REASONS TO REPLACE YOUR COMPUTER FAN AND HEATSINK

REASONS TO REPLACE YOUR COMPUTER FAN AND HEATSINK

A computer's fan and heatsink are two of its most important components. The primary role of both is to cool down the processor and keep it from overheating. A laptop or notebook does not have to be outside in hot, humid weather to overheat. In fact, even if a computer is kept away from extreme heat altogether, it can still overheat. That is because a computer's processor is responsible for processing information and giving instructions to other components in the computer. A processor can get very busy as a result, especially when it is running multiple programs simultaneously. As a result, it heats up, and if there is nothing to cool it down, it can malfunction and break down, costing the owner hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This is why a good fan and heatsink are necessary.

The more demand placed on the processor, the more effective the fan and heatsink must be. This guide identifies five issues that can cause or indicate improper or insufficient functioning of the fan and heatsink to help users better understand why and when they should replace their fans and heatsinks. This guide also discusses how to find a compatible make and model for your desktop or laptop.

HOW A FAN AND HEATSINK WORK

Explaining how a fan and heatsink work with processors helps readers to understand why they may run into problems. Cooling a computer is a process in itself, and understanding how that works gives better insight as to what kind of problems may occur during it. Certain problems are indicative of the need for new components. The two need to be working together for optimal performance.

 

The heatsink portion of the unit acts as a thermal conductor. This means it draws in the heat the processor gives off. The principle behind this thermal conduction is the slower molecules of the heatsink's metal draw in the energy given off by the fast moving molecules of the warm processor. This creates an equilibrium, heating the heatsink and cooling the processor.

Heatsinks employ either aluminium or copper. Aluminium, though capable of conducting a good amount of heat, has a lower thermal conduction rating than copper. However, copper is heavier than aluminium, which puts a strain on the motherboard since it holds the heatsink. If a user has a big, sturdy motherboard that can hold a copper heatsink, then copper is preferable for its stronger thermal conduction properties. A heatsink usually comes in a 120 or 140-mm size.

The heatsink's job is to absorb warmth from the processor, but that warmth still needs a place to go. That is where the fan comes into play. The cooling fan comes in 3-pin or 4-pin and is typically around 25mm in size, but it packs a punch. The fan moves air across the heatsink and out of the computer, cooling both the heatsink and the computer. Many heatsinks have an additional fan—this is sometimes called a dual fan—that sits above the heatsink and blows air onto the processor to cool that down as well. Heatsinks without an extra fan are called passive heatsinks, and those with an extra fan are called active heatsinks. Because the components come in different sizes, it is important to check the size and shape of the connector with the corresponding size and shape of the one on the motherboard. You can find it out online as well.

There are also liquid cooling or "water cooler" options available for cooling down computers, but these are high-end systems that come with a high price tag. The main benefit of CPU coolers is that they are quiet—even silent. However, they are far more complex than the traditional fan and heatsink cooling system.

ISSUES WARRANTING REPLACEMENT OF A FAN AND HEATSINK

A few common instances might lead a user to need to replace the fan and heatsink on their computer. Some of these issues might have to do directly with them, while others are indirect issues that affect the processor.

1- DAMAGED OR BROKEN FAN

Just like any other moving part, a fan can break down over time. After enough use, even the best ones are bound to stop working. If it becomes damaged or broken, it must be replaced. Fortunately, it can be purchased as a separate part, allowing for continued use of the heatsink. It is advisable to check for compatibility first though.

Many systems have their Basic Input Output System (BIOS) set to recognize certain fan speeds and therefore may not recognize a fan that does not blow at the same speed as the original fan. This can cause the computer to not power up. As a result, it is best to check with the manufacturer as to which fans are compatible with the system in question.

2- EXCESSIVE NOISE

The fan is likely not be completely silent, but it should be quiet, and it should never be loud. Excessive noise is actually not a problem in and of itself. Rather, it is a symptom of a failing fan. If a user is hearing excessive noise coming from their machine, it is possible the fan has come loose, which is a problem that can be rectified. However, it may also mean that the fan is not rotating properly. If this is the case, it probably is not doing a sufficient job of cooling the system and may therefore be in need of replacement before the entire system overheats and fails. Replacing an entire system would be a great deal more expensive than just replacing its fan.

