How to Change a CPU Cooling Fan?

Answer 1

Unless you have alot of experience with working on computers, especially laptops, I would recommend not working on it yourself. You should first talk to the manufacturer first as it could be a defect with the computer and they will repair it for free or at a low cost. If this is not the case, you can check out a local repair shop and see it they will repair it for a reasonable price.

Answer 2

How to Change a CPU Cooling Fan

One of two problems may be happening that would lead you to need to change your CPU cooling fan. Your fan may be faulty, or you may have to replace the entire CPU cooling unit. Open your case and look at the CPU cooler. Does it consist of a heatsink with a normal (square) fan screwed to it on top? If so, then I'd recommend changing the fan only and leaving the CPU heatsink installed, for the following reasons:

• Provided that you know how to use a screwdriver, it's easier to change the fan on a CPU cooler than to change the entire CPU cooler.

• You don't have to worry about finding a heatsink that will fit your CPU/socket format. Especially in the case of older, exotic socket formats (e.g. Pentium 4 Socket 423), this can be a problem.

Step 1.

Unplug the computer

Step 2

Remove the side panel.

In many older computers, you will probably have to remove the top panel before you can remove the side panel.

Step 3

Unscrew and remove the old fan. If the fan is incorporated into the heatsink's structure, it usually cannot be replaced by another stock fan. In this case, you need to replace your entire CPU cooler by another cooler suitable for your particular CPU model and socket format. There are typically four Phillips-head screws holding the fan to the heat-sink. Once they are removed, the fan will be uncoupled from the metal heat-sink and can be replaced

Step 4

Take the old fan with you when to purchase a new fan. This way you can make certain that you buy the appropriate fan. Your new fan should be the same size and speed of your old fan.

Step 5

Make certain that you buy a power connector for your fan. If you don't know your CPU model and socket format, or if you don't feel comfortable about changing the CPU cooler, better ask a friend, or take the PC to a local repair shop.

Step 6

Install the new fan, snapping the heat-sink in place if necessary.

Step 7

Replace all panels.

If your new fan does not work properly when you start up your computer, unplug the computer immediately. You don’t want to blow your mother board. Changing a CPU cooling fan can be relatively simple for someone with computer hardware maintenance experience. If you install the new fan incorrectly, you computer won’t work properly.