How to Change a Computer Fan

Having a working computer fan is vital to keeping the temperature inside your computer case under control. If your computer fan fails, the temperature in your case can begin to rise rapidly. High temperatures can lead to sluggish response time, improper performance and even hardware damage caused by overheating. Changing a computer fan is easy, taking only a few minutes and requiring only a screwdriver to accomplish.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips-head screwdriver

1. Turn off the power on your computer, then unplug it from its power source. Press the power button once the computer has been unplugged, a necessary step to ensure that any power remaining in the system's components has been drained.

2. Remove the panel on the computer's right side; though the exact method of doing that may vary from one case design to the next, it is generally accomplished by removing the screws on the back of the computer that hold it in place and then sliding the panel back. Once the panel has been removed, you will have access to the computer fan and the motherboard.

3. Unplug the power cord of the computer fan that connects it to the motherboard. Be careful when unplugging the fan to ensure that you don't accidentally damage the motherboard pins that will plug into the new computer fan power cord.

4. Hold the fan in place while you remove the four screws on the back of the computer that hold it in place. Set the screws aside for future use when you install your new computer fan, lifting the fan out of the computer case carefully. You may now install a new computer fan in place of the old one.

Tips & Warnings

• Some computers may have a plastic sleeve that covers the fan and helps it to move hot air directly from the central processing unit; this sleeve is simply clipped in place and may be easily removed by undoing its clip and carefully lifting it out of the way.
• Make sure you remain grounded while touching any components inside the case in order to prevent static discharge, which could damage sensitive computer hardware; that can be accomplished by maintaining contact with metal components of the case.

References

• "Replacing Your Case Fan"