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CPU fan is too tall for 2u Server

I have a 2u Server case, and my dual CPU fans are too tall - they bump up against the case when the top is put on, and the Server eventually freezes. It runs fine without the cover, and I'm quite sure the heat has nowhere to go with the cover on.

I've been to local shops to try to find a combo heat sink and fan which is lover than the current 2.5 inches which is not working. It's a socket 462 (I think), if that makes a difference. Any ideas?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Callandor

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tomcurrier

ASKER

Thanks Callandor. I ordered these heat sink/fans, which are made for Socket A, 462. My Server is running dual AMD Athlons MP 1800A, which sit in a Socket A 462. I prepped them with the heat gel which came with the fans first. The machine starts to boot up fine, but freezes halfway through boot. I am believing it is a heat problem.

These are the second set of fans which do not work. I have a feeling these low-profile fans should work and that I am missing something.

Callandor

Can you boot into the BIOS and monitor the cpu temperature from there? It would help if we knew that heat was the actual cause. Another thing to check is whether the cpu fan is plugged into the header designed for it - most Athlon motherboards' fan sensor will shut down the system if it thinks the fan isn't working, to avoid damage to the cpu.

tomcurrier

ASKER

I've gotten to the point where the system works fine with the low-profile fans if the case cover is off. When I put the case cover back on, it failed after several minutes. I believe that confirms it is a heat issue.

I'm thinking if I reseat the fans after cleaning the thermo paste really well, that would help. Can I clean old thermo paste using alcohol? Also, there are 4 case fans slots in a row in the Server, and only 2 fans are in the slots. I might try to fill the empty two slots with fans. I'm hoping this two steps will help.

Callandor

Yes, clean off the old paste with alcohol and a soft cloth. Be careful not to scratch the surface with a hard object, because heatsinks work best when the surfaces are flush against each other with as little space as possible between. Try to get rid of as much heat inside the case as possible by creating good airflow, both in and out.

tomcurrier

ASKER

When I removed the network card, the system worked great with the low-profile fans. Somehow there was a conflict with this card. I put the card back in, and the system froze. I'm fine now, and I thank Callendor for his time and effort on this.