Dimension 8400: Pulsating Fan

One of the two fans in my Dimension 8400 is pulsating. It speeds up to
what sounds like jet takeoff speed and then slows down. It does this on a
pretty consistent basis that doesn't seem to corollate with any increased
usage of the computer like video rendering.

What I'm wondering is how much (roughly) it might cost me to fix the fan.
The machine is out of warranty so I'd have to order from Dell and install
it myself (which I have no problem doing). I'm try to figure in my mind if
I should replace the fan or move everything I can into a new case with a
standard motherboard, fan, etc.

Mike

"M. Hale" wrote in message
.. .
One of the two fans in my Dimension 8400 is pulsating. It speeds up to
what sounds like jet takeoff speed and then slows down. It does this on a
pretty consistent basis that doesn't seem to corollate with any increased
usage of the computer like video rendering.

What I'm wondering is how much (roughly) it might cost me to fix the fan.
The machine is out of warranty so I'd have to order from Dell and install
it myself (which I have no problem doing). I'm try to figure in my mind
if
I should replace the fan or move everything I can into a new case with a
standard motherboard, fan, etc.

Mike

Which fan?

The CPU fan for my 4550 cost about $25 shipped and the power supply (with
fan) cost about $30 shipped.

Tom

"Tom Scales" wrote in message
...

"M. Hale" wrote in message
.. .
One of the two fans in my Dimension 8400 is pulsating. It speeds up to
what sounds like jet takeoff speed and then slows down. It does this on
a
pretty consistent basis that doesn't seem to corollate with any increased
usage of the computer like video rendering.

What I'm wondering is how much (roughly) it might cost me to fix the fan.
The machine is out of warranty so I'd have to order from Dell and install
it myself (which I have no problem doing). I'm try to figure in my mind
if
I should replace the fan or move everything I can into a new case with a
standard motherboard, fan, etc.

Mike

Which fan?

The CPU fan for my 4550 cost about $25 shipped and the power supply (with
fan) cost about $30 shipped.

Tom


Tom,

I'm guessing this is the CPU/case fan. There were a lot of problems with
these in that model early on that were posted to this group. The "jet"
description is not an exaggeration. When those particular fans go out of
control, they can blow a lightly-filled paper or styrofoam cup in its path
from a tabletop.

OP needs to call Dell and replace the case fan (check for excessive dust on
the fan and/or heatsink first and clean if needed).

1-800-357-3355