F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking Swap out the standard fan for the Cooler Master 212 model

Swap out the standard fan for the Cooler Master 212 model

Swap out the standard fan for the Cooler Master 212 model

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seeker07
Senior Member
349
07-02-2016, 01:43 AM
#1
I want to switch my 2-year-old's stock fan to a Cooler Master 212. I’m unsure if I need to take out the motherboard too, or if I can just remove the whole board with its parts and put in the new heatsink. Please advise.
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seeker07
07-02-2016, 01:43 AM #1

I want to switch my 2-year-old's stock fan to a Cooler Master 212. I’m unsure if I need to take out the motherboard too, or if I can just remove the whole board with its parts and put in the new heatsink. Please advise.

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Stuji27
Junior Member
42
07-02-2016, 05:44 AM
#2
You don't always need to take out the motherboard if your case has a cutout that lets you reach the bracket holes. I'd just remove the GPU for simplicity and avoid any risk. Don't stress about the RAM, but handle the thermal paste carefully—putting it in the socket isn't ideal, though not catastrophic with non-metallic paste.
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Stuji27
07-02-2016, 05:44 AM #2

You don't always need to take out the motherboard if your case has a cutout that lets you reach the bracket holes. I'd just remove the GPU for simplicity and avoid any risk. Don't stress about the RAM, but handle the thermal paste carefully—putting it in the socket isn't ideal, though not catastrophic with non-metallic paste.

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_mL7oOoS_
Junior Member
12
07-03-2016, 12:30 AM
#3
You don't always need to take out the motherboard if your case has a cutout that lets you reach the bracket holes. I'd just remove the GPU for simplicity and avoid any risk. Don't stress about the RAM, and handle the thermal paste carefully—putting it in the socket isn't a big deal, though.
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_mL7oOoS_
07-03-2016, 12:30 AM #3

You don't always need to take out the motherboard if your case has a cutout that lets you reach the bracket holes. I'd just remove the GPU for simplicity and avoid any risk. Don't stress about the RAM, and handle the thermal paste carefully—putting it in the socket isn't a big deal, though.

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sammie3001
Junior Member
46
07-03-2016, 07:17 AM
#4
It's ideal to clear anything around the CPU socket to make fan installation smoother. Often, people avoid extra effort and end up dealing with it later, like after a fun ride. I recommend completing your preparation before starting.
To remove the board from the case, you'll likely need to take out the GPU and its connections. You can leave the rams intact if the clips or fans don't block the RAM sticks.
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sammie3001
07-03-2016, 07:17 AM #4

It's ideal to clear anything around the CPU socket to make fan installation smoother. Often, people avoid extra effort and end up dealing with it later, like after a fun ride. I recommend completing your preparation before starting.
To remove the board from the case, you'll likely need to take out the GPU and its connections. You can leave the rams intact if the clips or fans don't block the RAM sticks.