Hi all,
In the last week, whenever i power up my pent4, it makes a noise (like when brake pads get to there last bit of lining??). The noise lasts about 30-40 seconds then goes. I look at the inside and the fans seems working, but i cannot isolate which drive could be producing this sound.
Maxtor 2b020h1, or
Maxtor 4d040h2

i have done backup of both, so is there any way to troubleshoot which has the problem and what type it is?

winXP pro.

cheers
anton

More likely it is a cooling fan with plain bushings instead of ball bearings, when they get dry they squeal quite loudly. If it were one of the HDDs you would feel the vibration when the drive was touched.

When my CPU heatsink fan began doing that, it wasn't long before it started causing problems.
Intermittent failure to complete the POST successfully.
I think the failing fan was shorting the PSU.

Replaced it and the problem went and hasn't returned.

Hi,
Any pointers on replacing a heatsink fan? Are there any links on step by step guide....it will be my first and i don't want to get electricuted or cause a short.

cheers
anton

Look what I found in a search! :)
www.pcguide.com/byop/byop_InstallingtheHeatsinkFan.htm

Ok,
i've got my head around this one....do i just replace the fan and keep the heatsink....if so what specs do i look for in the fan?
this is a picture of the current fan/heatsink ...
http://www.mm-data.dk/shop/default.asp?ProductID=824

cheers
anton

You can just replace the fan alone. Note the direction of airflow before replacing the old one, you want the cool air directed onto the heatsink.
The easiest method is to replace the fan carefuly with the heatsink still mounted to the CPU, if you pull off the heatsink you MUST replace the thermal pad/thermal paste each time.

Normally you keep the heatsink and replace the fan.
Mine screwed in place on top of the heatsink. Nothing very fancy.
Yours looks to have a couple of quick-release levers.
Since your the one on site who can study it in detail you'll need to figure out how best to find and fit a suitable replacement.

http://www.mm-data.dk/shop/default.asp?ProductID=824
That pic shows a fan with heatsink assembly, the same as the original.

Hi,
everest tells me that the cpu fan goes between 3125-3155 rpm
will i need a faster one or is this about average rpm

cheers
anton

It isn't the RPM you need to look at, it is the CFM that is important for cooling.
:)