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How do I remove the CPU/Case fan from the blower assembly mounted on the back of the case?

I need to replace the CPU/Case fan in a Dell Dimension 4500. My question is...does anyone have any instructions for removing the fan from the blower assembly mounted on the back of the case? Please do not post a link to the instructions on the Dell website. The instructions do not include the fan and/or the blower assembly. Not to mention that I have also been online with Dell Support and they don't even know how its done. I was hoping someone out there has removed the blower and fan assembly before.

JDominguezNY

There is a tab on the left popping out that you need to pull inward. While pulling inward you shift the assembly upward slightly and then towards you like a door hinge.

Attached is an image of the viewing angle that I am talking about to reference directions
1.jpg

wellhole

I've taken a look at it before and couldn't figure it out. I assume you're either 1) having noise issues with the fan or 2) the fan is dead. If you want a cheap/easy solution to your problem, I recommend buying 2 80mm case fans and just attach one to the cpu heatsink, the other to the exhaust, and get rid of the old fan thing.

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Craig Bowman

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lorib2

ASKER

I have attached some pix with the blower shroud removed (green plastic component that sits over the heat sink and CPU...I can't really attach a fan to the exhaust without removing the current fan. If I could, I could just replace the fan.
fan-and-blower-assembly.JPG
fan-and-blower-assembly-back-of-.JPG
fan-and-blower-assembly-side-vie.JPG

lorib2

ASKER

Thank you cbowman92! And, *sheepish grin* I did try that serveral times but apparently was not pulling up on the tab and the blower assembly at the same time. Thanks again.

Craig Bowman

no problem, glad u got it without breaking the tabs off! :D

JDominguezNY

Were my directions off somehow?

lorib2

ASKER

JDominquezNY, on second reading your directions make sense...but not with the picture you provided. It appeared to me you were giving me instructions on how to remove the heat sink and CPU, especially considering the red box location. I'm sorry if I miss understood your answer.