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What is a Computer Fan?
Computer fans are found inside the computer case and help prevent the various computer parts inside from overheating. Without them, components of your computer can malfunction, become damaged, or even crash.
A computer fan can do one of three things. First, it can draw cooler air from the outside and into the computer case; that is, it can pull in the air. Second, it can get rid of the warm air inside the computer; that is, push out the air. Lastly, it can move the air across a heat sink to cool another computer part, such as the central processing unit (CPU). A heat sink is a component that absorbs and dissipates heat. In this set-up, you can think of the computer fan and the heat sink as a tandem that works together.
A computer fan commonly comes in a square frame, although round ones are also available. The usual sizes are 60, 80, 92, and 120 millimeters (about 2.36, 3.15, 3.60, 4.70 inches). The size, of course, depends on where the fan will be placed. The computer case or computer chassis is where fans are usually mounted. They can be installed behind, in front, at the sides, or even on top of the computer case.
The CPU is one component that needs a computer fan to function well. The CPU is the computer's most important chip; in fact, it's often referred to as the brain. Thus, CPU fans are very vital to a computer's well-being.
Computer fans are also used to cool chipsets, which are sets of specialized chips on the computer's motherboard. Another common application is a graphics card. With the advent of high-powered games and 3D graphics, graphics cards generate a lot of heat, and graphics card fans keep them cool.
Fans are less commonly used on hard disks and power supplies. The hard disk is where all of your files are stored on the computer, and hard disk fans help prevent them from crashing. On the other hand, if a power supply overheats, then your computer doesn't get any juice, so power supply fans can be important as well.
Computer fans also vary in the amount of airflow and speed of rotation. Amount of airflow is measured in cubic-feet per minute (CFM) while speed of rotation is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). A higher speed typically means more noise generated by the computer fan.
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![A computer fan might be used to push air across a heat sink.]()
By: LuminisA computer fan might be used to push air across a heat sink. -
![Fans can be used to cool a computer's power supply.]()
By: CopridFans can be used to cool a computer's power supply. -
![A computer fan can pull in cool air from outside the device to prevent it from over heating.]()
By: RZA computer fan can pull in cool air from outside the device to prevent it from over heating.
Discussion Comments
My biggest problem with computer cooling fans is the noisy nature they have. While there are quieter options available, most stock fans on manufactured computers are very loud and can really ruin a computer experience.
I think it is amazing that fans in a computer case are no longer the only way that people cool their computers and processors. Extremely advanced forms of liquid cooling includin gthe use of liquid nitrogen can be found in computer hobbyist groups.
Serious gamers are probably the biggest user of these liquid cooling systems.
I unfortunately found out the hard way how important computer fans really are. When mine failed, I also failed to realize it and this ended up with my computer being destroyed by the heat. I ended up having to buy a new computer and that really was expensive.
Most people say they recognize the sound of their fans and if you don't you may want to pay attention to make sure you can perceive if one failed.
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