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    How to go about cleaning a fan that's spinning slowly.

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Fe ®, May 19, 2014.

  1. Fe ®

    Fe ® Notebook Geek

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    I have an XPS M1710 (about 5-6 years now, I think). Every now and then I open it up and clean out the vents and the temperatures are fine. This time though I realised that both of the fans are not up to speed. I'm using i8k, the larger fan is about 1928 RPM, and the smaller one about 2400 RPM (both maxed out). Usually they should about 4000 and 3000 (or 3500, can't remember) respectively. I'm guessing the fans themselves need cleaning and not just the vents.

    Is is possible to do so (and if so, how?) or do I need to replace them with new ones? Don't just want to buy a new laptop yet (even though I'm a bit overdue), and the replacement fans are close to $35 each ... not too keen on that either.

    Didn't post this in the XPS section as it's more of a general question, but feel free to move it anyway.
     
    Fe ®, May 19, 2014
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  2. Fe ®

    Fe ® Notebook Geek

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    Just removed them again (about the fourth time within two days), and oiled them this time. Pretty good results so far (4013 and 2810 RPM).
     
    Fe ®, May 19, 2014
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  3. shea2812

    shea2812 Notebook Consultant

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    I dont think it will last that long. I wud just spent the $35 than have the mobo fried and having the XPS running at throttled speed. Over time your time will worth more that the 35 that you wud have spent to replace the fan. 5-6 years is a long time for a bearing set so tiny! Just my 2 cents.
     
    shea2812, May 23, 2014
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  4. Fe ®

    Fe ® Notebook Geek

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    If that's the case, then I suppose I'll reconsider getting a new laptop. Thanks for the advice :thup:
     
    Fe ®, May 24, 2014
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  5. objecttothis

    objecttothis Notebook Consultant

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    I'm guessing it's dell that gave you the 35USD quote. Just go to eBay and buy them there ( xps m1710 fan in Computer Components & Parts | eBay) You're looking at something like $10 each.
     
    objecttothis, Nov 8, 2014
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  6. Fe ®

    Fe ® Notebook Geek

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    Yup, might have been on Dell's website that I got that price.
    Anyway after oiling them they've been working perfectly (as far as I can tell... For a few months now), so I guess that'll do until I decide to get a replacement laptop.
    Thanks!

    Edit: just realised that my initial post was about 6 months ago... Was thinking it was closer to 3. Guess the oiling did help quite a bit.
     
    Fe ®, Nov 11, 2014
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  7. paiyunokgu

    paiyunokgu Newbie

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    yes,Was thinking it was closer to 3. Guess the oiling did help quite a bit. thanks
     
    paiyunokgu, Nov 26, 2014
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