Cannot remove the fan and heatsink

Fan speed does increase for a reason.....heat. Check you BIOS settings and verify that the CPU temp is not getting too high. Desktop computers are dirt magnets. It is common for the CPU heatsink to get clogged with dust and dirt. This will reduce cooling and increase heat, eventually to the point that the fan will speed up. Get some electronic duster (canned air) and blow out the fins on the CPU heatsink. DO NOT remove the heatsink from the CPU. There is a special compound that is on the heatsink surface that allows proper heat transfer from the CPU. Removing the heatsink means that this compound is disturbed and would need replaced. Most users do not have this compound and thus should not remove the heatsink to clean. If the heatsink is so clogged that you cannot get the dirt out with canned air, you may be able to remove the fan from the heatsink, depending on the fan/heatsink design. Then you can use a brush to get into the fins to clean them.

Remove the heatsink and fan assembly over the CPU.
The CPU is locked in the CPU socket, lift up the locking lever to release the CPU.
The new CPU needs to be inserted into the socket and then lower the lever to lock the CPU into the socket.
Coat the CPU with heatsink compound before fitting the heatsink and fan.

If there is no activity when you power up then it could be the CPU.
Remove the CPU and check the CPU to see if you have not bent any pins. The CPU can only be installed in one position.
The CPU when removed usually sticks to the heatsink.
The CPU should be removed off the heatsink.
The CPU is locked onto the CPU chip holder, lift the locking level up to release the CPU or there may be a locking screw instead of a lever. Turn the screw anti-clockwise to release the CPU lock.
Insert the CPU in the chip holder and lock the CPU in place. If it a screw lock then turn the screw clockwise to lock the CPU in place.
Smear some fresh heat sink compound on the CPU and heatsink and place and then lock the heatsink in place.

If your system is five years old or older it is possible that the thermal grease/tape has dried and will need replaced. There is no need to remove the CPU for this. If you can enter your bios you can also check the fan speed of your CPU heatsink fan rpm. It should run between 2800rpm and as high as 3500rpm. If its not than replace your heatsink assembly.
Replacement heatsink assemble;
http://www.thefind.com/computers/browse-install-intel-cpu-heatsink
Thermal tape: http://www.crazypc.com/products/PQ5-5025.html

Thermal grease: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100302&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-CPU%20Thermal%20Paste%20/%20Grease-_-MASSCOOL-_-35100302&AID=10440897&PID=1609763&SID=tfc_-_4_104_100921_e4d0767819e4422998638af41543c991:0000

Video how to remove heatsink assembly video how to replace heatsink assembly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3k9Ube9BBs

There are more videos listed on the right side of YouTube.

Good luck.
Mike

There are several types of CPU fan / Heatsink assymblies on the market these days, usually there is a lever, or two on either side of the fan that tension the fan and heatsink to the CPU socket. Once released the fan/heatsink should come off as a single unit. Sometimes you may need to gently " wiggle " the fan/heatsink in a rotating motion to loosen it from the CPU thermal grease.

Once the fan/heatsink is removed, the CPU slot will have a single lever on one side, this can be lifted, and the CPU should come out of the socket.

Remember to gently place the new CPU into the socket, it should only seat properly one way, so remember to note how the original CPU was seated.

Apply a very thin film of thermal grease to the top of the CPU*, and re-attach the cooling fan / heatsink unit.

*Thermal grease is quite inexpensive, and easy to apply, put a small dab in the center of the top of the CPU, and with a small flat piece of plastic such as an old credit card, smooth the grease out and spred it to the edges of the raised surface of the CPU.

Most likely from the back (the underside) where the fan/s are located. You will need to remove the fan/heatsink to get to the CPU. The CPU is locked in place with a zero insertion socket, you need the turn the locking screw 90 degrees to release the CPU.
Be careful when you insert the new CPU, there is a notch that indicates the orientation of the CPU to the socket.
After installing the CPU don't forget to put some heatsink compound on the CPU before installing the fan/heatsink.

May be the CPU fan is going bad. I hope it is that simple.

The thermal paste should be cleaned off. Clean the CPU and heatsink fan with a dry cloth, which should remove the paste quite well. It is simply a viscous liquid and should not require scraping.

You should replace the thermal paste when installing the new fan. You can purchase it at your local computer supply store. Simply place a small dab of it on top of the CPU and then install the fan.

If you try to re-use the existing thermal paste, you will not get reliable heat transfer from the CPU to the fins.

If you are removing the cpu itself, you must first release it by pushing the metal lever over a bit, then lifting it up..


If you are removing the heatsink and fan, you must first release the 4 clips on either corner of the heatsink. (pull back a little on then, the pull up, careful not to damage the components).

Hi, have you tried removing the CPU and using a Air Jet Spray can to clean all contact pins and pin holes? The problem sounds like a loose chip. So also check all on board chips are seated, including RAM chips. Air spray can be bought from most Computer stores. Goodluck mistyman