Dell Dimension 8400 Fan Noise

[rockinjim1523]

All - I've found forums online regarding the common problem of fan noise on the Dell Dimension 8400 desktops. People say switching the CPU cooler (heatsink and fan) seems to help. I've ordered TWO different ones from newegg and neither has fit my motherboard despite the Intel 775 designation.

Any thoughts on this? I've installed an additional case fan with hopes of getting the CPU cooler to stop revving itself to hell and back (only slight improvement). Am I stuck getting an OEM replacement from DELL or is there another option?

Ideally, I'd rather kick it down a flight of stairs and build myself a new one altogether.

Later ~ Jim

[computer2slow]

Why won't they fit? As it in hitting capacitors or something or won't clip? Powersupply in the way?

And what ones did you try?

[rockinjim1523]

First one I tried was a Scythe Ninja Mini. The plug was wrong (three pin vs. the four pin on my mother board), the bracket for the 775 motherboard required four holes in places filled with capacitors, etc., AND the design was such that rows of capacitors were in the way.

SO. I sent that one back and ordered the Rosewill RCX-Z4 (salivating at the thought of 120mms of fan diameter, I might add) thinking its vertical design and advertised four-pin compatibility would make it a shoe-in for my application. WRONG. Same four-hole mounting bracket for 775 motherboard application - requiring hole placement where components exist.

I'm sure the motherboard is a Dell-proprietary intentional nightmare to prevent modding...but I thought my desire to make it happen could pull me through the nightmare. Wrong again!

Thanks,
Jim

[computer2slow]

does yours clip

[rockinjim1523]

The factory setup is a rectangular plastic mount that attaches to the motherboard (narrower than the 775 mounting clips that came with both fans). The factory heatsink snaps into this plastic mount and is then held in place with 2 green plastic clips (one on each side).

At least I learned about (and used) Arctic Silver 5 thermal grease and a ton of new terminology out of the ordeal. As soon as I have some free cash, I want to build my first PC! For now, though, I'm stuck with this one (it does work pretty well for my basic home use - so I can't complain too much).

[computer2slow]

One guy wrote

Pros: This thing is quiet! Barely hear it.....Cools well.

Cons: Heavy....took a lot of modifying to fit in my dell, but thats dells fault....

Other Thoughts: If you have a leafblower dell, like my 8400, its due to a bad heat sink....I custom fitted this on and my primary delta case fan has not kicked up once!

[/B]

About http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118223 Not sure what modding.

[rockinjim1523]

heh. I must have searched a million customer reviews for "dell" and "8400" and I never found that one!

He mentions heavy modification to make it fit. I bet he cut the bracket right in half and only used half of the holes.

Thanks for all of your help! Not sure if I dare to buy a third (my wife is ready to slap me over the 15% restocking fees (not to mention shipping twice).

Thanks again,
Jim

[computer2slow]

Here's a guide to install ZALMAN CNPS7700-CU 120mm

[rockinjim1523]

I thought I was pretty good at finding shit on the web - but I have been put to shame!

Awesome! Thanks!

[rockinjim1523]

BTW: I just finished reading (and bookmarking) that how-to site. As soon as the credit card fallout from the last two tries settles, I will be purchasing and installing that cooler! Great stuff.