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: 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.
WARNING: Do not operate your equipment with any cover(s) (including computer
covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.) removed.
Removing the Processor Fan and Heat Sink
Assembly
CAUTION: The processor fan with the heat sink is one single unit. Do not try to
remove the fan separately.
CAUTION: Do not touch the fan blades when you are removing the processor fan
and heat sink assembly. This could damage the fan.
Disconnect the processor fan and heat sink assembly cable from the
processor fan connector on the system board (see System Board
Components).
Carefully move away any cables that are routed over the processor fan and
heat sink assembly.
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.
Remove the processor fan and heat sink assembly.
Inspiron™ 535/537/545
Loosen the four captive screws securing the processor fan and heat
sink assembly and lift it straight up.
1
processor fan and heat sink assembly
NOTE: The processor fan and heat sink assembly in your computer may not look
exactly like the one shown in the illustration above.
Inspiron 546
Rotate the clamp lever 180 degrees counter-clockwise to release the
clamp grip from the bracket projection.
Rotate the processor fan and heat sink assembly upward gently, and
remove it from the computer. Lay the processor fan and heat sink
assembly down on its top, with the thermal grease facing upward.
1
bracket
2
clamp grip
3
bracket projection
4
clamp lever
5
processor fan and heat sink assembly
NOTE: The processor fan and heat sink assembly in your computer may not look
exactly like the one shown in the illustration above.
Replacing the Processor Fan and Heat Sink
Assembly
CAUTION: When reinstalling the fan, ensure that you do not pinch the wires that
run between the system board and the fan.
Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the processor fan and heat
sink assembly.
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.
Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor.
Replace the processor fan and heat sink assembly.
Inspiron 535/537/545
Align the captive screws on the processor fan and heat sink assembly
to the four metal screw hole projections on the system board.
Tighten the four captive screws that secure the processor fan and heat
sink assembly to the system board.
NOTE: Ensure that the processor fan and heat sink assembly is correctly seated and secure.
Inspiron 546
Place the processor fan and heat sink assembly back onto the bracket.
Ensure that the two clamp grips are aligned with the two bracket
projections.
Hold the processor fan and heat sink fan assembly in place and rotate
the clamp lever 180 degrees clockwise to secure the processor fan and
heat sink assembly.
1
processor fan and heat sink assembly
2
clamp lever
3
bracket projection
4
clamp grip
5
bracket
Connect the processor fan and heat sink assembly cable to the fan
connector on the system board (see System Board Components).
