XPS 8930, replacing top case fan (78JPW: Not fitting)

Question

Recently, I got some amazing help from 3 rock stars here, but have run into a small problem.... the fitting for the top case fan.

Per the serial number details here, I have the CORRECT bracket/case for holding the Aurora R5-6-7 120mm fan (7M0F5) as the top case fan.

The problem is that the screw hole does NOT align when the slid into the glide locks. The hole beneath the tongue is approximately where the red dot is below.

I am prepared to drill the hole and make it happen, but the fan will NOT be very well aligned with the top exhaust vent by 25-30%. It seems that would create a bit of a back draft and/or vibration, possibly creating problems in due time.

Has anyone else done the same mod or have some feedback?

Thanks.

Chino de Oro · Accepted Answer

@KBone​ , it's good to see that you already went that far and having a great initial result.  Since this is just fresh new install which can be redone effortlessly, you can choose to reinstall as that would give you a clear conscience of any concern.The order of chipset driver and ME driver installation before Windows updates were not a concern.  However, the uninstallation of those updates and the timing of reboot may have cause the BSOD.  Whichever the case, just take another 30 minutes to install again.  Remember to delete ALL partitions and select next to allow Windows handling the rest.  What is the status of the front fans?  Did you get them installed in place?

ProfessorW00d · Accepted Answer

@KBone​  push the little tab and the battery should pop right out . . . easiest with the graphics card removed. Use a chop stick or other probe if your fingers get in the way. .

Chino de Oro · Accepted Answer

@KBone​ , my mistake, I couldn't remember which Windows version you had but I think you are installing Windows 10 and the optional updates listed under Advanced options in Windows 11.  If you are in Win 10, optional update are on the same Windows update screen, you can't miss it.I think the failed driver is Killer network software.  For any failed driver from MS, check to see if you can install from Dell drivers page.  BSOD is more likely caused by corrupted or conflicted driver for power management it detected issue when waking the system from sleep.  That was the reason I suggested to change power option (in Control Panel) to High Performance.Are you planning to upgrade to Win 11?  Why not taking this opportunity and try it out.

ProfessorW00d · Answer

I upgraded to the 120mm top exhaust fan but my bracket part # is 0X64T5

Chino de Oro · Answer

@KBone , that was expected. This was from my original post "Installing the newly purchased top case fan (120mm) to the top chassis using existing glide lock and screw. A minor adjustment will be needed to center the fan perfectly with the vent opening." Adjustment meant drill on one side, and dremel on the other side (to keep it from the release latch mechanism), and the fan will be centered.

That 1.50A fan will remove heated air in seconds underload and RPM range is matching BIOS parameter while some aftermarket fans will throw error at boot.

The other two front fans should fit without any modification.

ProfessorW00d · Answer

@Chino de Oro​  any 3-pin fan will not throw the diagnostic startup error.

Chino de Oro · Answer

@ProfessorW00d​ , am just being realistic with workable solution at the least cost rather than suggestion of hard to find part.  Some aftermarket fans will throw error at boot statement was referring to Noctua fans.

ProfessorW00d · Answer

@Chino de Oro​ the troublesome Noctua fan in the thread you posted is a 4-pin PWM fan. The statement that any 3-pin fan will not throw the diagnostic startup error includes Noctua fans, like the one in the photo up-thread . . . NF-A12X25 FLX 3-pin.

KBone · Answer

@Chino de Oro​  Thank you.... again. Will do. Good thing I still have my old dremel. By sight, mistook the M.2 screw socket as THE screw (it stood out above the other holes in the area and had a phillips look to it.... so waiting for the screw. 🙄Thanks for the input @ProfessorW00d . I was on the way to Noctura fans, but Chino steered me toward simplicity, whew. You look/sound like you know what you're doing. I'm slowly getting there.

ProfessorW00d · Answer

@KBone​ I am also slowly getting there, but working on your rig, doing your own mods, and asking questions is the way. Good luck with your project!

Chino de Oro · Answer

@KBone​ , to learn of the real reason for your machine issues.  While you are awaiting for the M.2 screw to arrive, you can run test the machine and take note of any temperature changes.  As the fan upgrade is to manage the thermal issue.  Although not mentioning, I hope you get proper fan connection setup as planned.Remember to perform a clean install of operating system on a new NVMe SSD to enjoy the fast boot.

KBone · Answer

@Chino de Oro​  Thank you for the continued support. I will install the fans in due time. I can handle hardware issues for the most part. However, I must make a confession and ask your advice. I got the screws and did the install of the NVMe SSD, and WOW,,, so fast!! Fricken' lovely!!Now, for the moronic part. Please be patient and don't curse my name in silence (too much) until the end, because it may have turned out alright.... I just don't know. I got the CLEAN INSTALL done, and then had to help the wifey with something, before coming back. Mind was not working in order and I jumped ahead by one step. *****I started the Windows Updates, but then realized I hadn't installed the System Chipset Driver and Intel ME driver. So, I immediately began the System Chipset Driver, which seemed to get stuck at about 85-90%. My instincts told me to start uninstalling the Windows Updates, so I did so with every one of them I could without RESTARTING after each of them. Some of them did NOT give me the option to uninstall, so obviously I left them. As I waited longer and longer, the System Chipset Driver would not progress, so I did some research. Instinctually, I decided to RESTART to at least enable the uninstalls of the Windows Updates and HOPEFULLY get a chance to start over again with the System Chipset Driver. Having done so, the system got stuck in 'Restarting' on an infinite loop, until BSOD with ERROR CODE: Driver_POWER_STATE_FAILURE which also seemed to be stuck for 3-4 minutes even after 100%. I decided to perform a HARD RESTART and maybe perform the whole set of instructions for CLEAN INSTALL (I know, I need better instincts, but lesson learned). Don't worry I aborted this when I saw the NVMe had already been partitioned. I RESTARTED again, looked at the WINDOWS UPDATES and saw they had all been uninstalled. Proceeded to do an install of the System Chipset Driver, which completed successfully, and I did the RESTART. Installed the Intel ME driver successfully and did the RESTART. Did all the WINDOWS UPDATES and RESTARTS successfully.Everything SEEMS to be working fine and it is super zippy (awesome). But that the process has included a BSOD after I messed up the order of steps, it has me concerned that the foundation of a new beginning is NOT stable. But maybe I'm wrong. While everything is FRESH and I haven't installed any other software, should I re-perform the whole set of steps again, just to make sure?

KBone · Answer

@Chino de Oro​  On phone now. Same BSOD after the #2 Windows reinstall. Same Error Code and appears stuck on the BSOD screen.  What a drag. No bueno.

ProfessorW00d · Answer

@KBone​ The reason Chino and others come to this forum is to help people, and patience is a virtue, so no need to worry about anyone getting mad. People come here to learn and share their experiences . . . good and bad. That said, if you do not feel comfortable with the fresh Windows install, the second time will be easier because now you are experienced. (Jimi Hendrix)

ProfessorW00d · Answer

@KBone​ re-seat your M.2 SSD and graphics card . . . making sure they are secure.

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XPS 8930, replacing top case fan (78JPW: Not fitting)

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