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Question Front case fan makes a rattling noise ?

Shirox

Distinguished
May 22, 2016
36
1
18,535
Hi,

PC Case: Aerocool Aero 1000

Motherboard: Asus H170 Plus D3

One of the front case fans is really loud (the bottom one). I never installed new fans nor tried to fix them. So my questions are:

1. How can I fix it if it is fixable at all?

2. How can I gain access to the front fans, I don't know how to remove the front dust filter without damaging it?

3. I tried to check where are they plugged in but couldn't find it. The mobo has 2 place for case fans but one of them is empty and the other has the back one plugged in. I don't even see where are the front fans cables are or how are they connected.
 
Hello
Lets start with this, how old is the fan? And to gain access to the front panel and to remove the dust filter look in the manual for the case. Can also be found here.

Check for anything maybe hitting the fan or any other observations and let me know. Thanks!

And to answer your questions.

1. More than likely, we just have to narrow down the issue.
2. Consult the manual found here.
3. is there maybe a fan hub or are they connected to a splitter from your PSU?
 
Hello
Lets start with this, how old is the fan? And to gain access to the front panel and to remove the dust filter look in the manual for the case. Can also be found here.

Check for anything maybe hitting the fan or any other observations and let me know. Thanks!

And to answer your questions.

1. More than likely, we just have to narrow down the issue.
2. Consult the manual found here.
3. is there maybe a fan hub or are they connected to a splitter from your PSU?
Thanks for your answer.
The fans are at least 7 years old.
When I last checked (from inside the pc) there was nothing that touched the fan.
I don't really know how a fan hub looks like and didn't even knew that you can connect them to the psu. Even when I took off the other side of the pc where the cables are I couldn't point out which one was the fans's.
I can check the pc and fans again tomorrow. Maybe I should take some pictures too?
 
Thanks for your answer.
The fans are at least 7 years old.
When I last checked (from inside the pc) there was nothing that touched the fan.
I don't really know how a fan hub looks like and didn't even knew that you can connect them to the psu. Even when I took off the other side of the pc where the cables are I couldn't point out which one was the fans's.
I can check the pc and fans again tomorrow. Maybe I should take some pictures too?
Sure some pictures would help. But maybe its time for some new fans, We'll have to see though
 
Sure some pictures would help. But maybe its time for some new fans, We'll have to see though
So I took apart my pc and the bottom front fan (that's the loud one even if I spin it with my hand a little is loud) had some parts that came off. I took some pictures.
https://ibb.co/n1GrK0m
https://ibb.co/sq2GdKN
https://ibb.co/4MWXxc6
https://ibb.co/N11v33B
https://ibb.co/XSjNB9k
https://ibb.co/LNQshfd
https://ibb.co/JtBtDNR
https://ibb.co/W2FC5bm
 
So I took apart my pc and the bottom front fan (that's the loud one even if I spin it with my hand a little is loud) had some parts that came off. I took some pictures.
https://ibb.co/n1GrK0m
https://ibb.co/sq2GdKN
https://ibb.co/4MWXxc6
https://ibb.co/N11v33B
https://ibb.co/XSjNB9k
https://ibb.co/LNQshfd
https://ibb.co/JtBtDNR
https://ibb.co/W2FC5bm
Some more
https://ibb.co/n1GrK0m
 
https://ibb.co/n1GrK0mhttps://ibb.co/FByXqtW
https://ibb.co/PhCb6WK
https://ibb.co/Jrzc1Z9
https://ibb.co/GTkqg4n
https://ibb.co/N11v33B

Maybe these will help, I guess tha fans are conected with the osu under the hdd/ssd drives?
 
It's still loud and the bottom one spins slower than the rest. And as I said even when I started spinning the fan with my hand it gave out the same sound.
 
Good photos - well done!

