how can i check my cpu fan

[leadan]

I wondered if there's anyway i can test if the fan is working ok without opening up my computer.
I'm convinced i got a whiff of burning plastic and i'm now beginning to think that my pc is unusually quiet.

[Memphis]

Well, you might have CPU fan monitoring in the BIOS, or you could load Motherboard Monitor 5 or SpeedFan and see if there is one that's not turning.

Be to be perfectly honest, just take the flipping side off.

[leadan]

i've installed ASUS Probe from the disk that came with the motherboard.
It says the cpu temp is 54C and the fan is 4411 rpm.
It won't give me a report for the power fan and chasis fan because it says they are 'below threshold'.
Does that indicate they're not working ?
If i take the side off my pc should the fans be in use constantly.In other words how do i know if they're working ok or not ?

[Neo]

If those fans are connected through molex connectors than it won't tell you the speed. But if they are connected through a 3 pin connector to your mobo and it says "'below threshold" than that might be an indication that it is not working.

[leadan]

i don't know how they're connected because i'm not very good with the technical side of computers.
I've took the side off and the cpu fan is spinning ok.
I also have 2 fans at the back of the case,both are spinning but the top one (power fan i think) doesn't seem to spin as fast as the bottom fan(no idea what this one is for).The air coming from the top fan is also quite warm,is this normal?

thanks

[Neo]

Seems like that is your PSU fan. Some PSU auto adjust their RPM based on the temps. Or it just might be a weaker fan. Either way, you know all your fans are working. And yes, it is normal for hot air to come out of your PSU. There are alot of heavy duty Capacitors/Resistors/Transitors in there.

[leadan]

Thanks ps2wiz for your help,i must have been just worrying about nothing and the smell must have been coming from my ciggy in the ashtray.