Question CPU fan problem on Lenovo desktop PC ?

[TheDJzodiac]

I have a Lenovo Legion Y520T desktop, it keeps giving me the general cpu fan failure error upon bootup. After unplugging the fan, cleaning it thoroughly, the error keeps coming up. What I am wondering is has anyone changed it out with an aftermarket fan and if so which ones are good with this mobo?

 

[Ralston18]

Update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information.

What CPU fan/cooler is installed?

 

[TheDJzodiac]

LGA1151 socket motherboard with a LGA115X CPU Cooler 01MN069

 

[BFG-9000]

You honestly haven't replaced it in three years?

It looks like pretty much any 4-pin PWM 92mm fan would fit on the stock heatsink, although if you look around the entire stock heatsink can sometimes be found as cheap as just a fan.

It's horribly undersized though especially if yours came with the i7-8700, so just about any aftermarket screw-in 1151 cooler would be better, and most will directly install. At the worst you may have to change out the backplate if the screw threads are different.

Note that the stock heatsink is a downflow model so moves air across the VRM components which are marginal already, so if you switch to a tower or AIO type cooler then some supplementary airflow should be aimed at the socket area.

 

[TheDJzodiac]

I have the I5 but still undersized is undersized I suppose. Think this would suffice?

https://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-Freezer-Multi-Compatible-Compatible-Pre-Applied/dp/B084P82HRY/ref=asc_df_B084P82HRY?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80333185695333&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583932713185783&psc=1

 

[BFG-9000]

I would not get that one specifically because you would have to remove your backplate for sure, in order to make room for the push-pins of its plastic bracket. That's a job that may require removing your motherboard unless there is an access hole in the tray on the other side. Note also that some prebuilt systems don't even use a removable backplate--instead they use standoffs from the tray, just like for the motherboard screws. That's why I suggested looking for a screw-in cooler, like the stock one.

As it's a tower without any mechanism to redirect some airflow to the VRM, you'd also have to consider adding a separate case fan for that (presumably if your stock fan still works and just doesn't properly report RPM, you could remove it off the stock heatsink for this purpose, provided you have an extra fan header to run it also)

 

[TheDJzodiac]

I would not get that one specifically because you would have to remove your backplate for sure, in order to make room for the push-pins of its plastic bracket. That's a job that may require removing your motherboard unless there is an access hole in the tray on the other side. Note also that some prebuilt systems don't even use a removable backplate--instead they use standoffs from the tray, just like for the motherboard screws. That's why I suggested looking for a screw-in cooler, like the stock one.

As it's a tower without any mechanism to redirect some airflow to the VRM, you'd also have to consider adding a separate case fan for that (presumably if your stock fan still works and just doesn't properly report RPM, you could remove it off the stock heatsink for this purpose, provided you have an extra fan header to run it also)

Is there any you would specifically suggest? Im trying to stay within an under $40 budget if possible.

Thank you in advance

 

[BFG-9000]

Well if you are willing to spend that much, stepping up to a 120mm tower would probably best for noise and performance in case you ever upgrade the CPU, and there appears to be plenty of room for it in your case.

The usual recommendation for bang-for-the-buck in this category has been for more than 15 years some flavor of Cooler Master Hyper-212. You can see how easy it would be to screw in, and the performance is as good as a Noctua NH-U12S at half the price, but you have to make sure you have 152mm of space between the CPU and side panel.

A slightly shorter alternative with an extra heatpipe is the 148mm tall Vetroo V5. There are actually plenty of good coolers in this category and price range including the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 and Arctic Freezer 34 but those have more loose fiddly bits for installation.

However if you only intend to run a 65w i5 on it, then you don't really need a cooler capable of cooling 150w and a cheapo stock replacement type should be perfectly adequate, plus you've lived with a broken fan for 3 years already. The Cooler Master i70c is basically like your stock heatsink only with a 120mm fan on top.

 

[BFG-9000]

I should point out that the new hotness in bang-for-back is currently the $20 Thermalright Assassin King 120 which is pretty much like the Vetroo, only with a mounting system that definitely requires replacing the backplate (as it has studs instead of holes like your stock one has). So if price is more important than convenience it's also a fine option.

Back when the Hyper-212 was $25, its mounting system was truly terrible with lots of loose parts and requiring three hands or a lot of time to install, so its current higher price could be worth it for the improved mount alone, especially if you can simply unscrew the stock heatsink and directly replace it with this (or the Vetroo), reusing the stock backplate.

At such low wattage the much bulkier and more expensive twin-tower coolers offer little or no improvement in temperatures over the much easier to install single tower.

 

[TheDJzodiac]

I ended up grabbing a great deal on the Vetroo. Should be here in a couple days, seems pretty cut and dry as far as installation goes. Thank you a bunch for all the info.

 

[TheDJzodiac]

Now seeing the type of motherboard I have, is the RGB even an option? Not that I really care as long as the CPU is actually cool now and running the way it should.

 

[BFG-9000]

No RGB controller on your motherboard so you'd need an add-on ARGB controller if you want control of the LEDs. Depending on the model you get, these can be controlled by software through USB, an included remote control, or a phone app. Pay close attention to the pins.

Even Vetroo sells their own, which they bundle with fans in their Amazon storefront, in 3 colors. You can choose to control the fan speeds through a motherboard input instead of just the remote, and it does require a SATA power connector.

Or you could go without and settle for a single LED color.