First, it IS possible that the fan has a worn-out bearing and needs to be replaced. The typical symptoms of that are:
From a cold start the fan makes a lot of noise, but after 5 min or less it gets silent.
If rebooted while still warmed up, fan is silent
Period of noise gets longer as many days (months?) go on.
Eventual y the noise is permanent

However, that may NOT be your case. The photo of parts that fell off shows a fan hub sticky label that fell off, and two small items. At least one of those looks like a stick-on rubber circle used as a noise suppressor that should be between a fan frame point and the sheet metal it is fastened to. Further, one photo appears to show that the bottom fan is farther away from its mounting plate than the one above, as if its fastening is loose. So MAYBE that fan really is simply rattling around just because its mounting screws (inserted from the front) are loose and the rubber pads are missing. Try this. With the case open so you can reach the fans easily and the noise happening, just touch that fan's frame gently and feel whether it is vibrating. Now push it firmly against the mounting plate so it cannot shake, and see if that stops the noise. If it does, try tightening the front mounting screws.

If that does not stop the noise, carefully touch the spinning fan blades to stop the fan completely, then let it go again. If the stopped fan is silent, then you know it IS that fan making noise.

If the fan bearings are worn, you cannot repair. You must replace. See if you can trace the cables from each fan to a common point where they all are connected. A photo of that would help. Also then trace where a cable from that common point goes to - a mobo header, or maybe a PSU output. You'll need this to work on replacement. Let us know what you find.
 
Good photos - well done!

First, it IS possible that the fan has a worn-out bearing and needs to be replaced. The typical symptoms of that are:
From a cold start the fan makes a lot of noise, but after 5 min or less it gets silent.
If rebooted while still warmed up, fan is silent
Period of noise gets longer as many days (months?) go on.
Eventual y the noise is permanent

However, that may NOT be your case. The photo of parts that fell off shows a fan hub sticky label that fell off, and two small items. At least one of those looks like a stick-on rubber circle used as a noise suppressor that should be between a fan frame point and the sheet metal it is fastened to. Further, one photo appears to show that the bottom fan is farther away from its mounting plate than the one above, as if its fastening is loose. So MAYBE that fan really is simply rattling around just because its mounting screws (inserted from the front) are loose and the rubber pads are missing. Try this. With the case open so you can reach the fans easily and the noise happening, just touch that fan's frame gently and feel whether it is vibrating. Now push it firmly against the mounting plate so it cannot shake, and see if that stops the noise. If it does, try tightening the front mounting screws.

If that does not stop the noise, carefully touch the spinning fan blades to stop the fan completely, then let it go again. If the stopped fan is silent, then you know it IS that fan making noise.

If the fan bearings are worn, you cannot repair. You must replace. See if you can trace the cables from each fan to a common point where they all are connected. A photo of that would help. Also then trace where a cable from that common point goes to - a mobo header, or maybe a PSU output. You'll need this to work on replacement. Let us know what you find.
The first thing that you described is what happaned with time, and now the sound is always there. The thing is if I have to replace it, that a little stressful for me because I don't really like doing works inside my pc and even now I tried to trace back where the fans cables are going but I'm just not sure. I tightened the screws but didn't help.
 
A
The first thing that you described is what happaned with time, and now the sound is always there. The thing is if I have to replace it, that a little stressful for me because I don't really like doing works inside my pc and even now I tried to trace back where the fans cables are going but I'm just not sure. I tightened the screws but didn't help.
And yes, the bottom fan is the loud one.
 
This may sound scary, but if ONE original 7-year-old fan has its bearings worn out, then ALL of three are nearly worn out, and all three should be replaced. But once out figure out how to do one, the rest will be easy! Let's look at the steps.

Background info. Fans basically come in two different designs, with several sizes for each. MANY modern fans also come with lights built into the frame, but you do NOT have any of that type, and you should not change to this variety. The older fan design is called 3-pin or Voltage Control Mode fans, and that is what you have. If you look at those fans (it's visible in the photos), each has a cable from it with THREE wires in it. If you follow each to its end you'll see a connector about 3/8" wide with a couple of ridges running down one side. If you unplug that momentarily you will see it has THREE holes to fit 3 pins on the other part of the connection. The little ridges fit around a "tongue" beside the male 3 pins so you can only plug it in one way. The newer fan design uses 4 wires and pins and holes and is called a 4-pin fan or PWM Mode fan. You do NOT have this. Further, that fan needs a different type of mobo fan header you do not have, so do NOT get 4-pin fans.

