Can't boot due to CPU fan grounding issue, what can I do?

Hi, I have the Tuniq Tower 120 Extreme and it uses a backplate for installation. When I first installed it, replacing the stock i7-950 fan, my computer wouldn't post. I had no idea what the issue was and I tried going back to the stock fan and everything started working again, which didn't make much sense to me at the time. I then tried installing the Tuniq once more, and again, it wouldn't post. I tried booting up outside of the case on a piece of cardboard, and it worked, so I'm pretty sure it must be a grounding issue due to the backplate touching my case. The backplate has a clear stuck-on, plastic-y thing which I assume is supposed to help with grounding, but it seems to not be doing its job. I'm wondering if it's safe to try to stick a piece of paper or something on the back of the backplate so it's inbetween the case and backplate? Would that even help with grounding? If so, what materials would be safe to try to Macgyver it? Scotch tape, paper, cardboard, etc?

 

Hi iczer,

Sounds like you have the problem nailed. The fan obviously has an internal short to it's "Metal (?)" frame. Most any non-conductive materials should get the job done.

Good Luck, Jim

 

Greetings, iczer220.

I've used the foam packing material that components are usually shipped with as backplate insulation - it's easy to trim and install, and allows air circulation.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Really like the packaging foam idea. I ended up just using paper, but I'll probably trim some foam down and use that so it's less ghetto