How to Install a CPU Fan
The central processing unit (CPU) is one of the parts of your computer that can get easily damaged or compromised because of high temperatures. Electricity passing through the semiconductor can generate higher heat values than other parts of your computer. You may need to replace the existing factory-specified CPU fan with an aftermarket fan if you need more efficiency or cooling power for a high-end gaming or multimedia computer.
CPU Fans
Factory-specified fans work well, but many aftermarket computer parts manufacturers have an entire line of products dedicated solely to cooling. Some case fans and custom cooling systems (like cold cathode, heat pipe, and liquid cooling) cool the surface temperature of cards, boards, and processors. The CPU fan, however, is different from the case fan; the case fans allow heat to escape from the ambient air spaces found in the case itself, while the CPU fan directly dissipates the heat generated by the CPU during operation.
If you check the existing CPU fan you already have installed on your computer, you may notice that it is rather small, or that the fan blades are made from plastic. While the OEM fan is good for normal operations, the heat generated by the CPU may not be adequately dissipated by these fans if you run programs and utilities that rely on processor power. Many aftermarket CPU fans are available from computer stores or the Internet that have a higher cooling capacity compared to OEM fans. You may want to check them out if you want to install a new fan into your computer system.
Tools
To install a new CPU fan, you need the following tools:
CPU fan (make sure that it fits the specifications of your CPU)
Screwdriver set
Thermal paste
Steps
To secure and install a new CPU fan, follow these steps:
Remove the old CPU fan and heat sink.
If the thermal paste on the CPU is worn, apply a new, thin layer of thermal paste.
Use the heat sink to compress the paste, and remove it from the CPU. Make sure that there are no air bubbles on the paste before reinstalling the heat sink.
Different fans have different installation instructions. The best fans are ones that are screwed into the motherboard, as opposed to ones that are snapped in place with clamps. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions on fan installation.
Once the fan is installed, run the machine through its paces to see if it works.
When used and installed properly, CPU fans can provide more cooling and heat transfer power compared to regular CPU fans. With these steps, you can install a new aftermarket fan to your CPU and be more efficient with your computing tasks.