You need power AND speed control for your fans, normally provided by a mobo fan header. Your mobo has three headers in total, but one of them is the CPU header at top centre to be used only for the CPU chip cooler. The other two are CHA_FAN headers - one right next to CPU_FAN at the top, and another below and to the rear from the CPU chip socket. You say you know the REAR fan is plugged in and where, but do not know how the two front ones are connected. I suspect the rear one is plugged into the CHA_FAN2 header closer to it. So MAYBE the two front fans are connected to that CHA_FAN1 header at the top beside CPU_FAN. Is there something plugged in there? If so, try following that cable and you MAY find it meets up with the TWO cables from your front fans. If so, then you have found the connections AND know how to connect any replacement units. Post back here what you find so far.

I'll do details later, but very briefly this is what you will do. Buy three identical fans (I'll provide some details to choose the right ones). For EACH fan you disconnect its cable from its power source and untangle it from the rest so the cable is free. Then from OUTSIDE the case you unscrew the four screws that turn into holes in the corners of the fan frame and this frees that fan for removal. Installing the new one is just the reverse using the same mounting screws. One small note here. the holes in the frame of the new fan are NOT pre-threaded so the screws have to cut their own new threads in the frame plastic. This takes some twisting effort, it is not super easy, so don't be alarmed.

Let us know what you find so far, and we can proceed with full remaining details.
 
This may sound scary, but if ONE original 7-year-old fan has its bearings worn out, then ALL of three are nearly worn out, and all three should be replaced. But once out figure out how to do one, the rest will be easy! Let's look at the steps.

Background info. Fans basically come in two different designs, with several sizes for each. MANY modern fans also come with lights built into the frame, but you do NOT have any of that type, and you should not change to this variety. The older fan design is called 3-pin or Voltage Control Mode fans, and that is what you have. If you look at those fans (it's visible in the photos), each has a cable from it with THREE wires in it. If you follow each to its end you'll see a connector about 3/8" wide with a couple of ridges running down one side. If you unplug that momentarily you will see it has THREE holes to fit 3 pins on the other part of the connection. The little ridges fit around a "tongue" beside the male 3 pins so you can only plug it in one way. The newer fan design uses 4 wires and pins and holes and is called a 4-pin fan or PWM Mode fan. You do NOT have this. Further, that fan needs a different type of mobo fan header you do not have, so do NOT get 4-pin fans.

You need power AND speed control for your fans, normally provided by a mobo fan header. Your mobo has three headers in total, but one of them is the CPU header at top centre to be used only for the CPU chip cooler. The other two are CHA_FAN headers - one right next to CPU_FAN at the top, and another below and to the rear from the CPU chip socket. You say you know the REAR fan is plugged in and where, but do not know how the two front ones are connected. I suspect the rear one is plugged into the CHA_FAN2 header closer to it. So MAYBE the two front fans are connected to that CHA_FAN1 header at the top beside CPU_FAN. Is there something plugged in there? If so, try following that cable and you MAY find it meets up with the TWO cables from your front fans. If so, then you have found the connections AND know how to connect any replacement units. Post back here what you find so far.

I'll do details later, but very briefly this is what you will do. Buy three identical fans (I'll provide some details to choose the right ones). For EACH fan you disconnect its cable from its power source and untangle it from the rest so the cable is free. Then from OUTSIDE the case you unscrew the four screws that turn into holes in the corners of the fan frame and this frees that fan for removal. Installing the new one is just the reverse using the same mounting screws. One small note here. the holes in the frame of the new fan are NOT pre-threaded so the screws have to cut their own new threads in the frame plastic. This takes some twisting effort, it is not super easy, so don't be alarmed.

