Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

Possible Duplicate:
Can I use oil from kitchen for oiling my fans

I want to oil my CPU fan, maybe case fan too (in future). But I have found only mineral oil in my home. I have grapeseed and refined oil. Which should I use for oiling ventilators?

share|improve this question
2  
I think you would want to use something that doesn't attract dust, and most oils do. Oils are sticky... – user859955 Dec 21 '11 at 14:55
4  
I would replace the noisy fans. Google "self-stabilizing oil-pressure bearing" . – Aki Dec 21 '11 at 15:35
1  
I would simply replace the fans (or lower their speed) as well. I realize that there is a good selection of non-conductive oils available, but I don't like to lubricate anything in a PC if at all possible - it invariably ends up somewhere it shouldn't in the long run. I certainly wouldn't use ANYTHING other than mineral oil. – Shinrai Dec 21 '11 at 15:44
1  
And yes, this is a duplicate. How did you not see the one of only TWO other questions tagged 'oil'? – Shinrai Dec 21 '11 at 15:46
1  
@music2myear - Doh. That makes it even worse, though. – Shinrai Dec 21 '11 at 19:27
show 5 more comments

marked as duplicate by RedGrittyBrick, Shinrai, haimg, music2myear, Nifle Dec 21 '11 at 22:41

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

1 Answer

up vote 4 down vote accepted

Fans are FRU's. Do not "oil" them. REPLACE them. Even if you get the crazy mamajama ultra quiets yer looking at a whopping 10 to 15 bucks a fan. Maybe 30 for a decent CPU cooler.

share|improve this answer
Your price estimates are too low (there are plenty of really top-tier fans that are $30+ apiece as of this writing even for case fans), but your logic is still sound. You don't oil fans. >.< – Shinrai Dec 21 '11 at 19:28
Um... I am not sure where you are or are looking for your equipment my friend, but looking at Tigerdirect and searching say, all 80mm case fans, the HIGHEST priced one I can locate is 14.99. Even bumping up to 120mm the highest I can find is 19.99 Can you throw me a link to see what Fan TREASURES you must be seeing in the 30 dollar range?? LOL CPU fan/Cooler, sure but Case Fans?? – OG Chuck Low Dec 21 '11 at 19:50
1  
Those numbers are good for 80mm fans, but why are you buying 80mm fans if you want quiet ones? ;) Examples - all the larger Noiseblocker NB series fans, Noctua NF series fans, pretty much anything good that's 120mm+. (I'm also factoring in shipping costs.) Doesn't really matter though, because you're right either way. – Shinrai Dec 21 '11 at 20:23
I still aim to peep those brands. Maybe I am missing out cuz I have never met a single fan that was "quiet enough". LOL – OG Chuck Low Dec 21 '11 at 23:27

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.