Member Avatar for milesofjazz

I have an ABIT IS7 motherboard with a fan that is making a ton of noise. I know for sure it is the fan, and no, it's not filled with dust or anything silly like that. My problem is that I don't know how to either replace the fan or fix it with some lubricant. If anyone knows what kind of fan I should replace it with that would be great. I've tried taking the fan off to lubricatre the shaft, but I can't seem to get it off and I don't want to break it completely.

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Milesofjazz

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by caperjack

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Brief summary and safe next steps for given the replies from and .

First, decide repair vs replace. A noisy CPU fan is usually a bearing failure; a temporary dab of oil sometimes quiets a sleeve-bearing fan but is not a reliable long-term fix. Replacing the fan (or the whole heatsink/fan assembly) is the usual, safer solution.

How to pick the right replacement without guessing:

  • Identify the fan by reading the label on the motor hub for a part/model number and any listed voltage. If the label is missing, measure the frame across the square (common sizes are 60, 80, 92, 120 mm) and the thickness (usually 25 mm). Note the connector type (small motherboard fan plug or larger power plug). Match those three things when buying a replacement.
  • Prefer fans with sealed/ball or fluid-dynamic bearings for quieter, longer life. Look at airflow (CFM) and noise (dBA) numbers; a larger fan spinning slower will usually be quieter for the same airflow.

Safe removal and replacement checklist:

  • Power down, unplug the PSU and ground yourself. Photograph the fan/heatsink orientation and connector before touching anything.
  • Inspect the retention method before forcing anything. Use the correct tool for the fastener and release evenly so the heatsink or retention frame does not stress the CPU or socket.
  • If the heatsink comes off, be prepared to clean and reapply thermal compound. Use high‑purity isopropyl alcohol to remove old paste and apply a small, even amount of fresh paste when re-seating.
  • Anti-vibration mounts or small rubber washers between fan and heatsink can reduce noise from vibration if the fan is otherwise OK.

Quick tests and fallbacks:

  • If unsure, bench-test the fan with a known 12V source to confirm the noise is from the fan itself. If removal looks tricky or the cooler is glued/part of a shroud, buying a drop-in, same-size fan or a complete aftermarket cooler designed for your board is the simplest, long-term fix. If uncomfortable with any step, a shop can replace the cooler and reapply thermal paste safely.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for caperjack

Time to take it to computer shop!!!you don't know hotwto remove the fan you don't know how to lubricate it ,you don't know what kind to buy ,can i as do you fix you own car .

Member Avatar for milesofjazz

can i as do you fix you own car .

Um, could you make sense?

Could you at least be helpful? The point of asking is so I DON'T have to take it to a shop.

Thanks anyway

Member Avatar for caperjack

Um, could you make sense?

Could you at least be helpful? The point of asking is so I DON'T have to take it to a shop.

Thanks anyway

it requires more knowledge that what you have or you would have figured it out by yourself by now .you could ruin you cpu or your motherboard if you do it wrong .that as help full as i can be ,sorry . but maybe someone else can help you ,give more info like what type of processor and motherboard is in the computer .is Intel or amd .what socket type is it ,there a so many different ones

Member Avatar for ashikkalam123

Once you open your cabinet,you need only a screw driver to take out your fan.Clean it if its dusty.And I dont think lubricating it will do any good.

Member Avatar for caperjack

Once you open your cabinet,you need only a screw driver to take out your fan.Clean it if its dusty.And I dont think lubricating it will do any good.

maybe so ,but i don't need a screwdriver to take mine off ,intel p4 ,has just to clips i have to click up and 4 hooks to unhook,no screwdriver needed ,my point is different fans ,different method of removal .

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