Service Manual
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ReplacingtheProcessorFanandHeatSinkAssembly(Dell™Vostro™
A180 Only)
Dell™Vostro™A100/A180ServiceManual
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
3. Disconnect the processor fan cable from the CPU_FAN connector on the system board (see System Board Components).
4. Carefully move away any cables that are routed over the processor fan and heat sink assembly.
5. Loosen the four captive screws securing the processor fan and heat sink assembly to the system board.
6. Lift the heat sink assembly upward gently and remove it from the computer. Lay the heat sink assembly down on its top, with the thermal grease facing
upward.
7. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat sink.
8. To reinstall the processor fan and heat sink assembly, align the captive screws on the processor fan and heat sink assembly to the four metal screw
hole projections on the system board.
9. Tighten the four captive screws that secure the heat sink assembly to the system board.
10. Connect the processor fan to the CPU_FAN system board connector (see System Board Components).
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your
computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
CAUTION: Despite having a plastic shield, the heat sink fan assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that it has had sufficient
time to cool before you touch it.
NOTICE: Do not touch the fan blades when you are removing the processor fan and heat sink assembly. This could damage the fan.
NOTICE: The processor fan with the heat sink is one single unit. Do not try to remove the fan separately.
1
processor fan
2
screws (4)
3
processor fan and heat sink assembly
NOTE: Ensure that you apply new thermal grease. New thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a requirement
for optimal processor operation.
NOTE: Ensure that the processor fan and heat sink assembly is correctly seated and secure.
NOTICE: The CPU_FAN connector on the system board has four pins and the processor fan cable has three holes. Align the holes on the processor
fan cable with the pins in the CPU_FAN connector on the system board to avoid damage to the pins.