{
  "id": 16572402,
  "title": "'Let's just shove a bigger fan in there and see what happens'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/lets-just-shove-a-bigger-fan-in-there-and-see-what-happens-16572402",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-26T06:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register",
    "slug": "the-register",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/systems/2026/10/26/lets-just-shove-a-bigger-fan-in-there-and-see-what-happens/5304654"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "IT professionals are tasked with handling a multitude of work during a typical week, which is why The Register aims to gently introduce readers to the \"Who, Me?\" column on Mondays. This column showcases stories from readers sharing their experiences with office mishaps and narrow escapes. In this installment, we'll introduce a reader named Robert, who works for a firm that monitors newspapers and websites for mentions of their clients. Robert explained that his job involved identifying relevant keywords in articles and sending them to customers.\n\nRegrettably, Robert's company faced financial difficulties and eventually became bankrupt. As a result, the company resorted to selling off its legacy hardware at a fire sale. This left one server running with three internal fans, and one of them failed. Since no replacement fans were available for this ancient server, Robert decided to attach a larger fan on top of the problematic component to improve airflow. Surprisingly, the server continued to function without any issues.\n\nSix months later, another internal fan malfunctioned. Robert reasoned that adding another ill-fitted fan would maintain adequate airflow. Again, the server operated smoothly. The server, which was essential for the company's daily activities, was now functioning with just one original fan, no lid, and two non-standard fans precariously balanced over its exposed components. To ensure safety, Robert had to exercise caution when working near the server, as excessive vibrations could cause the fans to fall off.\n\nTragically, the third internal fan expired. Management eventually decided to purchase a new server. Robert's makeshift solution allowed the server to operate for six months despite its precarious condition. If you have ever rigged risky hardware and managed to keep it running, we invite you to share your story. Send an email to \"Who, Me?\" to be featured in an upcoming Monday edition of The Register.",
  "summary": "Techies tiptoed around server to keep it working as company sank",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}