The CPU fan in my Dimension 3000 stopped running, shortly after I vacuumed out the dust from inside the computer. I purchased an off the shelf fan that powers directly off the power dongles, and have been running OK, except that the Dim 3K has a fan monitor on the fan, and gives an error each time you turn the computer on. I purchased a "new" fan on eBay of the same model that came outta my computer (I say "new" becuase the fan I bought actually is even older than the original that came in my computer). I installed it, and it does not run. Weird. So I bench test the "new" fan, and it runs fine when powered directly off the power supply - AS IT TURNS OUT, SO DOES MY ORIGINAL FAN!!! So, conclusion, the problem is not the fan, it is the fan power coming from the motherboard. So the question is, other than the socket where the CPU fan plugs into the mother board, is there a fuse or other connector, or a software switch I can set, that controls the power to the fan?
I cannot seem to find any setting in the BIOS for the fan, I have looked pretty hard. It's not that big a deal, getting an error on reboot. My only concern is that the original fan is rated at 120 CFM, while the highest off the shelf model I could find was 82 CFM. Now when I feel the CPU heatsink (with my off the shelf fan running off the power supply), it feels cool to the touch. So I think I will ignore the error message at boot up, and hope for the best. Thanx!I cannot seem to find any setting in the BIOS for the fan, I have looked pretty hard. It's not that big a deal, getting an error on reboot. My only concern is that the original fan is rated at 120 CFM, while the highest off the shelf model I could find was 82 CFM. Now when I feel the CPU heatsink (with my off the shelf fan running off the power supply), it feels cool to the touch. So I think I will ignore the error message at boot up, and hope for the best. Thanx!
You can turn the fan monitor off in the BIOS, or at least disable the error message. There is no way to repair the faulty connector in all likelihood. There MAY be an unused connector on the board for an optional case fan. If so you could plug your processor fan into that. I would be comfortable running a fan directly off the power supply, exactly what you did.You can turn the fan monitor off in the BIOS, or at least disable the error message. There is no way to repair the faulty connector in all likelihood. There MAY be an unused connector on the board for an optional case fan. If so you could plug your processor fan into that. I would be comfortable running a fan directly off the power supply, exactly what you did.
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Re: Dell Dimension 3000 CPU Fan does not run
I agree with both of you. As long as you are not experiencing any heat event (shutting down and rebooting) just ignore the error message. If the fan is on and running at a fair speed, you shouldn't have and problems. Now should you start to have heat problems, don't boot the computer until you have a larger CPU fan in place...and too you may be able to add an additional fan to the system for reassurance. the added noise is worth the security of not having a CPU meltdown. Those large 120 are very quiet and move air, if you can find a place to hang it. Good luck, hope this helps. please leave rating -thank you kindly
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This is what happen to me also, but after i do some clean into my fan processor, fan graphic card, and do vacum inside my computer ( because has too much dust). Too much dust also can make your pc performance going bad.. settle about cpu performance.
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Overheating When the CPU overheats then it will shut down (i.e. thermal overload) and won't boot up again until it has cooled down. If this is the problem is not fixed then the CPU will eventually fail. A faulty fan causes the problem or the fan and heat sink assembly are clogged with dust. Check the CPU fan to see if it spins freely, if not replace the fan. If the fan and heat sink is clogged with dust the remove the dust and make sure the vents are clear and dust free. Use a small brush and can of compressed air to do this.
Your CPU may be overheating. Open the case, vacuum all the dust and
inspect all fans: Power Supply, CPU, Chipset, Graphic Card etc...
If all are operational then maybe the CPU heatsink compound (grease)
has dried up over times, and need a fresh new replacement.
Download a copy of Real Temp 3.60 and run it continously to monitor
the CPU temperature in real time.
While the computer is running - inspect the visible fans. Make sure they're running smoothly - a screeching fan is not spinning at the correct speed - and like those not spinning at all; isn't doing the job intended. Replace any fan that makes noise or does not spin freely or at all.
Shut off the PC and take note of plugs & jacks; and disconnect all cables.
Remove the computer to a table with ample room to work. Position the computer so that left removable side panel is facing up. Loosen (or remove if required) any screws, clips or other fastener used to secure the panel to the case. Remove the cover and set aside.
Using a crevice tool or narrow wand attachment on a vacuum cleaner, gently vacuum the inside of the computer case. Try not to touch any components inside. Gently move cables and wires out of the way to allow the vacuum to **** dirt, dust, etc. from the motherboard and interior of the case. Some plugs at the end of wires can very easily be pulled off of connectors to the motherboard, so be very careful moving the cables and wires out of the way.
Be sure to pay attention to any slots in the case or drives - such as a floppy disk. Vacuum dust from the the opposite direction they entered - pull it back out instead of pulling it all the way through. Check openings in the case designed for airflow. Clear any obstructions found. Inspect the power supply. Often, a fan blows outside air into the power supply - coating the insides with dust. The dust is often visible choking the slots of the power supply inside the case - this should be vacuumed away from the slots, to restore airflow.
Inspect the CPU fan. Remove any dust and dirt caught on the fan blades. Spin the fan by hand. It should spin freely. Shine a light through the fan to view the heat sink. the heat sink is just a large metal piece that sits between the fan and the CPU itself. It conducts the heat created by the CPU away from the CPU - where the fan blows comparably cooler across it, wicking the heat away. If the heat sink fins, posts, or channels are clogged or coated, the CPU fan should be removed and the heat sink vacuumed or bushed clean in place. The CPU fan usually held in place with 2 or 4 small screws. Remove them and the gently rock the fan from the heat sink. Move it just off to the side so that it won't need to be unplugged from the motherboard. Clean the heat sink and reassemble.
