Foreign object in computer, risks?

[noxiousvegeta]

Hello, i have a fan in my computer that needs to be started manually each time. I guess the fan is about to die. I use a wooden toothpick everytime going trough the "chassis grid" and pocking the fan untill it starts up. Sometime i look back at the toothpick and a very small part is missing. What if pieces of toothpick end up in my computer, what could possibly happen? (small pieces).

 

the fan i manually try to start up with the toothpick is the one in the rear, close to the power supply.

Edited September 24, 2014 by noxiousvegeta

[EdEarl]

Wooden tooth pick pieces are not likely to cause problems, but it is possible they could. You could reduce the possible impact to near zero by using a plastic tooth pick. Moreover, replacement fans are not expensive.

[Strange]

The most likely consequence is that you will permanently jam the fan (until you open it up and clean it out).

 

It might not be that the fan is failing. It may just need cleaning or a bit of lubrication.

[studiot]

How old is this computer?

Modern computers (and modern cars) are designed so the fan(s) do not run all the time.

 

Yes internal cleaning is a very good idea.

Electrical apparatus attracts dust etc.

 

But computer fans are designed to be self lubricating and can be damaged by lubricants.

[Strange]

But computer fans are designed to be self lubricating and can be damaged by lubricants.

 

Thanks for that clarification. I have never needed to lubricate one; that explains why!

[noxiousvegeta]

Wooden tooth pick pieces are not likely to cause problems, but it is possible they could. You could reduce the possible impact to near zero by using a plastic tooth pick. Moreover, replacement fans are not expensive.

This is a very good idea. Thanks!

 

and of course thanks everyone for the answers I love this forum.

[skylord]

I have dealt with a lot of extremely dirty computers, and a part of a toothpick won't bother the inside of your case. The fans are probably the only things it will do anything to, and it will just be knocked away from it. I would say the worst case, Final Destination (the movies) type of problem that could happen is the tiny piece of wood absorbing moisture and causing a short on one of the printed circuit boards... haha, but that would be Hollywood movie worthy.

 

A desktop case fan is one of most easily replaced parts in a computer. You can get one for a few dollars, or even cheaper if you buy a used one. If it dies, you can probably get away with not having one as long as your CPU fan is in decent condition and not as furry as a yeti, especially if you don't have a performance graphics card installed. I know you didn't ask about this, but I figured it might interest you since it is so cheap. You would just have to turn your PC off, unscrew 0-4 screws (some computers use fans held in with clips), unplug one very easy wire and put the new fan in, following the same steps. Just measure the fan with a ruler in millimeters, or convert inches and round to 60, 80, 92 or 120mm. I would bet it is an 80mm fan though. Also, look for an arrow on the outside of the fan that points in the direction airflow, and aim it in the same way the last one was, most likely going out of the case.

 

Shipping will cost more than the fan itself, unless you buy a high-performance one or get free shipping. If the fan has a white piece of plastic at the end of the wire with 4 holes, which it most likely does, then it uses a molex connector. Total repair time is like 3 minutes. There is one on Amazon for 60 US cents. Spend a dollar more than that to drastically increase it's lifespan, and to get one that doesn't have an overly bright LED on it that can't be turned off.

 

Sorry, I know this is probably overkill, but I just joined the forum and want to contribute. Also, I love computers and just happened to be in the mood for doing this.

[MigL]

If it's a separate fan, either below or beside the power supply, it can be replaced cheaply from any computer store. Just take your old non-working one with you to get the same connector ( and wire length ).

If it's the power supply fan, I'm afraid it'll cost quite a bit more as I'd advise buying a new power supply.

( I have personally replaced power supply fans, but it sometimes involves soldering inside a high voltage switching power supply, and a soldering mistake can injure/kill you when you re-apply power )

[Delbert]

If it's a separate fan, either below or beside the power supply, it can be replaced cheaply from any computer store.

And you can get nice red or blue LED ones now!