How to Cool Down My Slimline

Keep your Slimline computer cool by cleaning and lubricating the cooling fan.

Desktop computers often overheat because of the internal cooling system. As with any desktop, your HP Slimline computer's cooling fan's main function is to prevent the processor from overheating. When the processor fan isn't working properly, your computer may overheat. If this happens too much, it can cause serious damage to your motherboard. Cooling down your Slimline desktop is often a matter of cleaning and lubricating your processor fan.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Paper towel
• Thermal grease
• Compressed air can
• Cotton swabs
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Antistatic wrist strap

Instructions

1. Shut down your computer. Disconnect the power cable from the nearest electrical outlet, and unplug the cable from the socket on the back of the computer tower. Disconnect all external data, networking and peripheral devices from the computer. Touch an unpainted metal surface to discharge static electricity from your body before you work inside your computer.

2. Rotate the computer so the back panel is facing toward you. Lay the computer tower horizontally on its left side. Remove the two to three Phillips-head thumbscrews fastening the right-side access panel to the computer. Remove the side panel from the computer casing to reveal the motherboard.

3. Locate the cooling fan assembly near the center of the motherboard. Disconnect the fan's power cable from the motherboard. Then remove the two to four Phillips-head screws that fasten the cooling fan assembly to the motherboard. Carefully lift the cooling fan off the processor chip and out of the computer.

4. Use a clean paper towel, or cloth to wipe the excess thermal grease from your processor's surface. Use another clean paper towel sheet to evenly apply thermal grease to the processor's surface.

5. Place the remove cooling fan on a flat work surface with the label sticker facing upward. Use the flat-head screwdriver to peel away the label sticker. Pry the rubber plug revealed by the label sticker with a flat-head screwdriver. This reveals a small hole that gives you access to your fan motor's bearings. Apply one to two drops of lightweight mechanical oil into the hole to lubricate your fan's motor.

6. Use a can of compressed air to blow out all loose dust and debris from inside the fan's motor and fan blades. Apply a small amount of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to a clean cotton swab. Wipe down the fan's blades of all dust and debris. Be as thorough as possible. But never apply rubbing alcohol or any cleaning agent directly to the fan.

7. Place the fan back on top of the processor chip, while aligning the fan's screw holes with the holes on the motherboard surrounding the processor socket. Replace the fan's retention screws, and reconnect the power cable to the motherboard.

8. Replace the side access panel and its retention screws. Place the computer tower vertically and reconnect all cables and devices.

Tips & Warnings

• If cleaning and lubricating the fan doesn't fix your overheating issues, you can follow this procedure to install a new cooling fan.

• Wear an antistatic wrist strap to prevent electrical damage to the motherboard.

References

• HP Support: HP Slimline Upgrading and Servicing Guide
• ZDNet: Fix Noisy Computer Fans With a Drop of Oil
• Foner Books: Replacing a CPU

Resources

• Hewlett-Packard