Processor cooler??™s fan Processor cooler
246 Part III: Advanced
Most replacement processor fans come with comprehensive instructions; if not, you can find advice
online. However, replacing the processor fan is one task for which you might want to involve
a hardware professional. If you get the replacement operation wrong, not only may the new fan
get wrecked, but the processor may overheat and ruin itself and your PC??™s motherboard.
After installing the processor cooler (or, preferably, having it installed professionally),
check the processor??™s temperature periodically to make sure the cooler is
cooling it enough. If the cooler has an adjustable-speed fan, set it to a moderately
high speed at first, let your PC run for a while, and then check the temperature. If
the processor is remaining cool, turn the fan down a bit, let the PC run again, and
then check the temperature once more. Continue this cycle to establish the lowest fan
speed at which you can safely run the PC without the processor nearing the top of its
temperature range.
There are two main ways to check the processor??™s temperature. Ideally, your PC
includes a Windows utility like that shown in Figure 22-5, which allows you to keep
an eye on measurements such as the CPU temperature, motherboard temperature,
CPU fan speed, power fan speed, chassis fan speed, and more. Failing that, you may
have to restart your PC, access the BIOS, and find the information there, which is
far less convenient.
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