Troubleshooting a Fan Replacement on Your RTX 3060: Seeking Advice from the Community

Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts!

This is my first foray into the world of computer repair, and I’m reaching out for some guidance. I recently encountered an issue with my Asus RTX 3060 graphics card—its fan has begun to emit an annoying, persistent buzzing sound that simply won’t go away.

Despite my limited experience, I attempted to resolve the issue by following various online tutorials and even tried lubricating the fan. Unfortunately, the buzzing returns after just a few hours, prompting me to search for a more permanent solution. As a result, I ordered a replacement fan, but I’ve run into a bit of a snag.

The new fan I received is slightly smaller than the original, which raises some concerns. The supplier assures me that it’s acceptable to install it by securing it on one side only, stating that its performance will remain adequate despite the size difference. However, I’m feeling hesitant and uncertain about whether this approach is truly advisable.

My main worry is whether securing the fan on just one side will provide sufficient cooling for my GPU. After all, the last thing I want is to risk overheating and damaging my graphics card, especially since my budget doesn’t allow for a replacement.

I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those of you who might have faced similar issues. Is it safe to proceed with this installation method, or should I consider other options? Your expertise would mean a lot to me!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post!