Expert: Brian Benosky - 10/28/2009

Question
I have an e Machines t5026. I am getting an awful lot of noise from the cooling fan in the back. Is this typical or is something wrong w/ mine? Comp. is about 6 yrs. old. Thank you, Jim

Answer
Hi Jim

It is very possible that the fan is starting to fail after 6 years.  You could try using a can of compressed air to blow out any dirt and dust which may have built up inside the fan and on the fins.  If that doesn't help, replacing it is very simple and inexpensive.  I believe your machine uses an 80mm 4-pin case fan.  Newegg sells a good one for about $2 + shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150007
Four screws hold it onto the case, and the 4-pin wire goes to the power supply.  Just double check that your fan has the same connections and is the same size as the replacement.  If you need further help, just let me know.

Brian