Power supply question

[Titicaca]

I have 2 older PC's, both of them IBM brand actually. In one of them, the PS fan is dead, in the other, I think the fan is suffuciently weak to keep the PS hot inside.

Can I just replace the fans inside of these? Can you buy just the fan, or do I need to get new power supplies? I haven't taken the PS's out yet, but one of them looks a little smaller than what I'm used to seeing. Do they usually come in standard sizes, or might I be out of luck with replacement other than going through IBM channels?

Thanks!

T.

 

[lhampel]

Yes you can replace the fans.
Remove the powersupply from the case & unplug it from the wall.
Remove the powersupply cover, then remove the fan(s).
take the fan(s) to the local computer hardware store & match them up with new ones.

(Probably going to be 80mm ~ 92mm 12v dc fans)

Have a great weekend.

 

[tigereye]

Gotta be careful, though. Don't go poking around in the ps randomly. Even after the system is unplugged, the capacitors can contain enough juice to kill you. I've changed out fans without any problems, but just watch what you are doing, and don't stick that screwdriver where it doesn't belong....

 

[Titicaca]

Sounds great. The fans will be cheaper than new PS's. Thanks for the help!

T.

 

[lifeguard1999]

Once you unplug the PS, let it sit for about 30 minutes. This will give the capacitors time to drain making it a bit safer for you to work.

 

[ericd]

Actually I would wait several hours MINIMUM before cracking a PSU to be safe. Of course I am insane so I usually just unplug and go but if I had commen sense I would let it sit overnight unplugged before working on it.

Eric

 

[WorkingMan]

Letting it sit overnight sounds better. If we have some qualified ps techs reply i've heard that some cap. can hold a charge longer than a few hours.

 

[eGadget]

It sounds a bit dangerous when handling a PS.
What pre-cautions should be taken when removing PS parts? eg. Fan, cover plate.

 

[hito]

Just curious, but would it be a good idea to just unplug the power supply then just hit the power button to use up all the power that is left in the caps?

BTW, are the fan connectors soldered on or just a regular 3pin connector?

- hito

 

[cavemanmoron]

that is what the moron does,i turn off the machine;then unplug the power cord going into the power supply,then push the on button on off 2/3 times....
if building a duron/athlon u need a GOOD p/s..200 watts aint enuff lol
i know..........

 

[tigereye]

Hito, depends on the supply, but most of them use a 2 pin connector that is different from either the 3 pin or the 4 pin. You may need to splice the wires if you don't have the connector.