m17xr3 GPU fan stopped after cleaning

So, I'm doing my yearly cleaning, removing the fans, using light air pressure to remove dust and dirt, CPU re-paste, just as I've done every year in the past.

But this time, after cleaning was done and booted up, the GPU fan isn't working at all. Thought maybe I'd broken the connector on the motherboard, or maybe some pins were bent, but everything looks perfectly normal, it just isn't starting.

Any ideas to how I could test the fan ? Or what else I should try to get it working?

GPU runs over 80c at idle now which means it's pretty useless until it's cooled down. Don't want to overheat it. Any good cooling tips are also welcome!

All help is appreciated!

 

You should find that the fans have the same connector? Not sure but worth a look. Try swapping them over. They will not fit but at least you get to see if one has died on you.

As for tips I found that simply elevating the base was all I needed to see a nice temp drop. After that you're into a cooling pad - tons of advice on this can be searched out here on NBR

 

Better to replace it before you continue using the machine. We don't want to break the GPU

 

Check the yellow sticker on your dead fan. It will probably say 3CFM.

Grab this R4 GPU fan, it's a perfect direct replacement and now you have 11CFM, perfect timing for an upgrade and it's the last piece too

Genuine 0THPDJ Dell Alienware M17x R4 DC28000BGF0 CPU Cooling Fan P N THPDJ | eBay