!

 

Ok bought both the better GPU fan and the m14x R2 CPU fan, from same eBay seller to reduce shipping.

I'M IN TOO DEEP DAMMIT

 

Wanted to make a mention that i have recently installed the m14xr2 CPU fan in place of the pathetic 2.3CFM stock CPU fan, and the results are night and day. I simply clipped the back clip off and used my dremel to expand the left clip hole to fit, so i have two screws holding down the fan, which is plenty enough. While stress testing my CPU it was able to hold a lower max temp under extreme conditions for a longer period of time. With a 3min stress test, under full load using XTU, it never exceeded 83C and was as low as 74C with an avg of around 76C. while with the old fan it reached 88C and never dipped below 81C with an avg around 84C

 

I got the J77H4 11.7 CFM fan here: Dell Alienware M18x R2 Cooling Fan DP/N: J77H4, 0J77H4, DC28000BHF0

 

11 cfm?!!? O_O gonna have to go get my self one. one M14xR2 fans and a 11.4 cfm R4 GPU fan.

@widezu69, what was your computer's stock parts? like what components did you place your order with? ('cause I heard original order components affects the computer parts that is included.)

 

what fans does the m17x r2 have?

 

I custom made some little metal mounts and installed the M14xR2 fan in My M17xR4 and am seeing average of 7-10c drop in max CPU temp. Last night I raided SoO for three hours and Max temp 71c

 

How is the noice level?
Will we be able to fit the fans in a 17r2?

A slight advice. Try to close the gap between the fan and the radiator using some sort of tape.
An opening can make it blow air through opening, not going via radiator.

 

Got it ;-)

M14x R2 fan came with the black tape crapped out so today I dug up some suitable (looks to be aluminum) tape that leaves no residue when lifted from our installation bay that will seal that tiny gap between the fan and heat sink

 

Nevermind. Great note on the cpu fan, thats probably the problem with my cpu fan.

 

Well, I also bought these fans for my Alienware 17, my fans were as stated: CPU Fan: 1.66 CFM LOL, & BUT WAIT GPU Fan: 1.74 CFM LOL

~ No wonder why my cpu fan runs all the time and never stops on a semi high setting. With temps in the 40's.

 

Thanks for the pics, greatly appreciated. Now I have a slight clue on what to do when I get one of those M14xR2 fans. Only thing left to do now is to go get myself one of those on ebay.

 

I know this is an old thread, but there are probably some folks that have not seen it that would appreciate such useful information... so here's a bump.

Any numbers to report on temperature improvements? I see several of you have upgraded to higher CFM fans, but never commented about the improvements (or lack thereof). So, posting before and after observations would be nice.

 

I just ordered 2 P/N THPDJ 11.4 CFM really cheap...once I get them, I'll link it, new revision like J77H4 11.7 CFM M18xR2.

 

1 to 2 degrees Celsius. But the amount of air and "sound" of fans in use are more in sink. Not a different whirring and whining sounds any more if that makes sense. It does dissipate heat better. But not all that much let's say if you were already in a well ventilated area.

 

Hmmm i'm going to crack my r1 open and look at the fans and see what i can find that will fit in the gpu slots.

 

I think I got a bit of an improvement. The fan has the same sound signature as the gpu fan which is fine however if it is not aligned properly it gives of a nasty high pitched whirring noise.