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    My gpu fan is bad, but is this the only reason that it's messing up?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by londez, Oct 26, 2009.

  1. londez

    londez Notebook Evangelist

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    I have a problem where my laptop starts getting artifacts about 5-10 minutes after windows finishes booting and then freezes, a more detailed explanation of the problem and when it started can be found in this thread:

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=427781

    Originally I thought that the only problem was with the thermal pads or thermal paste on the GPU, but after having my dad check the gpu fan with his multi-meter we have concluded that it isn't working at all.

    Can we assume that this is the cause of the overheating? I had thought that the gpu did not need to use the fan unless it was being pushed hard by something like a game, not sitting idle in windows for 5-10 minutes. I had thought that the heatsink could handle the thermals while it was sitting in windows I hope that I am correct in my assumption, cause I would much rather not have to spend any more time and money than it would take to replace the fan.
     
    londez, Oct 26, 2009
    #1
  2. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    No, the fan needs to kick in every now and then to get rid of the heat. There is no way the tiny little GPU heatsink enclosed in the case with no airflow could passively cool it. Just replace the fan and you'll be fine.
     
    Trottel, Oct 27, 2009
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  3. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    How did you dad test the fan?

    You would need to measure power output from the lead the fan normally plugs into. Usually a 5V fan will kick in at low around 3.5V or so, and than medium around 4.25V, and high at 5V. If the graphics card is sitting idle, the fan will be in the off position, given that the graphics card is communicating to the system that the temperature is low enough that the fan can be in the off position.
    When the graphics card is hot, you should get a positive reading from the fan's power source.

    If you apply 5V from an external power source, does the fan spin?
    If yes, than the problem is either the fan connection, the graphics BIOS not telling the system to turn the fans on, or the main BIOS, not seeing your graphics card. The BIOS controls when the fan comes on, and how long it stays on.
    If the fan does not turn when an external power source is provided, than you need to replace the fan.
    I have had good experience with
    http://www.excelcomputerinc.com/

    If they do not have the fan, you can try searching its model number on digikey, mouser, goldmine electronic or ebay

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Oct 27, 2009
    #3