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Replace laptop fan with passive cooling (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 years ago by testman@lemmy.ml to c/homelab@lemmy.ml

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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

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[–] BearOfaTime@lemm.ee 5 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

It may not boot if you simply remove it. Often a laptop POST will check for the fan at boot.

Replace it. You can probably find one on eBay for a few dollars.

I recently replaced one in a 10+ year old Thinkpad for $10

Edit: Though I admire your ingenuity and commitment with the giant heat sink idea!