aside from taking my computer apart is there a way i can find out the make and model of my cooling fan?

Duh.

I just answered my own question....

I looked thru the holes in the back.

Man. Long day.

EDIT: it is a JMC/Datech 9232-12HBTL-2 DC 12V 0.85A

apparently i cant just buy a replacement fan for this? Ive read it has a built-in thermal sensor and tach pickup? Is there any truth to this? The Computer is a Dell Dimension 4600? Id love to have a fix for this. Its not for work its for my best girls P.C. so i need brownie points.

http://www.motherboardpoint.com/t41908-rep...asecpu-fan.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=1006052010832

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-dime...7-30529709.html

If it were me, I'd just go with a reliable 3d-party fan/heatsink for P4s, rather than going to original equipment. But, that's just me...

Louis

I got my eye on one at tirgerdirect.ca...

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/sea...mp;body=QA#tabs

I'm hoping that may suffice. I have read alot of lame stuff in regards to the wiring of this particular fan to the motherboard....

Leave it to dell to complicate things.

I've never owned a Dell system...but I thought that the plugin for CPU fans was standard on each motherboard, regardless of model.

I read that same bit about the wiring, don't know what it's all about....maybe one of the persons who work on Dells (or have one) can shed some light.

Louis

Well is it a case fan or a processor fan you are having a problem with? The fan you picked out is a case fan and will do you no good if your having a processor fan problem, and vice-versa.

Aside from that dell comment, yeah they like to complicate things. I'm currently working with a network of about 12 Dell Optiplex 4800 I believe it is. Taking a look at the processor cooling system its a heat sink without a fan on top of it. Dell solution? Affix a case fan and put a piece of plastic bridging from the case fan over the heat sink. Not very effective runs at 50C+

I just worked on a Dell dimension E310 (I think thats what it was) it had the same setup. No heat sink fan just a case fan blowing across the heat sink. Not sure what the connector for the fan was I never took it out. You should be able to look up the repair guides on Dells support website. You will need the system ID off the back of your computer. This is the standard pinout for CPU and case fans.