Computers are an example of complex technology, as they are made up of many small components, each of which must function perfectly. Fans are an essential part of computers because they are used to blow cold air on those components. If your computer tends to overheat, you probably need to install a new fan. If, on the other hand, you need to replace an existing fan, you can possibly do it with another, more silent one.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Purchase a Fan
Step 1. Check your case's technical specifications
There are two main types of computer fans: 80mm and 120mm fans. Some computers support other types of fans, such as 60mm or 140mm fans. If you don't know which type of fans are compatible with your case, detach one and take it to a computer store.
Most modern cases use 120mm fans
Step 2. Look at your case
Find empty spots where fans can be installed. The points where fans can be installed are typically found on the back, sides, top and front. Each case has a preset fan configuration.
Step 3. Choose large fans if you have the option
If your case supports fans of different sizes, go for the larger ones. Compared to the smaller ones, 120mm fans are significantly quieter, move more air and are more efficient.
Step 4. Compare fans from different manufacturers
Read the technical specifications and various reviews. Pay particular attention to reliability over time. The fans are definitely inexpensive, but you could save even more if you buy them in batches of four. The best known fan manufacturers are:
- Cooler Master
- Evercool
- Deep Cool
- Corsair
- Thermaltake
Step 5. Consider buying fans with LEDs
If you want to beautify your case, you can use fans equipped with LEDs to illuminate it with various colors. Fans equipped with LEDs, on the other hand, are slightly more expensive.
Part 2 of 3: Open the Case
Step 1. Remove the side panel
You need to remove the side panel of the computer to access the inside. The screws that hold it in place can usually be unscrewed by hand. You need to remove the panel opposite the motherboard ports.
Make sure the computer is turned off and the power cord is unplugged
Step 2. Eliminate static electricity
Static electricity on your body should always be eliminated before working with computer components. Electrostatic discharges can in fact damage the electronic parts of the computer irreversibly. You can avoid this danger by wearing an antistatic bracelet or by touching any metal object.
Periodically remember to discharge your body's static electricity as you work inside your computer
Step 3. Find the locations where the fans can be housed
Typically, fans can be placed on the back, sides, top, or front of the computer, depending on the type of case.
Step 4. Find the power connectors on the motherboard
Fan power connectors are usually labeled CHA_FAN # or SYS_FAN #. If you have trouble finding these connectors, consult your motherboard documentation.
If you are in the situation where there are more fans than the connectors available, you can use Molex adapters
Part 3 of 3: Configuring the Fans
Step 1. Learn how an efficient air circulation system works
Fans don't just blow air on components, as this would not be the most efficient strategy for cooling them. The fans, on the other hand, are used to circulate the air inside the computer and to pass fresh air over the components.
Step 2. Examine the fans
They push the air in a specific direction, which is usually indicated by a special arrow on the fan itself. If you don't see any arrows, try looking at the label on the fan instead.
Step 3. Configure your fans to create an air tunnel
The air tunnel is created by both the intake and exhaust fans. It is usually preferable to have a greater number of exhaust fans than the intake ones, in order to create a suction effect inside the case. By doing so, the cracks in the case will also help bring fresh air into the case.
- Rear location: The power supply on the back of the computer has a fan that pushes air outward; place one or two fans in the back of the case so that they also push the air out.
- Front location: Install one or two fans on the front of the computer so that air is drawn in. It is recommended that a second front fan be installed in the hard drive bay if the case allows it.
- Side position: The fans located on the side should be configured to blow air outwards. Most cases support the installation of a single side fan.
- Top position: The fan in the top position should be configured to draw air into the computer. Since hot air tends to accumulate at the top, one might think that it is instead the case to configure this fan to blow air outwards, but usually this way you end up having too many exhaust fans and few suction fans.
Step 4. Install the fans
Screw the fans together using the four screws included in the package. Make sure the fans are securely attached to avoid unwanted vibrations and noises. Be careful not to over tighten the screws as you may need to remove or replace the fans again in the future.
- Make sure there are no cables hindering the rotational movement of the fans. Use zip ties to keep the cables tidy.
- If you're having trouble holding the fans in place while you're trying to tighten the screws, you can use duct tape temporarily. Be careful: do not tape other components or electrical connections.
Step 5. Connect the fans
Connect the fans to the appropriate connectors on the motherboard. If you have too many fans you can use Molex adapters and connect them directly to your computer's power supply. This solution can also be used if the cable connecting the fans to the motherboard is too short.
If the fans are connected directly to the computer's power supply, they will run at full speed and cannot be changed in the BIOS
Step 6. Close the case
Make sure you close the case before testing the fans. These are in fact designed to be used with the case closed, in order to create an air tunnel inside. The temperature inside an open case is higher than in a closed case.
Step 7. Check the fans
If the fans are connected to the motherboard, you can check their operation by entering the BIOS. From the BIOS it is also possible to change the speed. Use a program like SpeedFan to monitor fan speeds in Windows.
Fans connected directly to the computer's power supply cannot be monitored
Step 8. Check the computer temperature
There will be no problem if the fans are working properly, but remember that the ultimate goal is to cool the computer components. Download a program to check the temperature of your computer (SpeedFan does this too). If your computer is still overheated, you can try reconfiguring the location and direction of the fans, or you can consider more extreme solutions for cooling your computer, such as liquid cooling.
