How would a password stop his brother from messing with the fan?

Well, it would stop him from using the computer, and if he's not using the computer he's not likely to mess with anything inside it. So that's how.

*whispers* or a new brother..

The fan is not the issue, it can be plugged back in (unless his dumbass brother cut the wire). and while a password would probably keep op's brother off the computer it still wouldn't protect the hardware from tampering.

"fan was too loud while gaming" Password protecting the computer means brother can't game. That means he has no motivation to touch the components. GPU and fan are safe. This is not complex logic.

Maybe his console was near the PC? Makes more sense to me.

His console IS the computer. He's gaming on the computer.

Are you volunteering your $750? OP may not have that lying around right now.

18, I think he was suggesting that as an alternative to spending $750. Also, if I had $750 I'd buy you reading comprehension lessons.

@27: I rather think the 750 is for the GPU alone, not the whole pc. Get off your high horse

There are way cheaper ones out there. Unless OP depends on a high end GPU for work, they could just install a cheap one until the brother can cough up the money for a replacement.

Unless 33 OP playes some very demanding games and/or multiple monitors. I know personally I have 4 monitors and I have to use a great GPU for some of the games I play.

#62 I am not a gamer, so this is not entirely my world, however I would still say that games, however intense one plays them, are less existentially important than a job. So, having a minimally functional computer is still better than none at all in my books. And it would only be temporary anyhow.

I guess you don't know what hobbies are. Sure, gaming isn't essential (unless that is his job), but people really get into their hobbies. Hobbies are important to have. I spent more than that on a kayak. Skiing gear. etc. I don't need to, but that's what I enjoy. My dad didn't need to spend 1500 on a exotic fish, but he's really into salt water aquariums. Maybe you need to get a hobby, something to get enthused about and you'll understand where OP is coming from.

It's like telling someone they can take the bus into work when their Ferrari has broken down and wondering why they're still crying.

I do have hobbies and I have spent a lot of money on them. However, if one does not have the funds at the moment, those are the items that can be delayed until funds are sufficient without causing existential harm. For example, I love sewing, and since we are also building our family home, funds are tight. So while I would love to own a modern 4000$ sewing machine and a 1500$ serger, I make do with a 35 year old sewing machine I bought used for a couple 100 bucks. It's not ideal since new machines can do a lot more different stitches and techniques, but I make do for the moment and still enjoy my hobby.

As someone who had a GPU failure (SLI GTX 580's, artifacts and overheating), I can say with perfect honesty that using a lower power, older card sucks. Currently using a GTX 275. Sure, it can get by for most things, but some games require more than what it can provide. As for why a GTX 275, it's what I had laying around.

109- I would make the argument that not being able to do a hobby you love because someone else ruined it for you can cause harm. Many people use hobbies as an escape and/or a way to relieve stress. For example, I'm really into art. I use it to get out of my own head, which helps me cope with my depression and anxiety. When my brother ruined $500 worth of high quality art supplies, I was devastated. If I had gone and just bought the cheapest art supplies, I wouldn't have been able to create the art I needed to, making my depression and anxiety much worse. Knowing that it would be temporary wouldn't have helped. Whether it was a day or a year, just knowing that I wouldn't be able to is what would make things worse.

****, most Intel Processors have a shitty integrated card that he could use for the time being.

What's the point of getting a cheaper model of it can't do what the intended purpose is? That's like your brother wrecking a really good car you own, then buying one that can only drive 15 miles before overheating when you work 25 miles away because that's all you can afford. While it may be cheaper, what's the point of it can't get you where you need to go? It ends up instead being a waste of money because your still on the same boat as before you got the car. Can't get to work. (This is assuming no mechanical skill of course. Most overheating problems are simple fixes and you can get used cars that have those problems for a steal sometimes) In OPs case he still couldn't game. So what's the point?

From my experience transistors blow out way before something like that could happen. And they stink when they do.

Maybe the brother can buy a new gpu and his own headset?

You can reduce the noise a lot by putting small rubber rings in with the screws between the fan and the socket. You should be able to find them in the electronics store.

I see what you did there.

Icy what he did too.