Replacing CPU Fan

  • Thread starter Thread starter Alan
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A

Alan

The question is...how many times can you remove the processor without
damaging it?

I originally replaced my Intel P4 2.6C stock fan/heatsink with a Zalman
CNPS-7000 but kept getting an alarm and the computer would shut down, so I
had to remove it and replace it with the stock fan/heatsink so I could udate
the Bios. Now, I want to put in the Zalman again. It has Artec Silver 5 on
it. This will be the third time removing the processor. Will there be any
damage or problem with this continuous removal?

Thanks,
Alan
 
Alan said:
The question is...how many times can you remove the processor without
damaging it?

I originally replaced my Intel P4 2.6C stock fan/heatsink with a Zalman
CNPS-7000 but kept getting an alarm and the computer would shut down, so I
had to remove it and replace it with the stock fan/heatsink so I could udate
the Bios. Now, I want to put in the Zalman again. It has Artec Silver 5 on
it. This will be the third time removing the processor. Will there be any
damage or problem with this continuous removal?
Click to expand...

As long as you take anti-static precautions there should be no problem
refitting the CPU as many times as you like, or even just replacing the
heatsink/fan, just as long as you don't go in heavy handed and start bending
pins or dropping things on the motherboard.

Clean the excess thermal grease off the CPU and heatsink and re-apply a
small amount each time (provided you are using the same type), or completely
clean it off if you are using a different paste. Don't put on paste if the
Heatsink has a thermal pad.

Adam S
 
Thanks, Adam

Alan

Adam S said:
5

As long as you take anti-static precautions there should be no problem
refitting the CPU as many times as you like, or even just replacing the
heatsink/fan, just as long as you don't go in heavy handed and start bending
pins or dropping things on the motherboard.

Clean the excess thermal grease off the CPU and heatsink and re-apply a
small amount each time (provided you are using the same type), or completely
clean it off if you are using a different paste. Don't put on paste if the
Heatsink has a thermal pad.

Adam S
Click to expand...
 
here's the voice of doom,,.... 'law of averages' is in effect. Along
with a strong 'Murphy's Law' influence. ;^)
 
Here's a follow-up...

Well, I replaced the fan with the new Zalman, went to boot her up and
"nothing". Fans were spinning but nothing else. So, I discovered that the
CPU was not seated properly. Reason? A few bent pins from taking it out.
Luckily, and after tediously trying to bend them as straight as I could, it
seated properly. Put the new fan back on and started right up and
everything is working A-OK. I was really scared for a minute.

The problem is when you remove the heatsink/fan, the processor comes out
with it because it's stuck on to the heatsink by the thermal compound. You
can't get to the lever to release the CPU before removing it, at least I
don't know of any way.

Anyway, all worked out, thank God.

Aaln
 
Alan said:
Here's a follow-up...

Well, I replaced the fan with the new Zalman, went to boot her up and
"nothing". Fans were spinning but nothing else. So, I discovered that the
CPU was not seated properly. Reason? A few bent pins from taking it out.
Luckily, and after tediously trying to bend them as straight as I could, it
seated properly. Put the new fan back on and started right up and
everything is working A-OK. I was really scared for a minute.

The problem is when you remove the heatsink/fan, the processor comes out
with it because it's stuck on to the heatsink by the thermal compound. You
can't get to the lever to release the CPU before removing it, at least I
don't know of any way.

Anyway, all worked out, thank God.
Click to expand...

Next time run the PC to get the processor warm/hot before attempting to
remove the heatsink, as this tends to soften the paste. Also try gently
twisting the heatsink to remove it. The heat sink _should_ come off OK.

Adam S
 
I have several dental picks of various design. Once upon a time I dropped
a straight pick accidently. I found that hitting on the floor had bent the very
fine tip into a tiny almost microscopic hook. It's Fantastic for straightening
bent pins! It just barely goes around the diameter of the pins and if they're
bent inward, the shaft gives you control and leverage against the die to bend
them back. I keep it in a little case now because I never want to drop it again
and mess up my little hook.

Here's a follow-up...

Well, I replaced the fan with the new Zalman, went to boot her up and
"nothing". Fans were spinning but nothing else. So, I discovered that the
CPU was not seated properly. Reason? A few bent pins from taking it out.
Luckily, and after tediously trying to bend them as straight as I could, it
seated properly. Put the new fan back on and started right up and
everything is working A-OK. I was really scared for a minute.

The problem is when you remove the heatsink/fan, the processor comes out
with it because it's stuck on to the heatsink by the thermal compound. You
can't get to the lever to release the CPU before removing it, at least I
don't know of any way.

Anyway, all worked out, thank God.

Aaln
Click to expand...

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| I have several dental picks of various design. Once upon a time I dropped
| a straight pick accidently. I found that hitting on the floor had bent the very
| fine tip into a tiny almost microscopic hook. It's Fantastic for straightening
| bent pins! It just barely goes around the diameter of the pins and if they're
| bent inward, the shaft gives you control and leverage against the die to bend
| them back. I keep it in a little case now because I never want to drop it again
| and mess up my little hook.

Lucky you! Created a truly useful tool by accident when some aren't able to do
it with extensive planning.

Larc



§§§ - Please change planet to earth to reply by e-mail - §§§
 
Alan said:
The question is...how many times can you remove the processor without
damaging it?

I originally replaced my Intel P4 2.6C stock fan/heatsink with a Zalman
CNPS-7000 but kept getting an alarm and the computer would shut down, so I
had to remove it and replace it with the stock fan/heatsink so I could udate
the Bios. Now, I want to put in the Zalman again. It has Artec Silver 5 on
it. This will be the third time removing the processor. Will there be any
damage or problem with this continuous removal?

Thanks,
Alan
Click to expand...

Some may tell you different, but I pull and replace mine whenever the need
arises. Mind you , it's not often, but I'd assume proper removal /
installation would have *no* effect on longevity. Might even be beneficial
if you're using paste.

TFM®
 
Alan said:
Here's a follow-up...

Well, I replaced the fan with the new Zalman, went to boot her up and
"nothing". Fans were spinning but nothing else. So, I discovered that the
CPU was not seated properly. Reason? A few bent pins from taking it out.
Luckily, and after tediously trying to bend them as straight as I could, it
seated properly. Put the new fan back on and started right up and
everything is working A-OK. I was really scared for a minute.

The problem is when you remove the heatsink/fan, the processor comes out
with it because it's stuck on to the heatsink by the thermal compound. You
can't get to the lever to release the CPU before removing it, at least I
don't know of any way.

Anyway, all worked out, thank God.

Aaln
Click to expand...



WTF?!?!? Pull the fan and heatsink with the lever in the locked position.
If your CPU is coming out under those circumstances, something's wacked!

TFM®
 
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