On Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:43:36 +0000 (UTC), root
wrote:

Is there protection for the MB/card to keep their
chips from frying if the tiny little fan fails?

Some do, most don't. Most machines require running applications
software to monitor the cpu, mb, hd, fan speed, etc, which then
initiates a shutdown. This is typical:
http://www.hmonitor.com
Other motherboards (some Dell's) have the monitor built into the BIOS.
Most CPU's will protect themselves from overheating by slowing down
the clock. Motherboards with this feature usually allow setting the
overtemp alarm threshold. This is common in server BIOS's. If you
see a "thermal event shutdown" in the BIOS log file, the computer was
turned off automagically due to overheating or fan failure.

Intel provides various monitoring utilities:
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-012552.htm

You're correct to worry about the survivability of the little fans.
Once they overheat, they melt. When they melt, they slow down or
stop. You might have some luck tearing the fan apart and applying
some oil, but that only lasts for a few weeks. Replacement is the
only real option. If you want to keep your unspecified model
motherboard fan alive, keep the dust and crud out. Breaking it loose
with a paint brush, and blowing the case clean with an air compressor
is my method.


--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558