Changing a Computer Fan

[Margo1]

Hello. My Compaq Presario desktop, Product #KY821AA, is 7 years old and not under warranty. I do not have much technical expertise, but I did change another fan in the computer, which was easy to get to.

I believe the fan in the power supply area of the computer casing needs to be changed. It is making considerable noise on a regular basis, which it did not do before. My questions are as follows:

1)Is there a link to a video or website that could show me how to open the power supply area of my computer ( I already know how to open the casing on the side of the computer)? 

2)If I can get into the power supply area, should I take the power supply out and bring it to a store to get a new one or would it be easier to just replace the computer fan in the power supply area, which is the only reason I want to get to the power supply area.

Thank you.

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

Margo1

If you notice, the PSU (Power Supply Unit) in PCs is encased in a steel mesh case.

There is a very good reason for that.  Inside that case are capacitors that store LOTS of current, so much so, that if you accidentally touch one, you could easily be electrocuted!  If not killed, you could suffer very serious electrical burns.

Leave the PSU case alone and replace the PSU with a new one -- that's a lot safer.

Good Luck