case fan replacement

[terryZ]

this question would be easier to understand if i could just insert a photo. i've tried to upload one from my pc as well as insert one from photobucket. i can't figure out how to do either.

can anyone help?

[jdc2000]

Can you post a link to the photobucket image? Post a description of the issue as well.

[terryZ]

thanks, jdc.

i powered up my pc this morning to find the case fan had died. the case is a nzxt. the fan is as well.

http://s1063.photobucket.com/user/Ta...ml?sort=9&o=18

it just went out of warranty in july(of course lol). i thought i could just replace the fan but the wiring to it is not readily accessible. i'm assuming that the opening to the right in the photo is for a second fan. would it be a bad idea to leave the dead fan there and just put a new one into that second opening?

also, i can't figure out the size of the fan. i see nzxt fans at 120 and 140 mm. i'm not sure if that's the diameter across the fan or the edge of the mounting. the opening diameter seems to be something in between.

thanks in advance.

[jdc2000]

What model number is that nzxt case? There should be an easy way to get to the fan wiring.

[jdc2000]

How to measure fans to determine the size:

https://www.quietpc.com/faq/27

You could add another fan to take over for the bad one, but I would still want to unplug the non-working fan to avoid potential problems. There should be a way to get to the power connector for it without too much trouble.

[terryZ]

it doesn't say in the specs but bestbuy has one for sale that looks just like it:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/nzxt-pha...&skuId=6560399

[Train]

This a 92 being measured.

[terryZ]

thanks, train.

i just spoke to someone at microcenter just to check on the cost of having them replace it. the repair tech was very honest and said the labor would be a bit much for such a minor replacement. he said i should be able to replace it myself. i'll just have to take a closer look tonight.

in the meantime, i went to amazon and bought both a 120 and a 140 mm nzxt fan since they're so cheap. and i could get them today.

to my other question .... if i find i can't replace it, would putting a new one in the other opening be a bad idea? the broken one sits nearer to the power supply. i don't know if it's critical to have one in that position.

[jdc2000]

The positioning of a substitute fan should not be critical. However, if you leave the old fan in place, and you can't disconnect the power connector, you should probably cut the wires so it doesn't get any power. You don't want it overheating or shorting and catching on fire. While this is not likely to happen, better safe than sorry.

[jdc2000]

The NZXT Phantom 410 series cases have 2 120 mm fans and 1 140 mm fan included, with room for more of both.

The manual for it is here:

http://www.nzxt.jp/downloads/manuals..._410_multi.pdf

You should be able to use that to figure out how to get access to the fan power connector.

Pics here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-087-_-Product

[terryZ]

thanks again, jdc.

looking at the pics, maybe i need to pop the top to get at the wiring.

i'll get back to you and let you know.

[Train]

Case fans either plug into the motherboard or have a molex adapter that so it can connected to the 12 volt power.



So yes, you will have to open the case.

[jdc2000]

That case is also supposed to contain a fan controller for up to 3 fans. You probably want the replacement fan to be controlled by that, and you will probably need to connect the new fan to the connector used by the old one for that to work.

[fink]

Another option.. but you'd want to be handy with a soldering gun and be comfortable working inside the computer case.. is if the fan connector really is totally inaccessible you could clip the existing fan wires and solder the new fan wires directly to them. You'd have to be very careful of course and fully cover/insulate the solder joints with something like heat shrink tubing. Or you could use wire crimp connectors.

eg- http://www.cableorganizer.com/multilink-butt-splices/

[terryZ]

So yes, you will have to open the case.

i meant in addition to removing the side panel. *shudders*