Breathe New Life Into Your PC With a Socket Heatsink and Fan Combo
There are many fan and heatsink size and speed combinations available to keep your computer core running cool. Fortunately, most AMD processor coolers are interchangeable, with most socket 939 format CPUs running at 2.8 GHz to 3 GHz. However, it’s important that the replacement unit that you choose fits in the tower and provides sufficient cooling power.
How do you choose a CPU cooler?
A PC cooling system consists of two components; the fan and the heatsink, also called the heatsink-fan (HSF) combo. Some HSFs are designed to run quietly, while others provide maximum cooling. Familiarize yourself with the motherboard CPU socket for the HSF combo and measure the distance between the processor and the computer chassis. Additionally, see the manufacturer’s site for the recommended fan speed, and identify the Thermal Design Power (TDP), which is the heat generated by your processor measured in watts.
What should you do if the fan doesn't start?
Some PCs incorporate low-noise adapters. If this is the case with your computer core, the automatic fan controller may not provide enough power to actuate the fan. Wait to see if the fan starts when the motherboard warms up. If not, test the fan by removing the low-noise adapter, deactivating the automatic fan controller using the BIOS setup, and connecting the fan directly to the power supply.
Do you need to clean the fan periodically?
Over time, the HSF combo accumulates dust and needs cleaning to ensure maximum performance. When this occurs, remove the heatsink from the fan and clean it gently with canned air. Never use a vacuum or water to clean the CPU cooler. Also, clean the thermal paste residue at the base of the cooler before applying new thermal paste and reattaching the HSF combo.
What if your CPU cooler gets stuck to the core?
Epoxy or glue may cause the motherboard and HSF combo to stick together. If the HSP combo is still stuck to the chip after soaking, place the box cutter blade between the chip and heatsink and tap it very gently with a hammer. Separating the two requires several carefully executed steps:
- Use a box cutter blade and gently trim excess glue from around the chip.
- Gently place the chip in a bowl of isopropyl alcohol with the pins facing up.
- Let the chip soak overnight.
- Dry the chip with a with warm air such as a blow dryer.
- Hold the CPU cooler with a towel and the chip with your fingers while gently twisting them apart.
Why does the airflow arrow point down?
Most HSFs combos direct air downward to disperse heat, forcing air onto the fins which dispel heat away from the heatsink, then a separate fan expels hot air from the computer tower. If the fan is facing the wrong direction, the CPU cooler will not dissipate heat effectively.