Question about replacing CPU Fan

[Maky55]

Hey guys.

Sorry if this is in the wrong place and if this has been answered before, on a bit of a tight schedule! Recently I upgraded my PC because I wanted to play some newer games, this is what it currently looks like:

CPU: I5 4690 (Non K)
GPU: EVGA GTX 970
RAM: Generic 4gb
MOBO: Gigabyte Z97P-D3
PSU: 500W EVGA 80+ Bronze (I can't find the box for this so it's off memory)
Case: NZXT S340

In the process of building the PC (Started on Friday) I found that the mobo was faulty (3 second reset loop on boot) so I received a replacement, but when taking the CPU fan out one of the crappy Intel push pins snapped, so when I was trying out a game I noticed the CPU go near 100 degrees C, so I immediately shut off the pc and ordered a new fan, the hyper 212X.

My questions are these:

1. What is the difficulty of replacing the fan compared to the rest of the build?
2. Can I use tissue to remove the thermal compound? (Noctua NT-H1, this has been on less the a day)
3. Can I keep the MOBO in the case while I replace the fan?

For question 3, I have opened the side panel and can see the back on the CPU mount, and I really don't want to dissemble the MOBO again, I've attached a picture to show what I can see.

http://imgur.com/a/Yt4vd

Thank you for reading.

EDIT 1: The cable in the image isn't touching the MOBO, It was tied back but i'm in the process of making the back of the case tidier.

 

[ZHU92]

1. Depending on your block/fan replacement it may need you to take out the motherboard. It looks like your case has the back exposed for easier access to the back of the mobo so you should be fine. It's not hard at all, just make sure to read the instructions and follow steps. If you're unsure you can look up vids on youtube as the hyper 212 is a very popular cpu cooler (best bang for buck)

2. For thermal paste removal i'd use at the very least rubbing alcohol to get it off with paper towel, not using any can leave behind some paste and could possibly get gunked up with tissue etc causing you heating issues and headaches in the near future

3. You should be able to keep mobo in case to replace the cooler, it may be easier to remove the mobo but it looks like you should be able to without removing it

 

[john TJ]

1: you should'nt face any kind kind of difficulty i you know what you are doing , installing customs ones are definitely more more than those intel's push pins. so its up to you
2: i would not recommend tissue to remove thermal compound, use isopropyl alcohol
3:if you have enough space inside the case there is no need of removing the board out ,

 

[Maky55]

1. Depending on your block/fan replacement it may need you to take out the motherboard. It looks like your case has the back exposed for easier access to the back of the mobo so you should be fine. It's not hard at all, just make sure to read the instructions and follow steps. If you're unsure you can look up vids on youtube as the hyper 212 is a very popular cpu cooler (best bang for buck)

2. For thermal paste removal i'd use at the very least rubbing alcohol to get it off with paper towel, not using any can leave behind some paste and could possibly get gunked up with tissue etc causing you heating issues and headaches in the near future

3. You should be able to keep mobo in case to replace the cooler, it may be easier to remove the mobo but it looks like you should be able to without removing it

Thank you for your quick reply! You've put my mind to rest, I was worried I'd get it wrong. Ill get something to remove the paste like you suggested, I'd rather not risk the cost of a new CPU. I'm glad I made the switch from console to PC, building your own feels like an accomplishment.

Thanks again!

 

[chemmajorp53]

1. The hyper 212 isn't that hard to install, but from experience you may want a crescent wrench set or clamping pliers on hand to hold the nuts in place while putting the posts in, otherwise you may not be able to tighten them properly. If you have the area behind the cpu on your motherboard exposed, you won't need to remove anything. The installation process involves putting posts through the front of the motherboard through a backplate on the back and tightening it down with nuts. Then, you put the thermal paste down, put the bracket in the block on the cooler (make sure the bracket is the right direction first) and screw down into the posts to fasten the cooler. It's harder than some other coolers but if you take your time it's not that bad.

2. You can use toilet paper to remove thermal paste if you apply adequate pressure, there's really nothing terrible about not using alcohol but it will leave a thin layer of thermal paste leftover. It's not life or death, just good practice. Do not reuse thermal paste though, it traps air bubbles if you take the heatsink off and put it back down which insulate heat. Your hyper 212 will come with paste so you don't have to buy any.

3. answered in 1