Fan Runs With Case Open Bad Heat Sensor?

I have an HP Pavilion 670y. I have a fan that runs for long periods of time and then stops and then starts again. I decided to run my computer with the case open to make sure which fan was running before buying a new power supply if it was that fan. Found it was the lower fan. The fan has less stops and starts with the case open but still has periods where it runs for a few minutes and then stops and starts. Since I have the case open I can't see how the computer could be overhaeting. Could it be a bad heat sensor? If it is can the heat sensor be replaced or is it hardwired?
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The HP support does not find a PC with that model number, however, units with a number of that nature of number are usually older units.
It is not clear as to what fan is considered the "lower fan". The case fan may do as indicated, but a fan on the CPU or video card do not normally cycle. Maybe include a picture? Click on the tree icon next to the chain "link" or ladder "video" icon to post a picture.
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Quote
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Hello design_guy,
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Fan Runs With Case Open Bad Heat Sensor?

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