Zalman Super Flower

[yellafella]

I was inside my machine while the CPU fan was running and caught it and one of the blades has snapped off, the fan is working still and the machine is fine, but there is a distinct vibration now due to the imbalance of weight on the spinning fan.

This CPU fan is screwed to the mobo and i was wondering if this vibration will cause damage to the machine?

[Chris Locke]

Depends on how severe the vibration is. It could cause the board to flex more than it should. Would more than likely drive you nuts with the noise first, though! ;)

[yellafella]

its not really noisy which is odd, just can feel the vibration on the floor because it is floorboards, kinda of relaxing to have your feet massaged!!!

I think the fan is so fast and it had 8 fins i think it isnt putting it off centre too much

[Chris Locke]

Obviously, just try and monitor the CPU temperature, to ensure the fan is still 'working'. I'm sure it is, but worth keeping a check on it for a little bit.

[homerjhandley]

i would buy a new fan, £10 tops and the vibration *may* loosen memory sticks, card components/etc that you cant see.

[yellafella]

Well the fan is a Super Flower 7700 and so I ordered a new one last night £36.00 delivered.

The noise wasnt too bad, but when i started using the PC properly (Graphics and the like) the fan sped up (I use a smart fan speed program from Asus) the case started to make a hell of a noise and the vibration really picked up.

So once i get new cooler, what are the chances of a repair to keep as a spare unit, or do you think Zalman may offer a replacement at a lower cost?