How To Replace CPU Cooler In 2022 – Easy Guide

The CPU cooler is an important component of a computer. It helps to keep the temperature of the CPU low and stable, preventing it from overheating. If your CPU cooler fails, it can cause damage to your CPU, and may even result in system instability. In this blog post, we will show you how to replace CPU cooler in just a few easy steps!

Replacing your CPU cooler is a great way to improve the performance and lifespan of your computer. A CPU cooler helps keep your computer’s internal components cool, and if it becomes damaged or worn out, it can cause your computer to overheat. In this blog post, 

We will walk you through the process of replacing your CPU cooler and will provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it, as well as tips on what to look for when purchasing a new CPU cooler. Let’s get started!

Changing / Replacing A CPU Cooler

You can replace a CPU cooler very easily by removing the screws and taking the cooler out. You can then install the new CPU cooler, tighten the screws back and you are done.

You may find two types of frames and tightening elements holding the CPU cooler in place. These are retention brackets and spring screws.

To Replace A CPU Cooler In Each Of These Cases, Follow The Steps Given Below

Replacing CPU Cooler With Retention Brackets

• If your computer has been turned OFF for some time now, power is ON so that the thermal grease can melt and it becomes easier for you to complete the whole process.

• After a few minutes, power OFF the system and turn your PSU OFF. Remove the fan power lead connected with the CPU fan header on the motherboard. You can disconnect the RGB cable and header if there are any.

• Pull the cam lever upwards very slowly to unlock the CPU cooler attached to the retention frame.

• Release the retention clips located on each side of the cooler situated on motherboard socket mounting lugs.

• Twist the cooler in the clockwise and anticlockwise direction to help the seal loosen and let go of the heatsink and CPU lid.

• Lift the CPU cooler from the CPU so that the cooler comes out whereas the CPU remains seated in its socket.

• To install the new CPU cooler, clean off the old thermal paste from the top lid of the CPU and the bottom plate of the cooler. You can use a soft cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol to do that.

• Apply a pea-sized quantity of high-quality thermal grease on the top lid of the CPU.

• Place the CPU cooler in such a way that the retention clips align perfectly well with the socket mounting lugs given on the retention frame of the CPU motherboard.

• Push the retention clips down so that they hook with the mounting lugs.

• Adjust the position of the cam lever to lock the new CPU cooler with the retention frame of the motherboard.

• Connect the fan power lead and RGB cables back to the motherboard headers. Now just switch ON the PSU and power ON your computer.

Replacing The CPU Cooler With Spring Screws

• The PSU should be switched off when your computer is turned off.
  
• The power lead on the board needs to be plugged in. If you have an RGB cable, it’s a good idea to take them out of the board.
  
• The screwdriver can be used to give a clockwise turn to the screws.
  
• You should move to the next screw in a diagonal pattern.
  
• The seal between the cooler and the lid should be loosened by turning it clockwise and anticlockwise very slowly.
  
• CPU stays seated in the sockets if the CPU cooler is pulled upward.
  
• Remove the thermal grease from the top lid and bottom plate of the CPU and apply a new layer of high-quality thermal grease on the top lid of the CPU In order for the four spring screws on the cooler to align with the screw holes on the backplate, you need to position the cooler in a certain way.
  
• The cooler needs to be placed on the computer. The screws on the holes need to be tightened in a diagonal pattern.
  
• The fan power lead and RGB cables should be plugged back into the board. The system should be turned on when the PSU is switched ON.

Can You Change A CPU Cooler?

If your CPU cooler is a model that doesn’t have a removable backplate, you’ll need to remove the motherboard first. It is not recommended to remove the CPU cooler without first powering off the system.

Removing the CPU cooler is usually performed when replacing it with a new unit or applying fresh thermal grease. 

If your system has been powered off for some time, the existing thermal grease may be in a hardened state which could make removing the CPU cooler difficult and potentially damage the CPU in the process

Is It Hard To Change CPU Coolers?

If you do a little research and follow the instructions, it’s not very risky. You don’t have to remove the processor from the sockets, so bent pins shouldn’t be a problem. You will need to clean off the old thermal paste and apply a new paste.

What Does A CPU Cooler Do?

