Problems with graphics card after cleaning.

[emd023]

Sorry, I think I put this in the wrong section. After cleaning my card with compressed air, the fan has stopped working properly. The fan makes a slight turn every few seconds, making a loud rumble. When I get to my desktop it begins spinning at full speed but is very loud and rumbles. There was a lot of dust in the fan before cleaning. Anyone have any idea what happened? ATI Radeon HD 4870

 

[Twiki]

Did you spin the fan with the air? That's a nono.

 

[emd023]

no. it wasnt strong enough to spin it.

 

[tremmor]

Did you spin the fan with the air? That's a nono.

Im curious Twiki. Why would this be a problem. Always did spin when cleaning for me. No issues yet.

 

[johnb35]

The fan is probably spinning off balance now and needs to be replaced.

 

[emd023]

whats the best way to do that?

 

[johnb35]

You'll have to either buy a new card or have someone replace the fan for you.

 

[Twiki]

Im curious Twiki. Why would this be a problem. Always did spin when cleaning for me. No issues yet.

I heard this long ago. When the fan operates it floats (in a way) and the pressure is even all around on the shaft and the bushing/bearing. Spinning it externally, like with compressed air, makes it rattle and scar the shaft/bushing.

As this is old I realize that they now have ball bearings so it may not do damage but I can't be too sure of that. Still I won't spin the fans while cleaning so it's an old habit.

EDIT: You can do an experiment if you have an old/unused fan to play with. Hold it in your hand and power it up, you'll feel how smooth it runs. Now use the compressed air and spin the fan, you'll feel it vibrate and maybe you'll hear it too.

 

[voyagerfan99]

Im curious Twiki. Why would this be a problem. Always did spin when cleaning for me. No issues yet.

If you blow the fan too fast it will over-spin the bearing and it will break the bearing.

 

[tremmor]

Ok. Thats the way i usually did it. Wanted to check and make sure it was turning easy.
Mostly the power supply. Hard to blow out without moving the fan.

 

[Twiki]

I use my finger to let the fan move a little so I can get all the surface. I just don't let 'em spin.

 

[emd023]

Sorry for bringing up an old thread, but i fixed the problem. I had to open up the card and remove the dust. If you have a ton of dust in your fan do not use a compressed air can to get it out. it will just blow the dust further into the card and break things.