Whether the fan motor has burned out and is incapable of properly cooling the CPU or you want to replace the fan with a more efficient model, removing a CPU fan is one of the easier processes in assembling and disassembling a PC. Depending on the particular fan you have, you may or may not have to perform an additional step or two; but for the standard CPU fan (one that comes packaged with new processors), the process is as simple as pulling a few pins.
Instructions
1. Power down your computer and unhook the cords in the rear of the tower. This works to cut any electrical currents flowing through the motherboard and prevent you from receiving a nonlethal but attention-grabbing zap.
2. Lay your computer tower on its side on a firm, flat surface. Either the floor or a dining room table is ideal for this.
3. Open the computer tower. For older towers you may have to use a screwdriver to open the door; most modern towers have slide-open doors. Place the door to the side once removed.
4. Pull the connector pins on the four corners of the CPU fan upward. Be delicate but firm when pulling the pins upward.
5. Unhook the power connector from the motherboard. The best way to do this is to slowly lift the plastic block that protects the prongs that connect to the motherboard.
6. Lift the CPU fan away from the motherboard. Lift it slowly to prevent any damage to the CPU beneath and, should you be removing a fan/heatsink, expect some resistance as you break the sealant that holds the CPU fan steady on the CPU.
Tags: computer tower, from motherboard, motherboard Lift, pulling pins, towers have