cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/12079904

I’m using old laptop as a home server.
But the cooling fan started to click a lot, and I’m afraid that it will stop spinning soon.
Any ideas for how to replace the fan with something else? Preferably something that does not require electricity?
I’m thinking about dismantling it, taking the fan out and soldering a big block of metal to the heatsink.
How bad of an idea is that?
Is anyone aware of any other ways of physically converting laptop into something that is more suitable for home server?
Know of any guides or videos about something related? Please post links.
Thank you

  • AggressivelyPassive@feddit.de
    0·
    9 months ago

    First of all, there’s a good chance, you can get a replacement fan. There are not that many different fans.

    If that’s not what you want, you can probably just replace the fan with a regular fan, you just need an adapter for the laptop’s fan header.

  • Sims@lemmy.mlEnglish
    0·
    9 months ago

    Not an expert but if there’s 3 lines to the fan, then the motherboard might measure fan speed and complain loudly that a fan is missing. It’s mostly on newer laptops, but perhaps check that before deciding?

  • FuckyWucky [none/use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
    0·
    9 months ago

    how about a desktop cpu tower cooler? even though laptop cpus are low power, passive cooling is pretty difficult.

    another alternative for mounting would be to 3D print a bracket but that would require a printer, basic cad skills and a heat resistant filament like polycarbonate.

    look at how much metal there is on these fanless mini pcs which use low power laptop cpus