The computer cooling fan, also known as the heatsink fan, is responsible for keeping the CPU chip cool while it is operating. The CPU chip is plugged into the motherboard and generates a great deal of heat. When the cooling fan is operating, it keeps the CPU chip cooled down, allowing the computer system to operate more efficiently. You can change the cooling fan yourself, and save the time and expense of calling a computer technician to do the work for you.
Instructions
1. Detach the power cord of the computer from the electrical outlet before attempting to change the heatsink cooling fan. Unplug the power cord from the back of the computer case by hand.
2. Remove the screws that are securing the cover to the computer case from the back of the case with a screwdriver. Lift the cover off the computer case, sliding it forward by hand and setting it out of the way.
3. Find the heatsink fan on the motherboard next to the RAM card slots. Unplug the electrical cable from the motherboard socket that runs to the heatsink fan by hand.
4. Locate the screws that are holding the heatsink fan to the motherboard, and unfasten them with a screwdriver. Lift the heatsink fan off the motherboard, and dispose of the old fan.
5. Clean the surface of the CPU chip gently with a razor blade to remove any leftover thermal compound. Apply a couple of small drops of thermal compound to the top of the CPU chip with a small syringe, and spread the compound out by hand.
6. Attach the new heatsink cooling fan over the top of the CPU chip, and secure the fan to the motherboard with screws. Plug the heatsink fan electrical cable into the motherboard by hand.
7. Slide the cover onto the computer case, and secure it in the back with screws. Plug the power cord into the back of the computer case.
8. Attach the power cord of the computer into the electrical outlet.
Tags: computer case, power cord, heatsink motherboard, back computer, back computer case, cord computer, cover computer