A CPU heat sink and fan are used to create airflow and cool off the CPU.
The central processing unit constitutes the brain of the computer. The CPU carries out processes at an extremely fast rate, which causes it to heat up during use. The heat sink cools the computer processor inside the computer by drawing away heat while the fan cools the heat sink. If the heat sink is damaged or working improperly, the CPU will overheat, causing severe damage to itself and possibly other parts in the computer.
Instructions
Replace a Computer Fan and Heat Sink for an Intel Motherboard
1. Open the computer case.
2. Pull out the pins holding the CPU's heat sink. There are four pins located on the corners of the CPU socket. Turn each pin to remove it. Most older PC motherboards have screws instead of pins, so just unscrew them.
3. Remove the heat sink. Unplug the CPU fan power supply from the motherboard. Hold the heat sink by its edges and gently remove it. Remove any thermal compound residual on top of the CPU with rubbing alcohol.
4. Align the new heat sink with the CPU.
5. Push the heat sink pins into the holes located on the corners of the CPU socket. Push the pins until you hear a clicking sound. For older motherboards, attach the nuts to the other side of the PCs motherboard and screw in the heat-sink screws.
6. Examine the heat sink to make sure it sits firmly on top of the Intel CPU.
7. Close the computer case and restart the computer.
Replace a Computer Fan and Heat Sink for an AMD Motherboard
8. Open the computer case.
9. Push down gently on the heat sink and release the latch on the side of the heat sink. While still pushing down on the heat sink, unclamp the clamps located on the sides.
10. Remove the heat sink. Unplug the CPU fan power supply from the motherboard. Hold the heat sink by its edges and gently remove it. Remove any thermal compound residual on top of CPU with rubbing alcohol.
11. Align the new heat sink with the CPU.
12. Push down gently on the heat sink and clamp it to the AMD CPU socket on your motherboard. Examine the heat sink to make sure it sits firmly on top of the AMD CPU. Close the computer case and restart the computer.
Tags: heat sink, computer case, Replace Computer, alcohol Align, alcohol Align heat, Align heat, Align heat sink