the fan in the power supply in my desktop pc just started making a noise can i just replace the fan or is it a new power supply ?if i can replace the fan what have i got to look for (serial number etc)or if it's the supply what have i got to look for ? all i know is it is a 400w one and i would like a silent one as the pc is in the living room,any pointers much appreciated thanks

 

You could replace the fan (it will just be a standard sized one that you should be able to get from Maplin, PC World, Scan, OCUK, etc), but it will be quicker and easier to just replace the whole PSU.

The ones with the larger (120mm) fans are generally quieter than the smaller (80mm) fans. I've also found the branded PSUs to be quieter than the unbranded ones, but the down side is that you pay a bit more for them.

 

thank you for the info i have already had the fan out to clean it, this looks exactly the same but it's a 300w one and there is a 400w one in the machine now have they all got the same connectors on them ?
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/20083

 

is this what i need ?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/80mm-8cm-Inter...item51974fa4f8

 

By and large, yes they have the same connectors. The one to watch out for is probably the motherboard 20/24 pin connector. Most have a split connector, but if not, make sure the PSU has the right one for your board.

I wouldn't replace a 400W PSU with a 300W one though. TBH, I'd spend a bit more than that and get one that is more likely to be quieter.

Yes. The wires might need soldering in the PSU, or possibly have a smaller connector on than the Molex connectors that item's picture shows.