A laptop usually has a fan that cools down the processor and other components. If the fan fails, the laptop will overheat and stop working.
The first thing to do when your laptop starts to overheat is to make sure that the fan is working correctly. You can do this by checking for air coming out of the vent on the side or back of your laptop. If there is no air coming out, then you need to replace your fan as soon as possible.
This article will explain Can we replace the fan in the laptop, as well as the step on step how to replace it properly?
Can we replace the fan in the laptop?
Yes, it is very possible to replace an old noisy fan of your laptop with a brand new one. However, it might not be as easy as it sounds. Laptops usually have a reputation of being very difficult to customize or upgrade, and rightly so. It is often much more difficult to tweak the hardware of a laptop as compared to a desktop, and the process is often accompanied by much higher intricacies and risks.
However, with good research, an ability to work patiently without messing up, and a new fan that is compatible with the laptop, it is very possible to replace the older fan in the laptop.
Compatibility
Laptop fans come in different sizes, with different mountings and power specifications. Having all these things to consider, it is easy to make a mistake and buy a fan that is not right for your specific laptop. A mistake like this can cause further unwanted nuisance and hardware issues.
Hence, the first and most important thing is to buy a Laptop fan that will go with your Laptop. Ideally, it has to be of the same size as your older fan( it can be a bit smaller, but shouldn’t be bigger). Moreover, it should consume less or the same power as the previous one, and it should have the same mounting.
The Replacing Process
Each laptop is built differently, and hence there is no one concrete method that will work for all. Generally, the overall method is the same, however, the complexities of each step might differ for each laptop. Also, you will figure out most of the stuff yourself after removing the cover. More than often, removing the cover is the trickiest part. But worry not, we have got you covered.
The wisest thing to do is to refer to the assembly guide and the manual while disassembling your laptop. Also, have a good screwdriver. There is a lot to take apart.
Step 1
After switching off and disconnecting the PSU, remove the Optical drive, hard drive, and the main battery. You may take help from the manual, or just from the internet to see where these peripherals for your specific laptop are located.
It is fairly easy to do so. You just have to remove some screws. Just make sure to place all the screws in a small container to prevent them from getting misplaced.
Step 2
After removing the peripherals, you will have to remove the back cover, better known as the base enclosure. For that, you’d need a screwdriver, anything with a very thin flat surface like a tweezer, and a lot of patience. Discover all the screws ( some of them are under those straps), and remove them one by one.
After removing the screws, use the tweezers or something similar to them and start lifting the back cover. Be very patient as you may end up damaging the laptop if you mishandle the equipment. After lifting it, remove the cover very carefully.
Step 3
After removing the base enclosure, locate the fan and compare its size with its replacement. If the new fan seems a little bigger, consider stopping the procedure and ordering one with a much more compatible size.
Otherwise, you are good to go. Find all the screws of the fan and try removing them. Often, some screws are under a wire so you would have to move the wires a bit to discover them. However, be very delicate as you might accidentally damage a wire and do more good than harm.
Following the screws, disconnect the fan cable from its connector, and gently remove the fan.
Step 4
Now, place the new fan in the place of the older one. Be careful regarding the orientation of the fan, as the incorrect orientation will make the fan suck heat instead of blowing it away. After fixing it properly with the screws, connect its cable to the connector and the new fan is good to go.
Lastly, assemble all the peripherals and the cover back, and experience the noise-less computing experience.
Side note
It goes without saying that it’s highly recommended that you keep the risks of static current in your mind during the entire procedure. The components can get damaged by electrostatic discharge. So, it is recommended that you may take all the necessary precautions :
Use ESD wrist strap, work on static dissipative work surfaces etcetera.
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Why do we need to replace the fan in a Laptop?
We need to replace the fan, simply because with time, the fan gets damaged and loses its speed and hence the ability to keep the laptop cool. Dirt, nicotine, and carelessly using laptops on fabrics are a few of the factors that cause the fans to gradually lose their touch.
A good fan is essential to the overall health of any laptop. Due to the compact size of a laptop, heat can easily build up, affect the overall performance drastically, and even damage some of its expensive internal hardware components.
An older damaged fan will make those annoying grinding noises, and will not be able to prevent the laptop from overheating when any CPU-intensive work is being done on the laptop. Hence, it is very important to replace such fans to prevent greater damage to your machine.
Is there any problem if you replace the fan on a laptop?
In an ideal situation, there should be no problem in replacing the laptop fan. However, in practicality, as mentioned above, certain risks are associated with replacing the older fan with a newer one.
Firstly, there is an issue of compatibility. If someone forces an installation of an incompatible fan, then not only will it be difficult to install, but it might not even work. Even if it does, it might damage the internals of your laptop, which are often very expensive.
Secondly, during the procedure, there is significant room for error if the person in question is not careful enough. From misplacing the screws to damaging any wire or even an important hardware component, there are a lot of mistakes that accompany a sloppy or impatient attempt to replace the fan.
However, all of these above problems are easily avoidable. If still not sure, one may take the assistance of a professional who will easily replace the fan in exchange for a few bucks.
Finals Thoughts
Laptops that are used for long hours daily are bound to get their fans damaged. Laptop Regular maintenance and careful use can significantly prolong the life of the fan.
In any case, even if the fan gets damaged, there is no need to worry. With diligent work and good research, it is not that difficult to replace your laptop fan and continue with a smoother and less noisy pc experience, without worrying about pesky overheating.
