An Emachines computer uses a cooling fan to keep the computer's central processing unit, or CPU, running at optimal temperatures. If your CPU's cooling fan fails or is not functioning properly, physical damage to the CPU or motherboard can occur due to higher than recommended temperatures. Replacing the CPU fan on an Intel Pentium 4 or Celeron requires replacement of the entire CPU cooling assembly, as the fan is attached to the heatsink.
Instructions
1. Shut off your Emachine computer and unplug the power cable from the back of the computer. Locate the two screws on the right-hand side of the back of the case. Remove these screws with the Phillips screwdriver and slide the right panel towards you to gain access to the inside of the Emachine.
2. Look for the current CPU heatsink and fan assembly. It is in the middle of the motherboard. Pull the fan's power cable connector off the motherboard. Make a note of the motherboard's power pin location for installing the new fan and heatsink.
3. Press up on the two clips on each side of the fan. Leave these in an upright position. Slide the flat-head screwdriver into the small grove located on the corner of the fan. The screwdriver should easily slide down in between the black plastic latch on the heatsink and the retaining clip on the CPU socket. Spin the screwdriver towards the cooling assembly to release the latch. Repeat this on all corners.
4. Twist the cooling assembly before pulling up to remove it from the case. Twisting it removes any remaining bond that the CPU and heatsink may have due to the thermal compound on the heatsink. Set the original cooling assembly aside.
5. Position the new heatsink and fan assembly so the corners of the heatsink's latches match up with the retaining frame around the CPU socket. Remove the plastic film on the bottom of the heatsink if it has a thermal compound already applied. Apply thermal compound directly on the CPU if the heatsink does not come with any. Press evenly down on the cooling assembly to ensure a proper seal.
6. Press the cooling assembly down until the latches on the heatsink catch on the retaining clips. Push the clip levers down on the fan and connect it to the power pins on the motherboard. Slide on the case cover and plug in the computer.
Tags: cooling assembly, thermal compound, heatsink assembly, power cable