Safe to open PSU?

EMA747

EMA747

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Andy
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The fan on my computers PSU has developed a really nasty and annoying grating noise from one of its fans. Is it safe to open it (when the computer is switched off of course) and give it a clean?
 
That's what I'm worried about.

I could just get it replaced under warranty but they said they have to test it etc before they will replace and it will take about 3-4 weeks! I don't really want to be without my computer for that long. Plus I would have to pay the postage to get it to them. :annoyed:
 
in short i'd say no unless you know what you're doing, a can of air or a rocket blower might help but i'd just sort it out under warranty if you can :)
 
Probably a bad bearing on a fan, the only cure for that would be replacement of the fan, if it doesn't affect the job the psu is doing they might not replace it under warranty but it's worth a try.
 
I have changed the fans in several PSUs over the years when they have packed up or simply to make them quieter. You will probably find that you do not actually have to go near the caps so unless you are a bit ham fisted there shouldn't be an issue. BUT if it is under warranty it might be worth taking it back!
 
if your worried about the caps you can discharge them using a bleed resistor - a insulated screw driver is much more impressive :D but usually results in bits blown out of the blade and BIG sparks and should not be tried by sensible people :nono:.

You should be able to gain access to the fan without exposing the underside of the board where the danger lies.
 
Dogfish_magnet said:
if your worried about the caps you can discharge them using a bleed resistor - a insulated screw driver is much more impressive :D but usually results in bits blown out of the blade and BIG sparks and should not be tried by sensible people :nono:.
Click to expand...

Anyone that needs the above advice doesn't have the experience to do it I would suggest :nono: But like we both said the caps shouldn't cause any problems if it is just the fan being replaced NORMALLY.
 
The noise probably indicates a bearing gone in the fan and that it needs replacing.
Warranty = back to dealer.
DIY = in addition to care outlined in above posts - remember to earth your body to avoid discharge of static (touching the PC bare chassis should do this).
 
my thinking on this is if you have to ask then you probably don't have the foggiest what's in a psu so shouldn't be doing it.

fine for people who know a bit but if you're asking well yeah :)
 
If you really must open the PSU you should drain it of power first.
 
I don't disagree - budget is bad etc, but it was really for reference and I'm sure the OP can click on from there and see what else is available. We weren't discussing the merits of hardware either...
 
There are people who scream "Danger" when it comes to the simple things in life like changing a plug or fuse, checking your engine oil and water, cleaning a sensor, choosing a camera bag and tripod, and will gladly pay out untold amounts to be cotton-woolled by the experts.

There are people who can fix and do just about anything with or without a manual, with 100% confidence, in total safety, clean their own sensor without batting an eyelid, and choose a suitable camera bag/tripod without having to ask the world for their opinions.

Only you can decide where your skills lay between these two extremes.

And you will never learn anything unless you try.
 
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