I've tried the automatic / highest setting trick with no effect. I think that only helps out folks with all the fans revving. (Only the one fan revs on mine)
As far as the update goes, I already had 10.3.8 installed before the problem happened. I'm not as concerned about why it happened; I'm just looking for a specific reason this fan needs to be working. It was by far the loudest fan in the case to begin with, so I like having it out, but I don't want to damage my $2000 computer.
Thanks,
-Dave