Re: Maintenance for 5 year old Desktop - HP Support Community

as1471 · ‎03-05-2023

My PC is 5 1/2 years old and has been getting system fan error which is to do with fans and over heating. I have ordered a system fan which should be easy to replace.

The CPU fan is joined to a silver object (is that a heat sink?). I know the fan model number and can order a replacement but how would I be able to change it. Would I need to remove the mother board. Would it be easy for a novice like me to do or should I find someone to do it.

Been reading on the web, that thermal paste should be reapplied every so often. Is the heat sink removable on my PC and should I change the thermal paste?

Or should I just change the system fan and leave the cpu fan and thermal paste alone?

Many Thanks.

Prométhée · ‎03-05-2023

hi

yes indeed, you have the heat sink attached to the processor!

I tried to find a good video, but failed.
You won't be able to remove the fan, directly, not enough room to unscrew
I do not see if it is possible to remove the heatsink / fan assembly
removing the back of the case, probably difficult, or impossible
otherwise, you will have to take out the whole motherboard
yes, it will be necessary to change the paste if it is possible to remove it!

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erico · ‎03-05-2023

Yes. That is the old school heat sink which the fan is attached to.

The thermal interface material between the heat sink and the processor should be redone.

If you upgrade the CPU cooler and repaste the thermal interface material to a newer type the fan error should resolve itself.
ArcticSilver makes enthusiast(Gamer) quality thermal past and solvent
https://www.arcticsilver.com/#
Use Arcticlean to remove original thermal pads and residue. Both surfaces must be absolutely clean!

See the article written by retired HP Expert @wb2001
https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/I-need-a-cpu-4-pin-cooling-fan-...

Using a Noctua Fan of the appropriate size would be a good idea.

You may also want to reset the EC(embedded controller). That may resolve the fan error message.

Unplug the power to the PC

Hold down the Windows key + the B key for 15 seconds.

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as1471 · ‎03-05-2023

Thanks to both for the replies.

I will wait for the system fan to be delivered and once I've fitted that, I'll find someone to upgrade the CPU fan and hopefully that will keep this PC going for another couple of years.

Prométhée · ‎03-06-2023

your welcome @as1471

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erico · ‎03-06-2023

Resetting the EC after unplugging and plugging the CPU fan connector may clear the error message.

Replace the whole CPU cooler assembly, not just the fan.

The Noctua version has better rate of cooling than the original one does.

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Prométhée · ‎03-06-2023

@erico wrote:
Resetting the EC after unplugging and plugging the CPU fan connector may clear the error message.

Replace the whole CPU cooler assembly, not just the fan.

The Noctua version has better rate of cooling than the original one does.

it might not change much here since it's a small fan, the fan/heat-sink assembly, is quite simplistic..

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erico · ‎03-06-2023

@Prométhée

Resetting the embedded controller is without risk. It has nothing to do with updating the BIOS.

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Prométhée · ‎03-06-2023

no @erico i no that

"Using a Noctua Fan of the appropriate size would be a good idea. "

I'm talking about this, you had indicated to change to a "more efficient" fan
I had a processor with a fan of this type, quite small, and there is not much point in replacing it with another!
if possible to change the set with a kit of this type then there yes why not!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NyWkvZxuwk

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erico · ‎03-06-2023

@Prométhée

That is your opinion.

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Maintenance for 5 year old Desktop

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