A computer’s central processing unit is a crucial part of the system. The excess heat from the computer components is drawn to maintain a constant temperature of the components and prevent them from overheating.

The cooler improves the efficiency of the system. It lowers the temperature of the CPU, making it more efficient.

• Lowers the CPU temperature
• Balances the temperature of CPU components
• Prevent overheating of the computer system
• Improves the efficiency of the CPU

No, it’s not hard to replace the CPU cooler. It’s a simple task that can be done successfully within a short period if you go slow and carefully while following the instructions.

Can I Replace The CPU Cooler?

You can replace the CPU cooler if it’s broken or wants to upgrade it. Replacing a CPU cooler, however, needs a lot of precision as you are prone to damaging the motherboard and the CPU in case of rough handling.

Can I Replace The CPU Cooler Without Removing The Motherboard?

Yes, you can replace the CPU cooler without removing the motherboard. You can do so by accessing the cooler area through the cutouts given in the casing on both sides.

To replace your CPU cooler follow the steps given below:

• If you want to remove the screws holding the cutout plate, place the CPUs on its side. The backplate needs to be unfastened from the cooler. 
• If you want to unplug the cooler, you have to access it from the other side of the computer. 
• Pull the cooler upwards from the slot if you want to get back on the previous side.
• Attach the backplate to the cooler by snapping it onto the cooler in the slot. Attach the cutout plate back and tighten the screws.

When Should I Replace My CPU Cooler?

• You should replace your CPU cooler only when it’s broken or the cooling fans are broken.
• You should, however, replace the thermal paste of your CPU every three to five years or after checking the thermal paste for decomposition.
• When replacing the thermal paste, clean the plate off the residual paste with a very soft cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

How Often Should I Replace The CPU Cooler?

There is no fixed time after which you should replace the CPU cooler. You must only replace the cooler when it’s broken.

What you can do though is replace the thermal paste after every 3 to 5 years depending upon the extent of operations and the work performed by your computer.

For example, if you play high-definition games on your computer, then you may need to replace the thermal paste more frequently. It’s because when you play such games on your computer, the amount of heat dissipation is much higher than any other normal operation on the computer.

What Happens If You Remove The CPU Cooler?

When you remove the CPU cooler, you can break the seal between the heatsink and the motherboard. This creates gaps in the compartment. Air will no longer flow into the gap when you install the heatsink back.

In addition to this, if you remove the CPU cooler and don’t put it back and run your computer, the components of your computer like CPU, GPU and others can get damaged beyond repair. This can cost you heavily

How Long Does A CPU Cooler Last?

Most CPU coolers should last from 5 to 7 years. However, some CPU coolers may last over 15 years. The lasting period of a CPU cooler largely varies with the amount of use, caring measures taken by the owner, quality of the cooler, and so on. 

If you are someone who regularly checks the condition of your CPU cooler, frequently applies the thermal paste, and keeps a check on the rough usage, then your CPU cooler is likely to last longer.

What Is The Average Price For A CPU Cooler?

On average, a CPU cooler may cost around $105 depending upon the brand, features, size, and cooling capacity of the CPU cooler. For every extra dollar, you can expect more cooling performance from a CPU cooler.

You should always look for better features and higher cooling capacity when buying a CPU cooler because it’s an important element of your computer setup that can prevent all the other computer components from overclocking and overheating

Is It Ok To Remove The CPU Cooler?

Yes, it’s OK to remove the CPU cooler if you are installing a new cooler in the slot. If you are permanently removing the CPU cooler, then it’s not OK as your system becomes prone to overheating this helps to maintain a constant temperature so that the components do not overheat and turn OFF abruptly.

If you remove the CPU cooler, the seal between the cooler and the motherboard breaks off. 

This can create gaps in the setup which may not be refilled ever again. This, in turn, affects the contact between the CPU and heatsink resulting in poor functioning.

Conclusion

Replacing a CPU cooler is not an overly difficult task, but it should not be taken lightly. By following the steps we’ve outlined in this guide, you should be able to safely and successfully replace your old cooler with a new one. 

We hope that this article helped you gain all the information you needed to know how to replace CPU cooler. If you have any questions about the process, please do let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!