A stupid Noob question

capitaltpt · 08-June-04, 10:27 PM

I know this is probably a stupid question, but I'm a newbie. Is there a way to test a heatsink fan before placing it on the CPU and booting it up? Can this be done by plugging it into the power supply before it's hooked up to other components?

thanks

Sparky · 08-June-04, 11:09 PM

They sell molex plugs that have extensions of board fan hookups on them. It wont really hurt your computer to just hook your new cpu fan up to the system fan spot on your mobo and powerup though, if you dont have one of thes molex extensions.

Rob · 13-June-04, 11:52 PM

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending how you look at it), a computer power supply needs to be grounded before it can be "turned on". Frozen CPU sells a neat little gizmo here and you can read all about it here. This wil enable you to take a power supply without being hooked up to any components, turn it on, and test it using the molex cables.

Since I put a new power supply in, I'm using the old one as a "tester" of sorts for any new power parts that I may get in. I also may use it for some really inventive stuff once my mind slows down from the vacation I just took.

Good Luck!

Rob

jcarkeys · 14-June-04, 12:01 AM

Ok, it's easier than buying a gadget. bend a paperclip and stick one end in the socket with a green wire connected to it, and on the other end stick it into any of the black sockets on the PSU side connector. Or just refer to the below diagram

And yes, you'll need a 3 pin-> 4 pin adapter. My case came with one, so, you've prolly got one around somewhere. If not, you can do a quick little jury rig of it.

And like sparky said, it's not a big deal if you just mount it on the proc. I've never tested any HSF of mine.

EDIT: It's black, I meant, I can't remember colors well. and added clarification.

EDIT2: This pic.

Chrome_Rust · 14-June-04, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcarkeys


	Ok, it's easier than buying a gadget. bend a paperclip and stick one end in the socket with a green wire connected to it, and on the other end stick it into any of the brown sockets. There's a diagram of it around here somewhere, and 2 rep points to the first person who can find it. And yes, you'll need a 3 pin-> 4 pin adapter. My case came with one, so, you've prolly got one around somewhere. If not, you can do a quick little jury rig of it. And like sparky said, it's not a big deal if you just mount it on the proc. I've never tested any HSF of mine.

correction, you take the GREEN wire and ground it. that's all.

OR just connect pins 14 & 16....makes it easy

08-June-04, 10:27 PM		#1 (permalink)
capitaltpt Apex Techie Wannabe	A stupid Noob question I know this is probably a stupid question, but I'm a newbie. Is there a way to test a heatsink fan before placing it on the CPU and booting it up? Can this be done by plugging it into the power supply before it's hooked up to other components? thanks

14-June-04, 12:01 AM		#4 (permalink)
jcarkeys Key Hoe	Ok, it's easier than buying a gadget. bend a paperclip and stick one end in the socket with a green wire connected to it, and on the other end stick it into any of the black sockets on the PSU side connector. Or just refer to the below diagram And yes, you'll need a 3 pin-> 4 pin adapter. My case came with one, so, you've prolly got one around somewhere. If not, you can do a quick little jury rig of it. And like sparky said, it's not a big deal if you just mount it on the proc. I've never tested any HSF of mine. EDIT: It's black, I meant, I can't remember colors well. and added clarification. EDIT2: This pic. Last edited by jcarkeys; 14-June-04 at 12:37 AM..

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08-June-04, 11:09 PM		#2 (permalink)
Sparky Apex Tech God	They sell molex plugs that have extensions of board fan hookups on them. It wont really hurt your computer to just hook your new cpu fan up to the system fan spot on your mobo and powerup though, if you dont have one of thes molex extensions.

13-June-04, 11:52 PM		#3 (permalink)
Rob Advocatus Diaboli	Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending how you look at it), a computer power supply needs to be grounded before it can be "turned on". Frozen CPU sells a neat little gizmo here and you can read all about it here. This wil enable you to take a power supply without being hooked up to any components, turn it on, and test it using the molex cables. Since I put a new power supply in, I'm using the old one as a "tester" of sorts for any new power parts that I may get in. I also may use it for some really inventive stuff once my mind slows down from the vacation I just took. Good Luck! Rob