Could a bad CPU fan really be causing all this?

Dan33185 · 14 Jan 2017

So last week I noticed a weird noise from my computer, and opening it up I noticed it seemed to be coming from the fan. Pressing down on it lessened the noise, and I tried removing the fan completely and starting the computer and the noise was completely gone, so I figured, "ok, bad fan, no problem, I can replace that". Well, I'm still waiting for the new fan, but I wanted to run the computer for a bit to run a few programs quick, transfer a few files to external HD's, etc.Well, I noticed I couldn't use the internet on that computer for some reason, every page just times out. Also, once that computer is on, every other device in the house can't use the internet either, just pages timing out. Once I turn the computer with the bad fan off, the internet works as expected everywhere else. Now I'm wondering if there's more to it than just a bad fan, and wondering if anyone has ever experienced this or has any ideas on what's going on?

Ranger4 · 14 Jan 2017

We need more information. Is this a laptop or a desktop computer?. How is it connected to the internet & are you using wi-fi for all the computers?.

It seems that you may have dislodged some connection in this computer when you were fiddling with the fan.

Dan33185 · 14 Jan 2017

Sorry...Desktop computer (Dell OptiPlex GX280). All computers including desktop are connected using Wi-Fi. I can re-check all connections, but I don't remember loosening anything that I didn't re-tighten again. If something is loose, would that really affect the connection of other computers in the house though?

Ranger4 · 14 Jan 2017

Apparently all computers were working before you dismantled to check on the CPU fan, now they aren't, so it's logical that something you have done is causing the problem.

How is this computer connected to the internet, is it via the wi-fi or is this one the actual hub connection for the internet. Is it connected by USB to this computer.

Recheck all connections & cables on this computer to check they are in the right slots & fully inserted.

Dan33185 · 14 Jan 2017

Ranger4 said:

Apparently all computers were working before you dismantled to check on the CPU fan, now they aren't, so it's logical that something you have done is causing the problem.

How is this computer connected to the internet, is it via the wi-fi or is this one the actual hub connection for the internet. Is it connected by USB to this computer.

Recheck all connections & cables on this computer to check they are in the right slots & fully inserted.

It's connected via Wi-Fi, the router is in the same room though. I will re-check connections and report back what happens.

Dan33185 · 15 Jan 2017

Checked everything, tightened up everything I could think of, still having the same problem. Frustrating.

RolandJS · 15 Jan 2017

Dan33185 said:

Checked everything, tightened up everything I could think of, still having the same problem. Frustrating.

When the problem computer is turned off, do the other computers work aok? If yes, then something went wrong with the problem computer that is meddling with the home network. You and I are very much alike, I too want a resolution to a problem ASAP. However, may I recommend something? Walk away for a short time; come back, pretend you are a business store computer tech who is assigned to fix the problem computer. Calmly do a "bench test/rebuild" -- testing everything one piece at a time. That way, a thorough refreshing of all connections is done, and quite possibly: an overlooked disconnect is reconnected. Please report back -- we think alike, let's solve this alike :)

Dan33185 · 15 Jan 2017

Yeah, as soon as I turn off the problem computer, all the other computers work just fine. Once I turn the problem computer back on, the internet just cuts out. I don't even need to be doing anything on the computer, just turning it on and viewing the desktop is enough to cut out the internet. I've checked and rechecked all connections, even stuff that probably has nothing to do with it (speaker connection, monitor connection, etc.), just to be 100% certain. Still nothing. I was hoping that getting the new fan would solve the noise problem, but now it seems I have a bigger problem on my hands, and I'm doubting a bad fan would cause that, but who knows, maybe I'll get lucky?

Anak · 15 Jan 2017

Dan33185 said:

So last week I noticed a weird noise from my computer, and opening it up I noticed it seemed to be coming from the fan. Pressing down on it lessened the noise,.....
.....Now I'm wondering if there's more to it than just a bad fan, and wondering if anyone has ever experienced this or has any ideas on what's going on?

There might be, your 280 may have been part of the capacitor plague and pressing down on it changed certain characteristics of the motherboard (MB) allowing the fan to run more quietly, but ruining the network connectivity, why it would ruin your other devices connectivity is beyond me, but stranger things have happened, perhaps the 280 is sending a signal out/back to your router that negates or limits any connectivity on the network.

Warning

The 280 should be unplugged from its power source and unused until the following tests are done and a capacitor problem or any problem with the MB is ruled out, the odds are great for having a fire.

There are at least three ways to check:

Smell, can you smell any odors similar to hot or burned electronics no matter how minute?

Visually, capacitor tops should be flat not bloated or cracked, but not always. Do you see any residue where the caps are, and where they are soldered onto the other side of the MB?

Electronically, For this you would need a VOM and the original ratings of the caps on your MB.

Be thorough with the first two easiest tests use a magnifying glass for the visual part, and check for any cracks in the remaining solder joints, but if the caps and other joints check out okay, electrical readings should be preformed.

If you do find bad-caps you're out of luck with the Dell warranty as it ran out in 2008 and you would have to consider a different MB because Dell itself has no replacements. This opens to a .pdf : Dell OptiPlex™ SX270 / GX270 / GX280 Out of Warranty Support Program | Re-sellers found on Amazon from $12.78 to 119.00

I don't mean to scare the bejeezus out of you, and I hope I'm wrong, but this does need to be addressed, and if your customer service rep skills are strong you may still get an upgraded replacement from Dell by getting a hold of a division manager, I would try to play on his or her sympathy, empathy, and compassion, one catches more flies with honey than vinegar. Here's a guy that got a replacement in 2010 | Post #14.

Stranger things have happened.

Related:
http://www.badcaps.net

Ranger4 · 15 Jan 2017

Is this computer connected to the same wall power outlet as the router. Try running an extension lead from another power outlet (preferably on a different fused circuit) to this computer & see if the problem still exists.