Let us know what you find so far, and we can proceed with full remaining details.
Thank you. My mobo has 2 placse for case fans but only one is used (the fan in the back)
I guess maybe the front ones are connected to the psu in some way but I couldn't find it and it's already late where I live so I can't try and check/untangle the cables. If I link a website that is located in my country can you tell me which fan shoukd I buy? That's the easiest step at least for me. And can something go wrong in my pc while the fan is this loud?
 
Last edited:
Yes, a link to a place you are likely to buy is good. I can see exactly what they sell suited to your needs.

Using your system with the noisy fan will do NO damage. The only problem might be if that fan gets so bad that it completely freezes up and stops, so you get less air flow. That is NOT likely to happen very soon, so don't worry.
 
Yes, a link to a place you are likely to buy is good. I can see exactly what they sell suited to your needs.

Using your system with the noisy fan will do NO damage. The only problem might be if that fan gets so bad that it completely freezes up and stops, so you get less air flow. That is NOT likely to happen very soon, so don't worry.
https://szamitogep-huto-ventilator....8lVDX3vFYPmtQ2--Y9c-yJcKzo01QdxxoCvhgQAvD_BwE

Here is the link for the website with all the fans listed.
 
Thanks for that. You need three fans of the older Voltage Control Mode or 3-pin design. You need the 120mm size. You should NOT buy ones with 4 pins / wires called PWM fans. And you do NOT need any with lights in the frame.

These models would be suitable



On that website there are many Noctua models, but all are PWM type. Noctua makes very good fans that perform well, make low noise, and last a long time. Some of them are more expensive that other makers, but many think that they are worth it. The do make MANY fan designs but that website does not list the ones you want. They do not make any with lights in the frames. To see Noctua's whole line, look here

https://noctua.at/en/products/fan

In that long list, look only at the 120mm models. The first group are their main line in two-tone brown. The various model numbers in this group all have a "12" in them, for 120 mm size. Many show the fan dimensions including thickness of 15 or 25 mm. You need the common 25 mm thickness. You need the ones named with "FLX" on the end, not PWM or ULN or 5V. If you click on the model number in the first column, it will jump to a detailed set of specs for that one. Use the back-arrow on your browser to get back to the main list.
Next group in the list are the Industrial PPC high-power models you do NOT need.
Third group are the Redux models with two-tone grey frames. These are slightly older models that perform well and may be lower priced. Again, do NOT buy the PWM models.
Last group are the Chromax Black line with all-black frames for people who do not like their other colours.

If you can find a seller with the Noctua model you like at an acceptable price, they are a good choice. The ones I listed above from the website you linked also should do well.
 
Thanks for that. You need three fans of the older Voltage Control Mode or 3-pin design. You need the 120mm size. You should NOT buy ones with 4 pins / wires called PWM fans. And you do NOT need any with lights in the frame.

These models would be suitable



On that website there are many Noctua models, but all are PWM type. Noctua makes very good fans that perform well, make low noise, and last a long time. Some of them are more expensive that other makers, but many think that they are worth it. The do make MANY fan designs but that website does not list the ones you want. They do not make any with lights in the frames. To see Noctua's whole line, look here

https://noctua.at/en/products/fan

In that long list, look only at the 120mm models. The first group are their main line in two-tone brown. The various model numbers in this group all have a "12" in them, for 120 mm size. Many show the fan dimensions including thickness of 15 or 25 mm. You need the common 25 mm thickness. You need the ones named with "FLX" on the end, not PWM or ULN or 5V. If you click on the model number in the first column, it will jump to a detailed set of specs for that one. Use the back-arrow on your browser to get back to the main list.
Next group in the list are the Industrial PPC high-power models you do NOT need.
Third group are the Redux models with two-tone grey frames. These are slightly older models that perform well and may be lower priced. Again, do NOT buy the PWM models.
Last group are the Chromax Black line with all-black frames for people who do not like their other colours.

