mikep@amd.UUCP (mike parker) (07/13/87)
One of the people at Apple was generous enough to answer my inquiry
about the possibility of replacing the SE fan with a quiet, more
efficient muffin fan. For reason's unknown to me he is not allowed
to post this to the net (perhaps because so many people over-reacted
to his use of a nasty word, or perhaps because Apple has their own
solution on the way) so I'll post it myself.
Computerware, the local "Mac only" computer store" is replacing SE
fans with a fan which is more efficient and quieter. I am told that
it moves 13 CFM rather than the original fan's 10 CFM. This is much
better than resistor tricks which reduce airflow and thus reduce the
life of your mac. It is supposedly 50% quieter, I will have my SE
done as soon as possible and will post a subjective evaluation of the
new fan. Anyone in the Bay Area with a sound level meter and maybe a
spectrum analyzer should call me real soon for a chance to do a before
and after set of measurements.
I called Computerware and was told that the price was not set yet, but
that it would be under $50 installed. They at first insisted that they
could not sell the new fan in a kit form for non-bay-area SE owners,
but then agreed that if you will assure them you can solder, they will
sell the fan in kit form. If you don't know how to solder, don't take
this as an opportunity to learn. You can destroy the board rather
easily if you get a trace too hot. Also, de-soldering will be necessary
to remove the existing fan, this is a little harder than soldering.
Computerware warns that the new fan will void my warranty. I thought
that my warranty was only 90 days and so is long since void anyway.
Am I wrong? Is the warranty longer than 90 days?
Finally, if you are interested, Computerware can be reached at
415-323-7559, tell 'em usenet sent you.
mike
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