It seems that the smallest pieces of complex items are the ones that go bad first. Computer fans are no different. They are small and rather simple devices but when they go down, the computer overheats and begins to work very erratically. It is a fairly easy job to replace a computer case fan if you take your time and are methodical about the procedure. Read on to learn more.
Instructions
1. Unplug the computer from the power source. Be sure and touch a metal surface to ground any static electricity from your body before opening the computer and chancing shorting something out.
2. Open the computer case. This is most often done by unscrewing between 2 and 6 screws from the outside rim of the back of the computer. The case will then slide off the chassis. It is possible you can take off only one side cover with one or two screws on some cases. Some newer computers like Dell can be opened by depressing two large buttons on the top and bottom of the computer case.
3. Examine the inside of the computer and locate the case fan. This is usually located at the bottom of the front face of the case. It is normally attached with 4 screws, one on each corner and the fan is also attached to the motherboard by a pair of wires.
4. Unscrew the old fan from the case and position the new fan in its place. Make sure that the fan faces the proper way. A good rule of thumb is to orient the fan so that the manufacturer's label is facing the inside of the computer and the UL label is facing the front face of the computer. Mounted in this fashion, it will be an exhaust fan.
5. Screw the fan back in place. Follow the wires that connect the old fan to the motherboard, unplug the old fan, and plug the new fan in the same place. Make sure that the red and black wires on the connector are plugged in at the same pins as before.
6. Use a can of canned air to blow out some of the dust that has no doubt accumulated inside the case. Now close up the case.
7. Replace all the screws that you removed.
8. Plug the computer back into the wall socket or power strip and the job is completed.
Tags: computer case, case This, front face, inside computer, label facing