fans in CPU ?

pixel01

Hi all,

I just opened my desk PC case for cleaning. There are fans, one in the power supply and one over the CPU. Do I need to oil the fans and what kinds of oils are suitable for this purpose?
Thanks

chroot

The fans in your computer almost assuredly use sealed bearings and cannot be oiled. If a fan is making noise, it's because the bearings are shot, and the entire thing needs to be replaced. They're cheap.

- Warren

brewnog

Don't oil them, chances are you'll spray oil everywhere, dust will stick to it, and you'll have no end of grief.

Langbein

It's a good idea to replace the cpu fan before it is worn out. What could happen if the bearing is worn out, espessially if it it a low speed fan, is that the destroyed bearing will lock up the fan, so that the processor will be destroyed.

nobb123

I dont see the problem with oiling the fans if you know what you are doing. Here is a good tutorial:
http://www.dansdata.com/fanmaint.htm
Oiling your old fans increases the chance they will last longer, and might actually improve efficiency/lower noise too.

Stevedye56

Case fans are as cheap as $2-$3 now. It would be considerably less stressful just to buy a fan and put it in. Also you don't have to worry about spilling oil everywhere.