Replacing a GPU fan?

So....i'm an idiot.

I forgot that dusting fans by blowing on them (and making them spin) destroys the tiny brushless motors. Now my GPU fan doesn't go.

My computer:
Dell e1705

My GPU:
nVIDIA 7900 gs


Is it possible to repair the fan?

 

Welcome to the NBR forums.

go to eBay.... search for: "e1705 fan"

its about $10-30.

 

Blowing on the blades won't always spin it faster than it can normally go - the fan runs at pretty high RPM to begin with, and is designed to do so for long periods. Manufacturers also take into account "User Interface Issues" when designing, so they're designed to withstand a lot faster speeds than you think.

If you spin it by finger and it spins freely, then it's still good. If it stops after a couple of spins, it's not. If it spins freely but won't start, then you need to reseat it or check for a connection issue. Remember too that unlike a desktop GPU, many notebook GPU fans do not start automatically in order to conserve power. They only activate when the GPU gets to a certain temperature. Don't assume anything unless you're positive it's bad. An example is the electric fan/s on many cars today - they don't start when you start your engine, but only when the engine and radiator temperature reaches a certain point.

As far as replacing a fan, unless you're qualified and certified in Surface Mount Component Repair, and have the necessary tools and equipment (which cost more than your notebook) then no, you can't replace the fan. Surface Mount components are not easily removed or replaced - most often when the attempt is made the board connection is destroyed. Surface Mount Technology, which is how all boards are made today, aren't built by traditional methods. The parts are placed on the board by a computer controlled machine which has been screened with solder paste, a paste mixture of Rosin and miniature Solder Balls that you can barely see. Once the parts are in place, the assembly is placed on a conveyor, where it travels under a radiant heat element in a convection oven, melting the solder. The only time a human is involved is if a cold solder joint is detected upon inspection. The board is then attempted to be repaired; if not, it's scrapped for material recycling.

 

Download I8KFANGUI
Once it is installed set the fans to full speed. If the fans do not turn on that you burnt out the fans in your laptop.

If the fans do come on than chances are your system is running cool enough that the fans do not need to come on.

If one or both of your fans are dead I recommend not using the system until new ones are installed.
Both fans are removable. It requires that the laptop be taken completely apart to change. Both fans are secured with 2 screws.
I believe both fans are around 8.4cfm for cpu and 6.2cfm for the gpu.
Both fans are made by Forcecon

You can buy replacement fans from Dell, Ebay, or places like excelcomputer

K-TRON

 

Thanks for the help. Been using the temp controls etc for awhile (that's where I figured out that I was getting 0 rpm)

I took my laptop apart. (its true, the fans are held down by 2 screws but to get to those two screws you have to take out 20, it was fun).

As it turns out, the dust was carpeted on the heat sink fins. When I used the compressed air to blow them off, I blew a chunk into the fan blades and this prevented it from spinning. Pulled it out, did some minor dusting here and there (cleaned the other fan too) and now I'm running 3 C lower on both sides.

cheers

-chris

 

That was scary...

EDIT:

But informative!