ASUS Chipset Fan

[dtk419]

The Chipset Fan on my ASUS A8N Sli-Deluxe went out this weekend. I have a new one coming and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or info on installing the new fan. Thanks Pooka

[dtk419]

The Chipset Fan on my ASUS A8N Sli-Deluxe went out this weekend. I have a new one coming and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or info on installing the new fan. Thanks Pooka

[BelaLvgosi]

Evercool vc-re, cheap and quite good if it fits.

[x6BL_Brando]

The attachment method is usually by sprung, slit-ended push-pins that push through the holes in the attachment lugs and then into the motherboard (corresponding) holes. Once fully inserted through the mobo PCB the 'barbed' ends of the push-pin open, and the spring holds all tight.

That's what you're looking at from the top. It's a common fitting for small heatsinks. Removal is easiest with the mobo out of the case - when you locate and close the split ends with needle-nosed pliers and pop them back through the PCB.

You can do it without removing the board. You have to be extra careful though. compressing the spring a tad more from the top with a blade edge to reveal the pin-shaft which you cut, whereupon everything can fly out is okay, but becomes trickier when you get to the second pin. Your choice though http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif You can also cut through spring and pin too, just watch where the odd bits of metal and plastic go http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/53.gif

Once off, you need to turn your attention to removing the used TIM from your chipset. Thermal Interface Material can be a paste or a self adhesive pad. I use a TIM-cleaner from Akasa, followed by a light wipe with the purest alcohol available. Some people use acetone but the keyword with all of it is sparingly. Usually thermal pads stay mainly on the fan/sink ehich is a relief, but their residue is generally harder to shift than paste. Cotton buds and maybe a soft plastic scraper, and patience while the solvent soaks in are the key.
When removing paste be careful not to spread it across the surrounding area. Many people claim that the metal content of pastes like Arctic Silver can form a harmful, conductive bridge. I've never experienced that, but care with these thing can only be worthwhile. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Finally, acetones with added oils - like some nail-polish removers - should be avoided, likewise scented rubbibg-alcohol.

Oh, and avoid the vapours http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/53.gif http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/53.gif

Once the chipset is clean you can take a dry run at it. Rest the fan on the chipset and make sure you have the right part. I.e. the fanbase covers the whole chipset
the holes correspond
the fan doesn't foul any components

If everything checks out then look at the fan-bits. Does the fan have a pad attached? Maybe the makers have put a double-sided thermal pad in the package for you to use? Or a syringe of TIM?
Maybe you have or want to use a good heat-conductor like Arctic silver?

Your choice again. With pads you need only take of any backing materials and make sure the pad gets sandwiched accurately between the sink and the chip. With paste to need to put a suitable amount on the chipset face and ensure an even contact across the interface.

In both cases you then hold the fan firmly in its place and push the new pushpins right through into place. You may need to wiggle them a bit to engage the barbs (you'll see what I mean) and that's why removing the mobo is more thorough though not essential. Remember to insert both pushpins before letting go - other wise the fan may just flip up and spoil your pasting.

Oh and remember to unplug your PC from the wall, and use either an ESD wrist-strap, or take other precautions to avoid an electro-static discharge from your body into a component.

That's about it...good luck!

B.

Oops. If you wanna use paste and the fan has a pad attached, remove it first. Er, obviously, sorry. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[x6BL_Brando]

OK. http://www.hothardware.com/image_popup.cfm?image=big_no...pg&articleid=612&t=a (http://www.hothardware.com/image_popup.cfm?image=big_northbridgesink.jpg&articleid=612&t=a)

The fan/heatsink looks to have a shroud attached by four small crosshead screws. Remove that and check if the fan is detachable. Whatever it is, you will need to detach the small white plug with the black/yellow/red wires running to it (left of fan housing). That's mobo fan supply. At the bottom right you can see the black plastic pushpin.

If you just need to remove the shroud and unscrew the fan - well you're a lucky bunny! http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-tongue.gif
Same rules of care for tiny bits and ESD. But no pastey stuff. I'd do it anyway - because the proprietary paste and care of application are often strangely neglected.

Check the appalling state of this for a contact patch! It's due to DFI installing a p--- -poor fan, but illustrates the last point well.

http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51639

[dtk419]

Thanks a million Brando, those little pins pop right out. (Took the board out) Little pushing on corners and the paste seal broke loose. Will clean up as described and wait for replacement.
Interesting: The tech told me to put this back together I had to turn it counter-clockwise?
Another person at ASUS said you have to insert it at a 45 degree angle. What the heck are they talking about. I hope I get the right part.
Thank you again.
Pooka

[B16Enk]

Hi Pooka m8 http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Not sure what the techs are telling you, or why.
NB bridge fans i have removed/replaced on Asus boards were a simple case of pushing pins out from underneath as you did, cleaning mating surface of NB and then applying TIM and then pushing pins of new HS into the holes previously vacated.

No need for any weird Masonic handshakes involving 45 degree angles.... http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[x6BL_Brando]

You're welcome http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I too would be surprised if Asus doesn't send you the whole fan/heatsink as shown in the first link. If they send only the fan (which'd be a tad cheap) then I'm sure the further steps will be self-explanatory.
Better roll up a trouser leg though, just in case our m8 is wrong! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

B.