Power Supply fan

[fc98661]

Hello,
The fan on my power supply is not turning? Should it be turning all the time or only when the power supply reaches a certain temperature?
I hope someone can help!
Thanks,
fc98661

 

[kmcferrin]

It depends on which power supply you are using. Some of them have "smart fans" that only run when it's hot. Others do not and the fans run all of the time.

 

[paparazi]

Indeed, I seem to remember Antec make some of there PSU's like this, two fan units where the internal fan spins all the time but the outer fan only turns when the PSU gets warm under load.
I think we have to be careful here though, and check to see if the fan is seizing.
All fans regardless of how they are controlled, should spin freely, so... use the tip of a pen or other pointy device to push the fan, if it rotates freely all is OK but if there is a resistance to turning, the fan has seized up.
PSU fans can often be free'd off or the fan replaced but you have to be very aware of the potential dangers involved in "going inside" a PSU.
Even after being unplugged for several hours the capacitors within the unit can carry enough stored current to kill the weak hearted.
Sooooo be careful if that's what you end up doing.
Martin

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[Kalshane]

As others mentioned, check the PSU's manufacturer's website to see if it has a smart fan. Also, does the PSU get hot to the touch when the PC is running? I've run into plenty of PCs where my first indication the PSU fan has died is taking hold of the case to pull it out from under a desk and feeling the heat radiating off the PSU. Even if you can move the fan with "pointy object" the motor on it may have burnt out.

 

[burtsbees]

Does it turn at start up, or even turn at all? Can you take it out and ohm it out?

Burt