How to Install Intel CPU Fans
- 1). Make sure you properly ground yourself when working with PC parts. Static electricity built up in your body could be discharged onto computer circuitry, causing it to be damaged. Wear an anti-static wristband to ensure your computer parts will not be damaged.
- 2). Apply small amount of thermal paste to the top of the processor chip. A small, pea-sized amount placed in the middle of the chip should suffice. The heatsink should spread the paste evenly over the processor when placed on top. Some fans already have thermal paste applied to the bottom. In this case, no thermal paste application is necessary.
- 3). Lower the fan's legs onto the motherboard via the corresponding holes near the processor. Make sure the tops of the heatsink's legs are rotated into the correct locking position; the arrows should be pointing away from the heatsink.
- 4). Press down firmly on the heatsink's legs. Each leg should audibly click into place to ensure correct installation. Make sure the fan is installed evenly on the processor and that it is making contact with the chip.
- 5). Attach the CPU fan's power cable to the motherboard. The motherboard should have a power slot labeled for the CPU fan and will contain either a three- or four-pin connector.
- 6). Put your computer back together. You may want to monitor your CPU's temperature after installation of the heatsink to verify the processor is not getting too hot. This information can be accessed in your motherboard's BIOS. Consult the CPU manual to ascertain a suitable temperature of operation.