If you can find a seller with the Noctua model you like at an acceptable price, they are a good choice. The ones I listed above from the website you linked also should do well.
Thank you!
Here are some noctua fans:
https://www.pcx.hu/kereses/Noctua/l...tegoryId=&type=&search=Noctua&filter[category

And here are some more other fans:
https://www.pcx.hu/kereses/Rendszer huto/legnepszerubb-elol

But I don't want to spend too much on fans right now because I just got a new gpu.
Other than that I checked the bios on my pc and only the cpu and back fan is there. I will check the cables in the coming days and upload pictures if I will have a question.
 
Among those, these are ones that would suit your needs. All have these characteristics:
Size 120 mm
Type 3-pin (Voltage Controlled), not PWM
Case Ventilation fans (not CPU cooler)
Standard 25 mm thickness
None are high-performance fans, just regular
None have lights in the frame

Ventilátor Noctua NF-S12B Redux-1200

Ventilátor Noctua NF-P12 Redux-1300

Ventilátor Noctua NF-S12A-FLX

Among these the middle one NF-P12 Redux 1300 is designed for less airflow but able to push air against greater resistance, such as on a heatsink or radiator. You don't need the extra pressure that offers, so the other two are a better option for you. Their airflow max is certainly good for your needs.

The last one there is their more recent model that has a higher price - not necessary
From the second site

Arctic P12 fekete 120mm rendszer hűtő (ACFAN00118A)

DeepCool XFAN 120 fekete 120mm rendszer hűtő (XFAN120)

Be quiet! Shadow Wings 2 120mm rendszer hűtő (BL084)

Be quiet! Silent Wings 3 High-Speed 120mm rendszer hűtő (BL068)

The Arctic P12 has that same spec of less airflow but higher pressure, not needed.
The Deepcool XFAN delivers less airflow
The Be quiet! Shadow Wings 2 delivers even less air flow
The Be quiet! Silent Wings 3 High-Speed would deliver the highest max airflow of these with higher max noise at full speed. However, it probably would run at a lower speed than others, and hence its noise might be comparable unless you are at very high workloads. When you have been able to trace out where the fan cables now plug in, I can advise how to set up the new ones with automatic speed control so they only run as fast as they need to, and not too fast and noisy.

If i read those web pages right, there are significant differences among them in price, and I am sure that is important to you.
 
Last edited:
Among those, these are ones that would suit your needs. All have these characteristics:
Size 120 mm
Type 3-pin (Voltage Controlled), not PWM
Case Ventilation fans (not CPU cooler)
Standard 25 mm thickness
None are high-performance fans, just regular
None have lights in the frame

Ventilátor Noctua NF-S12B Redux-1200

Ventilátor Noctua NF-P12 Redux-1300

Ventilátor Noctua NF-S12A-FLX

Among these the middle one NF-P12 Redux 1300 is designed for less airflow but able to push air against greater resistance, such as on a heatsink or radiator. You don't need the extra pressure that offers, so the other two are a better option for you. Their airflow max is certainly good for your needs.

The last one there is their more recent model that has a higher price - not necessary
From the second site

Arctic P12 fekete 120mm rendszer hűtő (ACFAN00118A)

DeepCool XFAN 120 fekete 120mm rendszer hűtő (XFAN120)

Be quiet! Shadow Wings 2 120mm rendszer hűtő (BL084)

Be quiet! Silent Wings 3 High-Speed 120mm rendszer hűtő (BL068)

The Arctic P12 has that same spec of less airflow but higher pressure, not needed.
The Deepcool XFAN delivers less airflow
The Be quiet! Shadow Wings 2 delivers even less air flow
The Be quiet! Silent Wings 3 High-Speed would deliver the highest max airflow of these with higher max noise at full speed. However, it probably would run at a lower speed than others, and hence its noise might be comparable unless you are at very high workloads. When you have been able to trace out where the fan cables now plug in, I can advise how to set up the new ones with automatic speed control so they only run as fast as they need to, and not too fast and noisy.

If i read those web pages right, there are significant differences among them in price, and I am sure that is important to you.
Thanks.
I will report back around monday or tuesday!
 
