My new desktop build - issue

[Executioner]

Well, nothing wrong with the build, but my old Antec P180 case had an issue with the bottom fan. While removing the old mobo and other components, I noticed that the bottom fan was not working. When I put my hand inside to manually turn the fan, it would not move and required probably about 1/4 lb of force to make it spin using my finger. So I removed it from the case, and sure enough, there was an issue with the fan. The issue is: I'm surprised that it did not cause a fire since it was still plugged in but not functioning.

Here is a pic of the case:


Any of you guys ever had this issue with a fan that was very very very stiff to turn? The desktop was mostly on 24/7 except when I went on a vacation then it would be powered off. I was surprised that it does not have any electrical burning smell, or even worse - catch fire.

[normalicy]

Oh, I've run into many seized fans. Never caused a fire that I'm aware of.

[Err]

I've seen seized fans. I've never heard of one catching fire.

[Executioner]

OK thanks. That is good to know.

[Losbot]

If you're replacing fans, I'd highly recommend Noctua brand fans. They're an Austrian brand known for moving lots of air but generating less noise. Since I have a full rack of crap at home, I usually replace the stock crap fans with Noctua ones so as to cut down on fan noise.

https://noctua.at/

[FlyingPenguin]

Another vote for Noctua I have them in my workstation and gaming rig.

[Err]

I replaced the stock fan on my Cooler Master H212 with a Noctua. I wished I'd had it on there from the beginning. It was so quiet.

[FlyingPenguin]

Reminds me - I need to order a Noctua 120mm for my file server. I had to stick a 120mm fan behind the HDD bay to keep the new WD Blacks cool, otherwise they overheat. Not much airflow in the original case design (it's a re-purposed Dell desktop).

I don't notice it much since it's in the office closet, but when I open the closet door it's sure noticeable.

This is the one I buy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00650P2ZC

[Executioner]

I'm glad you posted that link to Amazon. I have a duplicate case as the one above (it was given to me), and I noticed the fan on the top is starting to make a little noise. The fan comes with a small micro switch with 3 speed settings: low, medium, and fast. I have them set at the lowest setting, but it looks like this fan is controlled by the BIOS because it's a 4 pin?

[FlyingPenguin]

On a modern mobo, the mobo is going to manage the fan speeds. All that switch is going to do is reduce the range.