Power Supply Fan Is Loud / Runs High

TAB85 · Aug 19, 2013

Hello all:

I have an HP Pavilion Slimline s3401f PC with an AMD Athlon 64 x2 Dual-Core 5000+

Recently the power supply died, so I replaced it with this one from Frys:

Athena Power AP-MFATX32 320watt (stock was 160watt I believe).

I did not change any components; however, I did have to remove the heat sink to remove the power supply. I cleaned old thermal paste and applied new. I also cleaned the PC while open -- mobo, heat sink fins, fan, etc. I am 99.9% sure the loud noise / high speed is from the PSU fan, not the CPU fan.

Anyway, it starts up LOUD. I can hear it from the other room. Under load, it gets even louder (so it's not at 100% all the time). Could this be a defective fan/PSU or is it just that loud? I don't think I can live with it being this loud -- it's a distraction. It literally sounds like a GE turbine engine in my little stock computer.

Ran Intel Burn Test and that accounts for the max values...

So what do you think? Should I try to take this back and get a new one? Is this just my new life. Is there another/better PSU I can use with this tiny "Slimline" case? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated -- thank you!

C12Friedman · Aug 19, 2013

You should be able to isolate the source by listening through a paper towel tube - since both the CPU fan and PSU have been dealt with it may be either. If it is the CPU fan, reinstallation of the heatsink with a fresh application of thermal compound would be the answer. If it is the PSU that is loud, it would seem to me to be an indication that the PSU is not quite what it makes itself out to be (an unfortunate commonality in PSU land). There are better than the AthenaPower PSU's, Antec and FSP make some FlexATX PSU's that are of good design/quality

clutchc · Aug 19, 2013

If you are positive the loud fan noise is coming from the PSU and not the heat sync/fan, I would return the PSU. Every PSU I've ever worked with was the quietest fan in the build.

Look into one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%20600014004%20600037998&IsNodeId=1&name=80%20PLUS%20GOLD%20Certified

TAB85 · Aug 19, 2013

clutchc :

The screen shot I posted shows the range the CPU fan has been running (there is no case fan, just the CPU and PSU fans). I don't know enough about fan speeds to know if that fan is running "average" or high. My CPU fan is very close to the wall of the computer case, and the case is perforated. Using the paper towel tube test, I'm even more certain it is the PSU fan. I can pop the case off tomorrow -- I don't have time tonight.

My concern about ordering on-line is, how do I know it will fit? This case does not leave very much room for the power supply. Also, how do I know the holes in the power supply will line up with the holes in the case (for the screws). The OEM power supply had four screws holding it in place, but I could only get two holes to match up with this new power supply.

I realize this is a pretty basic issue (and I'm asking basic questions), but I really appreciate the help.

C12Friedman · Aug 20, 2013

The PSU's Clutch linked are very high quality and will fit

clutchc · Aug 20, 2013

Can you post the make/model of the case you have? Or the original PSU that was in it?

TAB85 · Aug 20, 2013

clutchc :

The case is just the stock case that came with the HP Pavilion Slimline s3401f.

The stock power supply was HP P/N : 5188-7520

It was more of a FlexATX form factor rather than TFX12V (if I've got that right -- I've been trying to do a bit of research).

clutchc · Aug 20, 2013

If this is what your old PSU looked like, then it was indeed a FlexATX and the ones I posted may not fit.
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-133468995042252_2269_1280786

In that case, let me recommend these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657&IsNodeId=1&Description=flex%20atx%20power%20supply&name=Power%20Supplies&Order=BESTMATCH

TAB85 · Aug 20, 2013

clutchc :

Should I go with FSP over Athena? The one I purchased to replace the stock unit is an Athena, and it is the reason for this thread.

C12Friedman · Aug 20, 2013

Now I'm embarrassed since I said the seasonic units would fit - they won't - could be why they didn't come to mind when I suggested FSP or Antec (and was surprised that clutch found seasonic flex-atx psu's) I stupidly didn't read the description before posting or I probably would've realized they weren't flex

clutchc · Aug 20, 2013

TAB85 :

I've never had any experience with Athena PSUs, but have had 2 FSP ATX. Both were good units.

clutchc · Aug 20, 2013

@C12Friedman
Yes, I too should have been more careful when selecting a replacement PSU. Somehow I ended up on a page with TFX instead of FlexATX. My bad. Good thing the OP was on the ball and noticed the difference.

TAB85 · Aug 20, 2013

clutchc :

Well, when I was in high school I was really into building computers and stuff. College, life, work, and such and I don't have time to tinker with it as much as I used to, so I just buy stock units, patch/repair/upgrade a few times before buying a new one. I know just enough to be dangerous, and so much has changed since I was a kid. I was building PCs when towers (full size) were new/cutting edge and all the rage. I remember getting a Voodoo video card and thinking I was a big timer...oh the memories. haha

So, FSP it is?

clutchc · Aug 20, 2013

My guess is you just got one with a bad fan. Your next Athena might not have that problem. But between the two brands, I would choose the FSP. I see in the specs, the FSPs are listed as having a 24 pin MB connector rather than the more common 20+4 pin connector. Make sure that won't be a problem for your installation.

TAB85 · Aug 20, 2013

clutchc :

Thanks for mentioning that -- I actually need the HP mini 24 pin connection, so I had planned on purchasing an adapter. This brings up another question -- most of the adapters I've seen are 20 pin to 24 pin mini

clutchc · Aug 20, 2013

Here's one if it is in the right direction: http://www.amazon.com/KOZMICC-power-supply-connector-converter/dp/B004Y73CB4

TAB85 · Aug 20, 2013

clutchc :

I need the opposite -- 24mini on MOBO side. Maybe I should just go with the cheaper FSP unit? Looks like it has the more standard 20pin connection.

clutchc · Aug 20, 2013

I believe both of those FSP units have std 24 pin connectors. Maybe this is what you would need to mate up with the 20 pin mini on the MB:
http://www.amazon.com/20-Pin-24-Pin-Supply-Adapter-Converter/dp/B000J2SKJM
It has 24 pins on the big end and 20 pins on the small end.

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