How to Replace a Fan on a Laptop

Laptops are compact computers that contain the monitor and computer tower all in one compact unit. Due to the smaller space in which all of the laptop's internal components operate, laptops have a greater risk of overheating. To combat this problem, each laptop has a built-in fan that cools the system and prevents it from getting too hot. If the fan stops working, or needs to be replaced, there is a simple process that allows the laptop's owner to install a new laptop fan themselves.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small Phillips head screwdriver

1. Shut down the laptop and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Flip the laptop on its face and remove the internal battery pack. To do this, locate the battery pack release button. Hold the release button in and slide the battery pack from the side of the laptop. The battery pack will not be able to slide free unless the release tab is held down.

2. Unscrew all the screws from the bottom of the laptop. Depending on what brand of laptop you are using, the number of screws may change. Generally, there is one screw at each of the corners, and one or two screws in the center of the laptop near the hard drive slot. After all of the screws are removed, slide the hard drive free from the laptop and set it aside.

3. Remove each screw from the back of the laptop, which holds the screen's hinges in place. Once these screws are removed, open and lift up gently on the screen until the silver peg on each of the bottom corners is clear of the holes in the laptop body. You should notice that on the left bottom corner of the screen there are two wires that lead into the body of the laptop; make sure you do not pull up so hard that you disconnect these wires.

4. Separate the two plastic halves of the external body to expose the inside of the laptop. Flip the keyboard on its face. Follow the film-like ribbon connector from the back of the keyboard to where it connects to the motherboard. Lift up on the plastic tab that holds this connector in place, and the keyboard with be able to be lifted free. Unscrew the screws and remove the metal plate that covers the motherboard.

5. Locate and unplug the laptop fan. Unscrew the screws that hold down the fan and the "heat sink," which is the entire unit around the fan, usually having copper colored cooling stripes that wrap around parts of the laptop. Once the screws are removed, lift the entire "heat sink" section free and replace it with the new fan. Make sure that the replacement fan you get is compatible with your specific laptop. Reassemble the laptop by reconnecting all of the components in the exact manner in which they were removed.

References

• Laptop Fan Replacement