How long can it last?

Hi:

I own an old computer that I'm keeping for a server. The stats are 950mhz, 128mb ram, 30gb hd. The CPU fan makes a noise, but it still runs, and the power supply has a fan that works. I keep the side open to get a better airflow, and is in my room, so it's great air circulation.

My question is, if I keep it on 24/7, to host my site, about how long will it last, until I need a new server? Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it!!!!!

Ken Cooper

what kind of a noise? Is it a noise like the fan is being blocked by something?

It sounds as if like a cord is in the way, and just hits it each time, but no cords are hitting it, but again, it still runs fine, as it doesn't fry. I"m just wondering how long it will run for. If it's only like a week, then I'm not going to bother with renewing my domain name. Any thing else would be greatly appreciated!!!

Ken Cooper

See if you can bring up the cpu tempreature and post it here then you can pretty much estimate how long it will last. Try looking in the bios settings.

Ok:

I just turned it on, so let me wait for 5 minutes so it will stay at a steady temp.

Here's the thing. On the "PC Health" tab, it said the CPU fans were at 0 RPM's, but I KNOW that it's running.

I guess that's just a hardware thing. I'll report the temp back to you in one minute.

Ken Cooper

I have a workstation that generally stays running 24/7.....the fan began to make a noise about a year ago (bearings are going bad). Ive had the workstation for 3 or 4 years like that running in less than optimal environments. The only thing I really do is keep it off of the floor.

Ok, I just checked the temp, and the current CPU temp is 96 F, and the current system temp is 80 F. Is this pretty good, and will it last for awhile? Thanks for your help!!!

Ken Cooper

Its about 36 C which is quite good. I would say it will last a long time aslong as the temp stays below 60 C. I have a pc running pretty much 24/7 which the cpu tempreature is usually below 50 C and it has had no problems in the last 4 years.

Thanks for the response, I guess that means it shall last awhile. Thanks again for your help!!!

Ken Cooper

Also one suggestion, clean the cpu fan of dust/dirt and see if the noise persists.

Why not simply replace the heatsink/fan? They start at around $15 US

Well, I just ran my server today for about 5 hours, because I had to test my site, and right at the end of the 5 hours, I checked, and here were the temps:

CPU Temp: 102
System Temp: 86

My downstairs computer used for surfing is like 127, and again my server is pretty old, so I think those stats are very good. I will try to clean out as much as I can though, thanks!!

Ken Cooper

At 102 F it should work ok aslong as your heatsink can cope with it. Most modern heatsinks should be ok.