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    Fans being damaged from being blocked?

    Discussion in 'Gateway and eMachines' started by mechrock, Feb 23, 2009.

  1. mechrock

    mechrock Notebook Evangelist

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    Can the fans on my laptop be damaged if they start up when I have me laptop on my bed. The temps were fine when just idle not doing much, but would having the fans spin up with out being able to suck in any air hurt them other then not being able to cool my laptop right?
     
    mechrock, Feb 23, 2009
    #1
  2. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    No, I've never heard of that happening. Besides, laptop fans blow out, they don't suck air in.
     
    MidnightSun, Feb 23, 2009
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  3. scotchirishprince

    scotchirishprince Notebook Geek

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    It may put more stress on the fans but as long as your temps don't get out of hand I can't see it hurting your system much. It may make your fans work a bit harder.

    My toddler has sat down on many a house fan on hot days and they still work fine. :)
     
    scotchirishprince, Feb 23, 2009
    #3
  4. Dragunov-21

    Dragunov-21 Notebook Evangelist

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    They suck air through the bottom vents - it amounts to the same thing.

    But no. It could hurt your laptop if the temps get insanely high because the fan isn't blowing, but unless you're gaming on your bed it's almost not worth thinking about.
     
    Dragunov-21, Feb 23, 2009
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  5. mechrock

    mechrock Notebook Evangelist

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    No the most I would be doing is talking with Skype while watching an HD Video on youtube.
     
    mechrock, Feb 23, 2009
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  6. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    Despite the popular answer here, yes it can hurt the fans. They are a motor much in the same as your vacume cleaner. if you clog them, and thereby also overload them, they will heat up and can suffer a premature death.
     
    TANWare, Feb 23, 2009
    #6
  7. idiotpilot

    idiotpilot Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes, they can be damaged. They are being forced to move, and without air flow they cannot move. If the rotaries get locked up, it not only damages the fans but also the hardware they are cooling.
     
    idiotpilot, Feb 24, 2009
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  8. goodspeed(TPF)

    goodspeed(TPF) Notebook Deity

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    +1 for that
     
    goodspeed(TPF), Feb 24, 2009
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