After removing as much dust as possible, reassemble the case and reconnect. The overheating problem should be resolved. If you're still having issues, you start over again but this time try blowing the dust out. A caveat of that is that it forces dust and dirt deeper still into components inside the case. If the computer is not working - this may not be a cause for concern. It would be best to use a "shop air" source - like those compressors found in workshops or gas stations as they have large the large volume of air at significantly high pressure. Canned air bought in stores can't come close on either of those two qualities - but is better than nothing.
Reassemble and try again. If it is a heat related problem that hasn't existed long enough to cause permanent damage, your PC should work fine once again. Please rate this reply "very helpful" and good luck!
Problems like these - intermittents - can be difficult to track down. I have found that many times, it is a heat related issue. You can check this fairly easily.
Disconnect all the cables from the PC. Label any that you may have trouble figuring out where to reconnect again later, when we're done. Remove the PC to a table and lay on its side, so that the left side faces up. Remove left side panel (its now facing up). Using the crevice tool attachment, carefully vacuum the inside on the case. Pay particular attention to the CPU and immediate area around it. Try to remove as much dust and dirt as possible. Try not to disturb the cabling inside the case very much while vacuuming all around the insides.
Look for the power supply unit. It has a large group of wires coming out going to different parts of the PC. This is a box in the rear corner of the PC. Vacuum the slots from inside the case and then from the outside of the case near the built in fan, too.
Next, inspect the CPU fan. Look for dust build up behind the fan on the cooling fins. If you wish, you can unscrew the fan from the cooling fins with a small phillips screw driver. and gently lift it away - don't drop the screws into the case! You should be able to vacuum the dust off the cooling fins easily now. When clean, reinstall the CPU fan. When satisfied with the cleaning job, reassemble and reconnect the computer to the cables and try it out.
Hopefully, your phantom shut downs will cease and it will run reliably. A couple last thoughts.. try to keep the PC on top of your desk, instead of on the floor where there is significantly more dirt and dust to get sucked into the computer and never blow dust out with compressed air inside the computer as this only forces the dirt and dust deeper into the components.
That's because it heats up more easily and faster, which usually makes the fans spin faster and results in being noisy. Have you ever cleaned out the interior of the computer? If not, or if it's been awhile since it's been done, then buy some canned air for dusting electronics, open the side of the computer case (while it's not powered ON), and blow out the fans and the heat sink. If you get alot of just clogging up the heat sink, then it will not dissipate heat correctly; which results in the fans running more often. It that doesn't help any, then I would try to figure out if one of the fans is making alot of noise because it's going bad. You can find replacement fans on ebay, or at local electronics\computer shops.
has the cooling fans been cleaned lately?PC's shouldn't be noisy to the point you're asking for advise about it. Is it a grinding noise, a clicking noise..more info plz.
This happens when it is getting too hot inside your computer. Take a can of compressed air and blow out the dust inside the computer, around the heatsink, fans, and any vents you see. Follow the instructions on the can for maximum efficiency. This will allow your computer to run cooler and the fan won't have to run on high speed quite as often, if at all.
If your fan is not turning at all then it is probably dead, the bearings are likely clogged with dust and such. The PC is shutting off because of heat buildup on the processor chip. You need to do an Ebay search for your model and order a fan right away. Continued running of your sysem without a fan will kill the processor and motherboard. You should be able to get a replacement fan for your computer for less than $15 including shipping. Your local computer store may have one to fit your system but they may charge more for it. To change the fan is very easy, the left side of the case will come off your system, right under the power supply is the processor and heatsink and the fan. Disconnect the old fan and reconnect the new unit.
Your computer is automatically shutting down to prevent damage to the CPU because it is getting too hot. This can be caused due to a malfunction fan, heatsink, or dirt inside the CPU.
Remove the side cover of the CPU. Using a can of air (which can be purchased at most electronics departments), blow out any dust inside the case, paying specific attention to the fan and the heatsink mounting the CPU. Also blow out all vents and anywhere else you see dust. Do not shake the can of air and keep it as level as possible. If you do not have a can of air available, an air compressor will work. Alternatively, you may vacuum the dust up with the hose of a vacuum cleaner but do not use any attachment with brushes on it.
If the inside is relatively dust free, check to make sure all the fans are functioning properly. If the one on the CPU is not, then that fan will have to be replaced.
And one more thing, please give this solution a fixya rating. Thanks! :c)
I cannot seem to find any setting in the BIOS for the fan, I have looked pretty hard. It's not that big a deal, getting an error on reboot. My only concern is that the original fan is rated at 120 CFM, while the highest off the shelf model I could find was 82 CFM. Now when I feel the CPU heatsink (with my off the shelf fan running off the power supply), it feels cool to the touch. So I think I will ignore the error message at boot up, and hope for the best. Thanx!
You can turn the fan monitor off in the BIOS, or at least disable the error message. There is no way to repair the faulty connector in all likelihood. There MAY be an unused connector on the board for an optional case fan. If so you could plug your processor fan into that. I would be comfortable running a fan directly off the power supply, exactly what you did.
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