z238 fan is running non-stop

[DanTheRed]

greetings, all!

I have a client with a z238 desktop and the fan is running nonstop. the pc is not overheating (cpu temp is 41*C or below at all times).  I feel there's a termostat or other similar type monitor that's calling for the fan, when it's not needed. Cool Sense app doesn't appear to be part of this model's DNA; the diagnostic software (support assistant) fails to install. I'm inclined to replace the fan, but, I'd rather have a diagnostic result suggest it, rather than just throw darts at the problem. In addition to troubleshooting suggestions, recommendations for where I can find reliable replacement parts would be welcome. 

Thanks,

DtR

[itsmyname]

@DanTheRed -- when you download/install/run the free SPECCY software, what temperatures does it report (CPU? disk-drive? motherboard?). 

To me, 41 degrees seems slightly higher than normal (30 degrees???) 

Have you tried removing the fan above the heat-sink above the CPU, removing the heat-sink, and then cleaning all the old heat-paste from the top of the CPU, and also from the bottom of the heat-sink, adding new heat-paste, and reassembling? Does that help?

[DanTheRed]

@itsmyname - thanks for the response! i've got several apps (but not speccy, yet) checking temps, and they're consistently showing 25-42*C for the cpu - a bit less for the ssd/hdd (one of each); i was under the impression that i needn't worry until it was well above that. (70s/80s) - i'll certainly look into that. of interest, the client is reporting that only cool air is being blown out the vents. I haven't laid hands on it, yet. hoping to do so later this week. 

i'm wondering if there's two fans, and one is moving air out of the box, but the other isn't cooling the proc, thus causing the other fan to grind more heavily than it should. it's a small box. i'm predicting one fan....been trying to find an app that'll let me control the fan speed, but, so far none of the apps are seeing fans to control. that may be a significant point....i need to pickup some heat paste, and mosey on down there. 

in a way, i hope you're right about 40s being too warm; that would indicate an under-performing fan, and i'd rather replace that than try to find where hp hid the sensor/fan controller.... 

again, thanks for taking the time.

[itsmyname]

@DanTheRed --  that would indicate an under-performing fan

Or, when you can physically access it, inspect for a lot of dust clogging the heat-sink above the processor, and for dust-covered fan-blades for the fan above the heat-sink.  Also, check for clogged "intake" vents.

Dust works like a blanket in your bed -- keeps you warm. But, you don't want dust to keep your computer overly-warm.