Insufficient cooling is one of the most common causes of computer malfunction. Hard drives and system processors, or CPUs, are particularly vulnerable to overheating caused by insufficient cooling. Installing additional fans in the case is typically an effective way to further cool the internal parts of a computer. This article will present step-by-step instructions, which will cover different methods of providing additional cooling to computer components by installing additional fans.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Adding Fans to the Inside of a Computer Case
Step 1. Connect a fan to an open space on the back panel of the computer case
Some cases will have extra space on the back panel of the case, specially designed to accommodate additional fans. If the fan in question fits into the space provided, it can be attached using at least 4mm screws and a Phillips screwdriver.
- Attach the case to the back panel. Turn off the computer, taking care to also turn off the power supply switch, which is usually located on the back of the computer case, near the AC power cord. Place the fan in the designated area. Line up the screw holes in the fan with the holes on the back of the case. Using a screwdriver, insert at least 4 screws into the corresponding holes, one for each corner of the fan.
- Connect the fan to the power supply. Find a free 4-pin connector that comes from the power supply and attach the fan to it. Put back the side panel of the case and turn on the power supply button. You will have connected the additional fan.
Method 2 of 2: Attach an Additional Fan to the Side Panels of the Case
Step 1. Mark the case panel to be drilled
If there is no more space in the back panel of the case, you can attach a fan to the side panel. Mark and then punch a series of holes near the back of the side panel to attach and accommodate the additional fan. Measure the distance between the screw holes on each corner of the fan. Using a marker, chalk or skin pencil, mark the holes that will need to be made on the side panel.
Use a straight ruler to draw two straight lines running diagonally between the holes, forming an "X" on the side panel. Using a straight ruler, draw a line vertically through the center of the X, and then draw another horizontally
Step 2. Drill the holes for the fan
Use a drill of at least 4mm to drill the holes through the marks so that they match the holes in the corners of the fan to be installed. Then drill the holes, evenly spaced, along each of the diagonal, vertical and horizontal lines. It will be the holes that will house the screws that will allow you to insert the fan.
Step 3. Attach and connect the fan
Place the new fan on the inside of the side panel to line up with the 4 holes. Insert a screw into each corner of the fan. Find an available 4-pin power supply connector, connect the fan and replace the side panel. You will have installed the additional fan.
