Upgrade section - Installing a cpu fan

A common failing component is the CPU fan. The bearings go out and they get filled with dust. This will cause a noisy fan and eventually it will stop all together. This creates an increase in heat which will damage the CPU.

Be careful not to have any static electricity when handling these components, as they are very sensitive. The CPU can be zapped and rendered useless in an instant. To avoid this, power down the PC and remove the cover. Touch the grounded chassis and any electro static buildup will be discharged. Unplug the power cord to ensure power to the motherboard has been completely removed.

Installing a cpu - Locate the CPU

If there is a fan in place, unplug it’s power connector, usually plugged into the motherboard.

If you need a new cpu fan, there is some decent deals here on a wide array of cpu fans

The fan will be in two parts, the fan, and the heat sink. There are several types of clips in use today, but the most common is show in this picture. You’ll want a flat screwdriver and press down gently, then pry out to release the clip from the CPU socket.

Pulling the old fan off

There will be a compound which attaches the CPU to the heat sink. If you are sure the clips are released, pull up on the fan. You may experience some resistance, if so, rotate the fan slightly or slide it to one side

Try to wipe any of this compound off of the CPU so that when you replace it, you will get a good bond.

Installing a cpu fan - the new fan

Some fans will have a plastic wrapper over an already applied compound, you’ll remove this wrapper. Some will have a tube of compound that you will have to apply. In either case, you want the CPU to be clean of the old compound as much as possible.

Orient the fan so that the clips line up and secure the first side. This side usually does not have a place for the screwdriver to fit.

Now use the screwdriver to press the clip down on the other side and push it into place. Be very careful not to slide off of the clip, as you can easily damage components soldered onto the motherboard.

Plug the power connector back into the motherboard.

Installing a cpu fan

Make sure there are no cables over the fan and that they will not fall into that area when the case is stood upright. Cables tend to touch the fan and that obstructs it’s performance, and is very noisy.

Installing a cpu fan conclusion

Now put the cover back on and power up the PC. You’re all done!

That concludes my installing a cpu fan article, I hope this helps you out.

More Build/Upgrade articles

Installing a motherboard
Installing a cpu
Installing a cpu fan
Installing memory
Installing a graphics card
Installing a sound card
Installing a network card
Installing a hard drive
Installing floppy disk drives
Installing a cd drive