BleepingComputer.com: Desktop Power Supply Fan issue

Hi all,

I have a Sony Vaio PCV-RS310, I have had this desktop computer since 2002. Just a couple of years ago I had this fan noise and whenever I stop the computer (shut it down completely) and wait 5 minutes or so and turn the computer back on, the noise disappears. Now, for the past three days I've had the same sound over and over. I have tried to do the same method as before, close it and restarting the computer after 5 minutes or something.

After removing the computer case, I have isolated the issue to be the power supply fan, I removed the case and cleaned out the fan. I put everything back on and wam, the noise is heavier, sounds like it wants to implode or something. I was wondering, since many websites said the PSU fan has a sticker and underneath it is a hole? I haven't tried but it seems like there is for the fan. I'm not going to be using WD-40 (not good I heard), but question remains:

How long until I have do I do this all over again? And does it always work? Included is the sound of my computer, youtube'd:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_1wz4yLZA

Thanks in advance for help/reading.

Once a fan starts making noise there is no "fixing" it.

You have 2 choices, replace the fan or replace the power supply.

The wiser of the 2 is replace the power supply.

If you choose to replace the fan be very careful when working inside a power supply.
They have capacitors that sttore electricity.

Oiling the fan, may quieten it down for a while, but it will only be a temporary fix.
As fairjoeblue said, it won't be a permanent fix.
Once a fan starts making noise (what sounds like bearing failure, in your case), it's on it's way out.
Failure will happen.
It's just a matter, of time.

Thank you both for the advice, uhm. Why would it be best to buy a new PSU instead of just replace the fan that's noisy?
Edit, where do I buy either of these parts? I said my computer model in the OP.

This post has been edited by Raith: 01 July 2009 - 01:09 AM

There are a couple of reasons for buying a new power supply.

You indicated that the fan has been making noise for somethime.
Usually fans that are making noise don't spin as they should which means thry also don' cool as they should.
There are parts in a power supply that can be damaged by running hot over a period of time.

EVERYTHING in your computer is powered by the power supply one way or another.
By using a questionable power supply you are putting everything in the computer at risk.
By trying to save a couple of dollars by just getting a new fan you may end up wondering why your computer won't come on after the motherboard fries.

Also, heat damaged power supplies may work but that doesn't mean that they haven't become weak on some outputs & are underpowering components.

Unless you need an excuse to buy a new computer you are a lot farther ahead to spend the money on a decent power supply.

Quote

http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?...=Power-Supplies

garmanma, on Jul 1 2009, 10:54 AM, said:

I have a question, does it *fit*? Or are all power supplies the same size? Thanks.

The Vaio PCV-RS310 should take a standard ATX power supply.

I suggest getting a decent one, not the cheapest one.

fairjoeblue, on Jul 1 2009, 04:00 PM, said:

What is an ATX? A brand? Thanks.

ATX is a "form factor" .
Basically a particular physical size of power supply .

Most any of these will work,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....amp;Order=PRICE

If you want something decent & reliable I suggest buying one with a better rating & avoid the really chep ones.