[QUOTE=bcp19;281472](though I did have to remove the fan from the CPU heatsink to get it done).[/QUOTE]heh? And it still ran?

[QUOTE=Dubslow;281476]heh? And it still ran?[/QUOTE]

guess you are too tired to realize that meant remove it during the PSU removal/replacement and then reinstall it.

What's the trick to removing the fan from the CPU heatsink? I need to clean out some dust....

[QUOTE=Christenson;281508]What's the trick to removing the fan from the CPU heatsink? I need to clean out some dust....[/QUOTE]

Depends on the fan/heatsink combo... the HP has 4 screws holding the fan onto the top of the heat sink. My Acer OTOH has some weird plastic connector locks that I could not figure out and I ended up removing the entire fan/heatsink to replace the PSU and then of course had to clean the old paste and reapply.

[QUOTE=Christenson;281508]What's the trick to removing the fan from the CPU heatsink? I need to clean out some dust....[/QUOTE]

What heatsink is it? I've seen everything from wire and plastic clips to screws on different units.

EDIT: Another question. Do you have any sort of air filtration on your case intakes? I catch a lot of dust up front that way. I use "cut to fit" filter foam which hardware stores sell for air conditioners. I have squares of self-stick Velcro (the hook side only) around the fan grill. The foam will stick to those enough to keep it in place. A few days ago the cpu and GPU were running hotter than usual. (CPU 51 C, GPU 66 C). I vacuumed the intake filters and the temps dropped to CPU 47 C, GPU 61C. The filters don't catch everything. It's impossible, at least on this case to cover all the openings. But much of what gets through is much finer with much less fibrous material. It saves a lot of tedious internal cleaning.

[QUOTE=kladner;281516]I use "cut to fit" filter foam which hardware stores sell for air conditioners. I have squares of self-stick Velcro (the hook side only) around the fan grill. The foam will stick to those enough to keep it in place.[/QUOTE]
I like that idea! :cool: I was trying to devise a solution involving magnets.

I don't think magnets would be hard...just get the flat rubber ones, and glue them onto the filter foam....most times the suction will keep the filters in place....

I didn't have any filtering, was in fact running open case....but I have to admit I love the velcro idea! (and yeah, it's a 20% effort gets 80% effect idea...but 80% effect is 100% more than I had before...)

Magnet? Near electronic? ARE YOU CRAZY? Better use duc(k)t tape!

[QUOTE=bcp19;281504]guess you are too tired to realize that meant remove it during the PSU removal/replacement and then reinstall it.[/QUOTE]

I'm sorry bcp19, it's like the stupid part of my brain only turns on when replying to you...
:P:P:P

[QUOTE=Dubslow;281588]I'm sorry bcp19, it's like the stupid part of my brain only turns on when replying to you...
:P:P:P[/QUOTE]

Nice to see I bring out the best in you ;)

[QUOTE=firejuggler;281577]Magnet? Near electronic? ARE YOU CRAZY? Better use duc(k)t tape![/QUOTE]

You obviously haven't taken apart a hard drive...there's quite a strong magnet for the head servo in every one of them....

Remember, this magnet isn't going anywhere near a floppy drive, so no real concern. Big problem with idea at this point is I have the adhesive-backed velcro already!