I don't know which way my cpu fan is supposed to be facing I'm new to the PC world and I need help its already installed and I

[PCNOOB26]

I don't know which way my cpu fan is supposed to face please help

 

[tech-wreck]

no, but the rear fan will suck it out more easily than in its current orientation.
if the thermal paste is only a day old, you can get away without cleaning it off, jiggle it a little as you reattach the heatsink to reduce the chance of trapping air between them. or to be sure, use surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol to clean both mating surfaces, allow a couple of minutes for it to evaporate and then reapply a tiny blob of new paste.

 

[tech-wreck]

the backplate will stiffen the motherboard to prevent the weight of the heatsink flexing it too much. it may help with clearance, so the heatsink isn't 'drooping' and touching the GPU.

 

[PCNOOB26]

Ok last question are there special plates that are for sideways installation?

 

[PCNOOB26]

I mean like the 2 plates I used to hold it down to the motherboard except sideways ones

 

[boju]

No special plates going side ways, it should be square.

Whats your system specs?

All large aftermarket coolers will come with base brackets otherwise there will be nothing to tension the screws on. Some motherboards have back plates so maybe yours does.

 

[boju]

I mean like the 2 plates I used to hold it down to the motherboard except sideways ones

The tension brackets you used to mount the heatsink will work either way.

 

[PCNOOB26]

Ok thank you guys for all your help I'm probably going to fix the cooler tomorrow like you guys said

 

[PCNOOB26]

It's late where I live

 

[boju]

Np mate, good luck and if you're not sure, ask. Also there are loads of how to's as well on youtube if you're not sure.