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Among those, these are ones that would suit your needs. All have these characteristics:
Size 120 mm
Type 3-pin (Voltage Controlled), not PWM
Case Ventilation fans (not CPU cooler)
Standard 25 mm thickness
None are high-performance fans, just regular
None have lights in the frame

Ventilátor Noctua NF-S12B Redux-1200

Ventilátor Noctua NF-P12 Redux-1300

Ventilátor Noctua NF-S12A-FLX

Among these the middle one NF-P12 Redux 1300 is designed for less airflow but able to push air against greater resistance, such as on a heatsink or radiator. You don't need the extra pressure that offers, so the other two are a better option for you. Their airflow max is certainly good for your needs.

The last one there is their more recent model that has a higher price - not necessary
From the second site

Arctic P12 fekete 120mm rendszer hűtő (ACFAN00118A)

DeepCool XFAN 120 fekete 120mm rendszer hűtő (XFAN120)

Be quiet! Shadow Wings 2 120mm rendszer hűtő (BL084)

Be quiet! Silent Wings 3 High-Speed 120mm rendszer hűtő (BL068)

The Arctic P12 has that same spec of less airflow but higher pressure, not needed.
The Deepcool XFAN delivers less airflow
The Be quiet! Shadow Wings 2 delivers even less air flow
The Be quiet! Silent Wings 3 High-Speed would deliver the highest max airflow of these with higher max noise at full speed. However, it probably would run at a lower speed than others, and hence its noise might be comparable unless you are at very high workloads. When you have been able to trace out where the fan cables now plug in, I can advise how to set up the new ones with automatic speed control so they only run as fast as they need to, and not too fast and noisy.

If i read those web pages right, there are significant differences among them in price, and I am sure that is important to you.
Sorry for the late reply but I'm pretty busy right now and the weather is so hot that my hands are sweating a lot while checking my pc but I took a few pic and have a question.
This is the back fan, it looks straightforward and you can easily see where it is plugged in.
https://ibb.co/xhkRZYS

The upper right one is empty as you can see here
https://ibb.co/7v4QNJh
These are the cables that goes to the back side of the pc
https://ibb.co/wCqM8y6
I took this pic from the front under the hdd
https://ibb.co/Lh869rz
These images are from the back side close to where the fans's cables go
https://ibb.co/d6vk5Rq
I can't really check them closer because these cables are under this hdd cable
https://ibb.co/yXfKnJt
Can I unplug this? And these cables are tied together with something so they don'r tangle up I guess.
 
In the last two photos you can see pointing directly into the camera an empty female connector with THREE hols and two small ridges along its top edges. THIS is a 3-pin fan connector - that type of connector is ONLY on fans. ALSO, big clue, the cable from it to a fan has THREE wires, unlike many others. You can see the cable and connector clearly on the REAR fan. So, try to follow the three-wire cable from that empty 3-hole connector back toward the fans.

You NAY find this, and at first it can be confusing. But this has been common for older 3-pin fans. SOME of then come with a 3-wore cable that ends in TWO connectors in parallel. One of them is that standard 3-pin female (the open one in the photos). The other on the same fan cable is much wider with FOUR pins, even though only TWO wires will be connected into it. This is the male version of a 4-pin Molex power connector. The female version of it with 4 holes is coming directly from the PSU. You can actually see two of these empty in that last photo on the far right. Such power outputs used to be used as power for things like HDD's and optical drives. But many of those now use a different one called a SATA power output, leaving the Molex ones unused. Anyway, the idea of this fan with two connectors is that you can use it EITHER way. You choose one place (but not both) to plug in the fan - either to a Molex female from the PSU, or to a mobo male fan header. In your case there are NO fans connected to the CHA_FAN1 header at top front, so those three front fans MUST all be connected to PSU output(s). Now, it is ALSO possible that you will find a variation of this. The 4-pin Molex connector on the fan's cable MAY have a female (with holes) on its opposite end so that you can STACK the connectors of several fans and plug them all into ONE female output from the PSU.

You may need to undo that cable tie to free things up and trace the fan cables. But knowing what to look for may help you find them and identify.