How do I remove a heatsink fan that has no screws to unscrew?

[helend269]

We have a couple of computers that have the same problem. We can't remove or replace the heatsink fans on either of them because they're held in place not with screws but with what looks like some kind of plastic rivets with no slots for a screwdriver.

If anyone knows what I mean then how do we get these off to remove the fan?

Thanks.

 

[Math Geek]

you have to break the plastic rivet.

then check if there is threads for a screw to go back in. if not, then a small nut/bolt combo will do the trick. not a lot of torque from the fan so even a zip tie would hold it in place if you get desperate.

had a number of old POS machines that i had to do this to once upon a time. few zip ties and they were good to go until the whole system was replaced with shiny new touchscreen POS system.

 

[Darkbreeze]

You don't, they are not meant to be replaced. You will need to get entirely new fan/heatsink assemblies unless you want to take a chance with drilling the plastic rivets out and installing new fans with screws. For the cost of cheap heatsink fan combinations, usually less than 15 bucks apiece, I wouldn't mess with it.

What socket type does the CPU/Motherboard use? What models of CPU do these have?

Probably you can get aftermarket versions just as good as what you had on there for around ten to fifteen bucks. Maybe twenty tops depending on the CPU.

A quality fan will cost you that much.

 

[helend269]

Oh, ratbags, really? Who's bright idea was that, then? Making fans impossible to remove serves no practical use whatsoever. Grrr.

 

[Math Geek]

it serves the purpose of making you buy a whole new heatsink if the super cheap fan breaks.

so there's that anyway.........

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yeah, that's exactly it. Those came on cheap business or internet browsing machines that really weren't expected to last much more than two or three years in the first place before they found their way into the landfill, or wherever. As I said before, just replacing the fans with a model of fan WORTH putting on would cost as much as replacing the whole heatsink and fan anyhow.

And, since heatsink designs have greatly improved over the last five to ten years by using better designs and materials, probably better off anyhow. Might even get another five to ten years out of those CPUs. So if you want some recommendations we'll just need to know what the motherboard or CPU model numbers are.

 

[helend269]

Okay, darkbreeze, thanks. The mobo has a sticker with "A8N-VM CSM REV 1.10G" on it. Does that help?

 

[Darkbreeze]

JESUS those are old. REALLY? You're still using these? No offense, but those are socket 939 boards and are AT LEAST 11 years old. Most likely more like 13-14 years old. HITF are these still functional? LOL.

Seriously though, I don't know how many you need. Are all these boards the same or is it just this one with that model number? Just wondering how many socket 939 coolers you are needing or if you need various different models?