How to Install a Heatsink Dual-Core Intel
The heatsink assembly on top of your Intel dual-core processor pulls the heat away from the processor and cools it down. The heatsink has two main sections. A cooling fan sits on top of the assembly, and the aluminum-finned heatsink sits underneath. Replacing or installing a new heatsink takes about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your experience with working inside your computer case.
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Things You'll Need
- Heatsink assembly
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Thermal paste
- Antistatic wrist strap
Instructions
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1
Choose "Shut Down" to completely turn off your computer. Disconnect the power cable from the back of your computer tower. Remove the computer tower case cover and set it aside. Case covers are usually removed by unscrewing the cover or opening a panel or window on the side of the computer case.
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2
Disconnect the heatsink fan's power cable from the motherboard. Note the location of the power pins on the motherboard.
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3
Look at the corners of the heatsink. You will see a fastener cap on each corner. Use a flat-head screwdriver to rotate the fastener cap one-fourth of a turn counterclockwise. Pull each fastener cap up. Pull up on the heatsink assembly gently until it detaches from the CPU socket underneath. Set the heatsink assembly aside.
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4
Spread a small dab of thermal paste on top of the CPU socket.
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5
Line the corner fasteners of the new heatsink assembly to the small holes on the motherboard. Push each cap down to connect it through the hole to fasten it into the motherboard. Connect the fan's power cable into the motherboard pins you noted earlier.
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Tips & Warnings
Use an antistatic wrist strap to prevent injury to yourself and damage to your processor. Slip the strap over your wrist and clip the alligator clip to a metal part of your computer case to reduce the risk of static electricity.
References
- Photo Credit cooler image by TEA from Fotolia.com
