Heat sinks attach to the CPU socket to cool the processor.
Pentium 4 and Celeron processors use the Socket 478 interface to connect to the motherboard. Because these CPUs generate so much heat, they need a heat sink to provide cooling. This aluminum or copper device sits atop the processor and has a set of fins that quickly disperses heat. Although you should never run your computer without a heat sink, you must remove the heat sink to replace the unit and access the CPU.
Instructions
1. Shut down the computer and unplug all cables from the system, including peripheral and Ethernet cords.
2. Remove the left side panel from the computer to reveal the internal components. Grip the cover and slide it away. Some side panels have a latch on the back of the computer you must trigger to open the computer. A few systems have one or more screws in the same location you must take out with a Phillips screwdriver. Once you remove the side panel, look for the heat sink near the middle of the motherboard. It is made of copper or aluminum. Most have a black fan on top.
3. Touch a bare metal portion of the computer case to discharge static electricity from your body. Unplug the heat sink fan from the motherboard. It uses a white connector that plugs in next to the sink.
4. Pull up the four levers securing the heat sink to the motherboard. Two pairs of levers are on each side of the device. Unhook the heat sink by pressing a small flat-head screwdriver into each of the four notches at the base of the sink and pushing outward. Pull the heat sink away. Twist and turn the device gently if it does not budge.
Tags: heat sink, side panel