How to remove a computer CPU fan

Removing a computer processor fan from the computer is a relatively simple process and may be necessary to clean the fan or to replace a bad or noisy fan. Below, are the steps required for removing most computer processor heat sink fans.

Caution: While inside the computer, make sure it's off and that you're familiar with ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) and its potential dangers.

Removing any covering

Before removing the heatsink from the processor make sure the processor is visible. If any duct or ventilation system is above the CPU it must be removed fist. In the below picture, is an example of a processor duct system in an OEM Dell XPS computer. The fan for this computer's processor and the duct will not be visible until this is removed from the computer.

In the case of this computer, the duct system can be removed by pressing in on the clips and pulling the duct away from the case and the processor. After the duct has been removed the computer processor and the heat sink should be visible.

Disconnect the fan

Before disconnecting the heat sink fan from the computer it must be disconnected from the motherboard or its power source. A two, three, or four pin power cable should be connecting the fan to the computer motherboard. Locate where this cable is connected and disconnect it by grabbing on the connector end and pulling up on the connector.

Caution: If the connector is accessible, do not pull the wire by the cable. Instead, disconnect the cable by pulling on the connector end. Pulling on the wires may loosen them from the connector.

Unclip the heat sink from the processor

After the wire fan has been disconnected from the computer locate the clip holding the fan to the processor. In the picture to the right, is an example of what this clip may look like. In this example, inserting a screw driver into the small hole and gently pressing down and away from the processor will unlatch the heat sink.

Tip: With some computers the fan may also be screwed into the heat sink. If you see screws on the heat sink and you only wish to remove the fan, unscrew any screws and disconnect the fan instead of unlatching the heatsink. All of the below steps can be skipped if the fan was able to be removed this way.

After the clip holding the heat sink in place has been unlatched the heat sink can be pulled away from the processor.

Caution: Do not pull hard, the heat sink should be able to be removed with very little upward force. In some situations the Thermal compound or thermal pad that allows the heat to be transferred to the heat sink may have a strong hold preventing the heat sink from being removed from the processor. This can almost always be overcome by gently twisting the heat sink while pulling up.