computer fans

I recently had my compute make a noise like a tractor starting up I thought the only thing that caused the noise could be my fan. So openend up my computer and watched as the computer came on and the fan started it came on real fst for a second than the noise started and the fan was moving very slow. The noise was like it was going to blow up. I shutdown computer and went to store to get a new fan to try. I installed the fan and now I can`t believe how quiet my computer is. Question is can a fan that is not working properly cause problems with the running of the computer. Other than the noise how would one know that it isn`t working properly. Guess that is two questions. Am interested as I have a granddaughter who has a computer which the noise is terrible when you first turn it on so am wondering if I should change that fan as well??? Thanks

 

By all means, replace any fan that is making a noise other than the rush of moving air.

Yes, they can cause severe damage to components from overheating not to mention degradation of performance and freeze up of the system. Sometime it'll cause mysterious symptoms like spontaneous rebooting.

They're so cheap you really can't justify trying to stretch the useful life of one when it starts giving symptoms.

Good luck.

 

I believe that your other question involved how you might know if a fan wasn't working properly. Other than the normal cues (noise, computer freezes, etc), having a temperature monitor really helps. I am using Speedfan, which, like others, is available for download at download.com.

 

Thanks for the info once again your expertise has helped me.
Really amazing what all can go wrong with a computer.