Your processor's cooling fan is an often under-appreciated component, which, when overlooked, can lead to an unstable or dead system over time. Replacing your processor cooling fan to allow for overclocking temperatures or simply because your current one is too noisy, is a well-placed investment that anyone can do in just a few minutes.
Instructions
Replacing your processor fan
1. Unplug your PC from any electrical outlets, then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to ensure any remaining electrical energy within your system is released.
2. Remove the thumbscrews at the rear of your computer's case, and slide off the case access panel to reveal the internal components.
3. Locate your processor fan on the motherboard. This will be the largest fan attached to your motherboard in the upper left corner.
4. Unplug your current fan's power connection to the motherboard. This will be a wire connected directly between the fan and the motherboard ending in a three-prong female plug. There will be only one possible processor fan connection, and it will be labeled on the motherboard as a "Fan" connection.
5. Remove your current processor fan by unscrewing the fan's housing screws. These screws are located around the perimeter of the fan housing and are visible to the naked eye. There will be two or four screws to remove on most standard processor fans.
6. Position your new processor fan on top of the processor's heat sink and align the fan's mounting holes to match mounting holes in the motherboard.
7. Screw in the processor fan's mounting screw until there is a firm but not overly tight fit. You only want the fan to be screwed on tight enough to be secure.
8. Connect the processor fan's power connector to the power header from which you removed the old fan's power cable. Take care, because this power connection is keyed, and the plug will only fit correctly one way.
9. Plug all electrical connections back in and attempt to power the system.
10. Ensure the new fan is secure enough for standard operation and that it's spinning. If it is not spinning, immediately power down the computer and check that the fan's power cable is properly plugged in.
11. Reattach your computer case's side plate and secure its thumbscrews.
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