Starting about a week ago, my computer started making a loud whining/grinding sound. I opened it up a few nights ago and figured out it was coming from the small fan on the motherboard just below where the video card (PCI express) is installed. The sound was intermittent, so I ignored it. Today, on boot, I get a bios message that the "Chip fan failed", so it sounds like the little guy finally gave out. I've looked around a little bit, and this appears to be a common problem for the board and its relatives. I'm a hardware newbie, so, here are my questions: 1. What *is* this fan called, so I can order a new one? I've read in some places calling it the north bridge fan, but I wasn't 100% sure that's what I wanted. I've had the board for probably 2 years now, so I'm pretty sure it's out of warranty. 2. Would this fan just pop right off the motherboard? When I looked at it the other day it seemed pretty secured to it. 3. I'm assuming it would be a very bad idea to run my PC without this working (and am clumsily typing on my wife's macbook as a result). Dumb question, but would someone care to confirm? Thanks in advance!

"I've had the board for probably 2 years now, so I'm pretty sure it's out of warranty" I'd look into it if I were you...ASUS support is very good. If you haven't already done so, go to their website & register your board, check the warranty period & if possible, begin the RMA process. Chances are, you'll get a replacement fan for free. You may be able to temporarily get the fan to work again...it depends on whether it's a defective or if it's just dust clogged. Can you spin the fan with your fingers or it is seized up?

If the fan is between the memory slots and the ports going out the rear of the computer it is the CPU fan and if it is between the3 memory slots and the SATA connecotrs it is the Nvidia video chipset, I would not use computer till fan is repaired or replaced. It sounds like it might be dust accumulation on the fan and or the heatsink. I would blow out your computer with a can of dust air you can get from your local walmart store.

Yep, I'm able to turn it with a screwdriver. I'll start the follow-up with Asus and see what I can find out ... thanks for the advice!

The board does have a 3-year warranty, it turns out, so that's good ... but the vendor has to honor it instead of Asus (according to Asus' warrant policy). So I get to work with New Egg on that one. Thanks for the advice to look into it ... I should at least save a few bucks. I did try blowing it out with air duster a few times when it was working (but still loud), but it seems to have died anyway. From what I've read on the Internet, this is a common problem for the board. Anyway, time to play the waiting game for the service here ... thanks again.