Replacement fan for pre-built computer?

[Zeikcied]

I bought a pre-built computer from a local Micro Center a few days ago. Specifically the PowerSpec G151. http://www.microcenter.com/product/474288/G151_Desktop_Computer

I really like the machine so far. It has all the components I wanted, and has been performing quite well. But it's a little loud. I'm pretty sure it's the CPU fan, but I'm not absolutely certain. Could I replace the CPU fan without replacing the heat sink? If so, then how much would it cost to get such a replacement fan? Or could I use a CPU fan from an older PC? I honestly don't know how interchangeable such parts are. The PC this replaced was a seven-year-old HP computer that also had a Core i5, and it was a lot quieter than this.

 

[Zeikcied]

I went up to Micro Center and got another 120mm fan for the front. The salesperson tested the fan in the store to show how quiet it was, and I couldn't hear it. I get it home, install it in my computer, and it's loud as all heck. So I'm thinking it's not the fan itself making the noise.

The only thing I can think of at this point is that it's the air going through the hard drive mount, which is made even smaller by the fact that the hard drive is in the way, as well. I can move the hard drive up higher so it's out of the way, but I don't know if that will even help silence the noise.

The fan I got from Amazon has a four-pin connector. The one I just bought from Micro Center only has a three-pin. But in theory, both fans should be silent, only they aren't. Maybe it's a wind tunnel effect, I don't know.

 

[glytch5]

ah yes... once you put anything in front, or even behind a fan, its going to make a ton of sound. You can't really do much about that. The fan will be just about as quiet as he showed you in a situation on say the back of the case where its wide open... or any totally un restricted area.

Sounds like your about to run into the -Just throw some money at it!!!- situation we all come into haha. At least you got a sweet fan. I love systems fans my self, have a whole box of them.

 

[madmatt30]

What's the grill/mesh like on the case itself where the front fan fits ??

It must be the actual case design creating the noise , the f12 I suggested ate immensely quiet at anything but full tilt seriously.

Is it a whirring noise or is it more like a vibration ,you are fitted the correct way round , open side directly to the case , support struts towards the hard drive cage ??

 

[Zeikcied]

I helped dampen the noise a bit by removing whatever it was they had in the bottom hard drive bay. It's just a piece of plastic that looks like it might be used for cable management, but they have all the cables tied off behind the expansion bays.

The sound is more of a whoosh sound than the fan whirring or a vibration. And I checked the air flow, and it is blowing the right way. It just seems like an air tunnel effect. Which is unfortunate design, but I guess I can live with it. It's quieter now, and there's no headache-inducing blue LED. So, all is good for now. Thanks a lot, guys.

 

[glytch5]

If a blue LED gives you a headache, you would hate my case lol.
No problem man, still upset you took away my solution! ; )