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Processor Heat Sink (Inspiron 400 Only)

Dell™ Inspiron™ 300/400 Service Manual

  Removing the Processor Heat Sink

  Replacing the Processor Heat Sink

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: The heat sink may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.

CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™ is not covered by your warranty.

CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).

CAUTION: Do not perform the following steps unless you are familiar with hardware removal and replacement. Performing these steps incorrectly could damage your system board. For technical service information, see the Setup Guide.

Removing the Processor Heat Sink

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the top cover (see Removing the Top Cover).
   
   
3. Remove the top bracket (see Removing the Top Bracket).
   
   
4. Remove the optical drive (see Removing the Optical Drive).
   
   
5. Remove the drive bay (see Removing the Drive Bay).
   
   

CAUTION: To ensure maximum cooling for the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the processor heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.

6. In sequential order (indicated on the processor heat sink), loosen the four captive screws in descending order that secure the processor heat sink to the system board.
   
   
7. Carefully lift the processor heat sink away from the computer.
   
   
8. Lay the processor heat sink down on its top, with the thermal grease facing upward.
   
   

1

processor heat sink

2

captive screws (4)

Replacing the Processor Heat Sink

CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the processor heat sink can cause damage to the system board and processor.

NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original processor and processor heat sink are reinstalled together. If either the processor or the processor heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the processor heat sink.
   
   

CAUTION: 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.

3. Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor.
   
   
4. Align the four captive screws on the processor heat sink with the screw holes on the system board and tighten the screws in ascending order.
   
   
5. Replace the drive bay (see Replacing the Drive Bay).
   
   
6. Replace the optical drive (see Replacing the Optical Drive).
   
   
7. Replace the top bracket (see Replacing the Top Bracket).
   
   
8. Replace the top cover (see Replacing the Top Cover).
   
   

CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.

9. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
   
   

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