CPU fan speed too high and too loud

[johnzee1943]

As of two days ago the CPU fan is running too fast and VERY loud.  I removed the fan and blew the dust out of the cooling fins.  When the problem didn't resolve I removed the heat sink and found no dust behind it. Put it all back together and it still runs very loud.  There was also some type of sealant between the CPU and the heat sink.  I don't know what it was and what I should use in place of it.  I also don't know if the sealant would make any difference.  I have a Pavillion e9250t running Windows 7.  Would appreciate any help.  I am semi skilled but do not own any diagnostic tools and obviously I can't afford to simply order a part on a trial and error basis.  I tried to see if I could get a new fan from HP but it is listed as available only from reseller.  I don't know what that means as I bought the unit from HP so there is essentially no reseller.  HELP please.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

It is essential when you remove the heat sink to completely clean the thermal paste from  the heat spreader of the processor and the bottom of the heatsink, and then properly re-apply quality thermal paste to ensure a good heat transfer between the processor and the heat sink.

It is possible the thermal compound has dried out and that is what was causing the fan to spin up.

I guarantee you that you have made a bad situation worse.

I recommend you use a good electrically non-conductive thermal compound and google "How to Apply Thermal Compound," so you can get an idea of the process and what it entails.

Silver based thermal compound is the best, but it is electrically conductive and if you apply too much, it will drip down the side of your processor and short out both the processor and motherboard.

Paul

[johnzee1943]

Paul,

Thanks for the info.  I will try Radio Shack to see if they have the paste.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I am pretty sure Best Buy has thermal compound if Radio Shack doesn't.

[FattysGoneWild]

{Content Removed: Be Respectful} You need to clean the paste off the processor and heatsink. Then apply a small amount of AS5 that radioshack sells. You apply a very small size equal to a grain of rice in the middle. Put heatsink back on and before clamping it down. Turn it left and right once. Lightly. Then clamp down.

[johnzee1943]

Paul,

Viewed the videos, bought the paste, cleaned the CPU and the heat sink, properly applied the paste and re-installed everything.  Computer starts up and within 15 seconds the fan speeds up very high.  I'm assuming at this point that there is something else going on to cause this problem.  Thanks for your suggestions.  John Z

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, John:

Yes, there is probably either something in your operating system putting such a load on your processor that it is causing it to overheat, or the temperature sensor in the processor has gone bad and it is sending false info to the fan to spin up.

...Or, it could be that the motherboard has developed a problem too.

Go to your system tools and look at the resource monitor and check the activity on CPU usage and also memory usage. You will see a list of processes and how many resources they are using.

The only easy hardware thing you can try is to clear the CMOS and hope that somehow that resets the hardware.

Here is how to do that.

I always unplug the PC and press the power button to drain any residual power to the system board first.

Clearing the CMOS settings

CAUTION: Do not change any jumper setting while the computer is on. Damage to the motherboard can result.

1. To clear CMOS settings, set jumper JBAT1 to pins 2-3.
   
2. Wait 10 seconds and then return the jumper to pins 1-2.
   
3. You may now restart the computer.

Good luck!

If you can't find any processes eating up the CPU usage or resetting the CMOS does nothing, I'm afraid that I am unable to recommend further action because I am not a computer repair technician.

At least you have ruled out dust buildup and bad thermal paste as being the root causes.

A replacement i-5 processor, even in used but tested and working condition for your machine is going for $130.00 or more.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sop=15&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=intel+core+i5-750&rt=nc&LH_BIN=1

A used but tested and working motherboard seems to be going for less...but you are still looking at almost $100.00

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MSI-MS-7613-Motherboard-HP-Indio-UL8E-Intel-P55-Express-LGA-1156-/2710628794...

Paul

[johnzee1943]

Paul,

Thank you once again.  I will run through the steps you outlined and see what turns up.  Cost of replacement parts is no sweat cuz it beats a new computer but random purchasing doesn't make much sense.  If the things that you outlined don't rememdy the problem I will simply take the unit to a service center for repair.  You have been of immense help.  I will let you know what transpired regardless of the outcome.

Thanks again,

John Z

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, John.

Please do let us know what the issue ended up being.

Best Regards,

Paul

[johnzee1943]

Paul,

Clearing CMOS did the trick.  The fan is so quiet now that I had to shine the flashlight on it to be certain that it was spinning.  I don't know how to thank you enough.  You saved me boucoup bucks.  Many, many thanks.

John Z