3- MELTING DUE TO OVERUSE

Just as a fan can break down from overuse, so can a heatsink. Because a heatsink absorbs the heat from a processor, it can become hot as well, especially if there is no fan to cool it and if the processor gives off a great deal of heat. A heatsink can actually melt if it becomes too hot, and if this happens, the heatsink will not work properly. When it begins to melt, it is time to get a new one. Running a system with a faulty heatsink can quickly destroy the processor and melt the motherboard, rendering the system useless. As with the fan, replacing the heatsink is a much less expensive fix than replacing an entire system.

4- UPGRADES IN THE SYSTEM

Direct problems with the fan or heatsink are not the only cases that require a new fan and heatsink. Upgrades to the system, such as adding a new graphics card or replacing the processing unit, RAM, and motherboard could all necessitate a new fan and heatsink. Not all fans and heatsinks are able to cool the heat that more powerful versions of these pieces of hardware produce. Each device generally indicates how much heat it creates, thereby allowing users to determine whether their fans and heatsinks are capable of cooling them.

5- RUNNING POWERFUL SOFTWARE

Running powerful software is another indirect issue that may necessitate a new fan and heatsink. The processor may begin to run hot if the software puts a strain on it. Ideally, a user will install a new processor if the current one struggles to run the software, but a new fan and heatsink can provide a temporary fix. It keeps the processor cool, which will prevent the motherboard from being irreparably damaged. Replacing the latter would be a much more expensive fix, and it is best to avoid this if at all possible.

In other words…

Where to Buy a Fan and Heatsink

One good place to look is a shop that sells computer goods. Some carry relatively a large stock of fans and heatsinks, but it is not usually as extensive as those found in online stores. In the latter, the inventory can be vast and thereby offer consumers the largest selection.

Those looking for used fans and heatsinks have a couple of options. Computer repair shops often salvage parts from machines that no longer work. If the problem is not related to the fan or heatsink, the shop generally resells these parts after they have been removed. It is also possible to find fans and heatsinks on online classifieds.

How to Buy a Fan and Heatsink on eBay

eBay is a good online source for fans and heatsinks because they have a large stock of this kind of computer hardware, and the site gives you the tools that you need to make sure  you are buying from a reputable seller.

Searching eBay for Fans and Heatsinks

It's easy to find the fan or heatsink you need on eBay. Simply use the Search bar located at the top of any page and enter keywords related to what you're looking for. For instance, "computer fans", "heatsinks", or "fans with heatsinks", depending on your needs. You can also filter your search further by selecting certain features for the fan, heatsink, or fan and heatsink combination. For example, if you need a new heatsink for a Dell computer, you can select Dell under the Brand menu after you pull results for all heatsinks. If you want to save a bit of money by buying a used heatsink, you can select Used from the Condition menu and all of the used Dell heatsinks for sale are listed.

Finding Reputable Sellers

eBay has two ways to help you find reputable sellers. The first is by letting you see sellers' feedback. This is where buyers leave their impressions from their buying experiences with sellers. If a seller has good feedback from many customers, you are likely to have a good buying experience with that seller. The second way that eBay helps you to find reputable sellers is by identifying the sellers with the best feedback.

CONCLUSION

A computer's fan and heatsink are necessary components to keep a computer's processor cool. This is important because the processor is perhaps the most important piece of hardware on a computer (and the more expensive! after the information based on the PC). 

Once it stops working, the whole system stops working. Even worse, a computer that runs hot risks melting the motherboard, which can cause even more extensive damage and necessitate the replacement of the entire desktop or laptop. Although the fan and heatsink may not be the most technologically advanced components in a computer, they are some of the most important due to their preventive role in a consequential chain that could lead to the breakdown of an entire system. 

It is important that users learn the cooling capacities of their fans and heatsinks and how to detect direct problems with these devices. Doing so can help to prevent worse, and more expensive, damage being done to the system.

ANOTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• Run a schedule and maintenance plan for your computer (can be at 3/6/12 months)
• If you can't or have the knowledge skills to do it, pay a tech support for maintenance and it will cost from $35-$75
• Always consider your place at work or home and where is located the PC. For example: the PC can be closer in a window and dust, sun and other components can damage the PC and the maintenance has to be done more often
• Nobody better than you, knows how much time does the computer is turned on and working overload
• Plan to buy all components together, at least can reclaim warranty and estimate when and how is a upgrade need it
• I cannot tell you what brand, model or specifications of CPU Cooler you can buy. This is according of the computer type you own (brand, model and use of the system) and you can google it and research CPU Coolers with heatsink.

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