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Installing Socket 7 Heatsink-Fans
Last updated: 2/26/2003
Q. How do you install a Socket 7 (AMD K6-2, Pentium, etc) heatsink-fan.
A. I almost always replace the entire unit. Yes, in most
cases it is fairly easy to remove a fan. It is also fairly easy to strip
the threads on many heatsinks. Most of them attach with nothing more
than threads that are made between heatsink cooling fins. Many times
the new fan cannot be tightly screwed-down with the original four screws--one
or two almost always end-up a little loose and can vibrate off over time. One
can waste a lot of time looking for screw that will work... Matching fans to
Socket 7 heat sinks can be difficult. Fan size (thickness), screw sizes,
etc. vary. Also, in most cases, the entire unit is fairly easy to remove. However,
some are really stuck on the CPU and are very difficult to remove. I
usually use a tweaker (small screwdriver) to pry them off, but that can cause
damage if you are not very careful or apply too much force. Also, use
care when removing a heatsink-fan. The lugs on most socket 7 sockets
are easily broken off. If the heatsink and fan are replaced, any heatsink
compound on the CPU should be removed. Rubbing Alchohol, razor blade
or xacto knife, and a lintless piece of cloth will usually(!) work. If the
new heatsink does not have a thermal pad (most Socket 7 heatsinks have one),
a very thin layer of heatsink compound (grease) should (although not recommended,
a 400 Mhz CPU may run OK without it) be smeared on the top CPU (I wear a clean
disposable vinyl glove and use my finger) where the heatsink comes into contact
with it. If it has a pad, any protective film, if present, should be
peeled-off before installing the heatsink-fan. If just the fan is removed,
the heat sink should be cleaned before installing the new one. A vacuum
cleaner will usually do the trick, but be careful not touch anything and zap
the unit with static electricity from a metal vacuum cleaner attachment (hitting
a cold fan with a vacuum cleaner or canned air can damage the fan bearing). Also,
use anti-static procedures (see my previous link) to avoid zapping the CPU
when installing a fan/heatsink. When installing the heat sink, be careful
if using a screwdriver to attach the spring on most heatsink-fans to the lugs
on the socket. A slip can damage components on a motherboard. If
you do slip, inspect the motherboard with a magnifying glass in good light. A
screwdriver slip can break small components on the motherboard that may not
be readily visible/apparent to the naked eye. Socket 7 heatsink-fans
are becoming difficult to find. Socket A, 370, etc. heatsink-fans are
not designed for Socket 7 CPU's and sockets and most likely will not work. Always
insist on a quality fan with a ball bearing. You will be lucky if a fan
with a sleeve bearing lasts a year. Many Socket 7 fans have sleeve bearings. Overall,
installing a Socket 7 heatsink-fans is similar to installing a Socket A heatsink-fans
(http://duxcw.com/digest/Howto/cpu/socka/1.html, http://duxcw.com/digest/Howto/mb/epox/8kha/2.htm)
with the exception that Socket A springs apply and require more force to attach
them to the socket, and are, therefore, more difficult and hazardous to install
if the motherboard is mounted in a case.
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