How do I dismantle the CPU fan for replacement for a Dell Dimension 3100 PC? I can't find instructions!?
929857
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3100/en/index.htm\n\nInstructions at the above link in pdf format
996316
Just check is there is something in the Fan went, even a small pice of dust can make a difference, You can try cleaning it up if you are confident about it or better take it to a PC Doctor or call the support.\n\nRegards,\nChethan
834535
You will need to open the case if it is not written on the back of the PSU.  That information is not shared to the computer.  You can check on the manufacturers site but, since Dell is a multi-vendor supplier, your computer and someone else's computer of the same name will not necessarily have the same power supply.  You will not need to do any serious dissembling of your case in order to read the sticker that states what it is.  Just remove the side panel or open the clam shell and it should be visible.  If you have trouble reading it all but can get the product ID number then you can search for its specs online.\n\nMost power supplies are very similar in size (woot stanadards) but it could be an unusual size.  It will be written on the sticker along with what it is rated for.  If you are looking for a replacement or wondering if a system problem is related to your power supply you WILL need to look.  Power supplies are often the first piece of hardware to fail on a computer and adding additional hard drives, cd/dvd drives, memory, or a faster processor will increase the required available power.  Computer manufacturers usually use the bare minimum power supply they can.  You can pretty much pick out a good power supply by its rated wattage and it weight.  A good power supply will be heavier.\n\nSo the short answer is no.  If you have a specific problem related to the power supply post another question.\n\nHope this helps and GL :-)
535548
It could have been shaken loose out of the socket.  However, I doubt that with the amount of force that the CPU fan has on it, it will come off that easily.\n\nThe problem most likely is from a loose Video Card or Memory Module.  Open up the case, seat everything back in by pushing down on them and try again.
746971
In my experience, this usually indicates the CPU fan is not working properly and with Dell machines the issue isn't the fan itself but rather the system board to which the fan is attached to.  you'll have the replace the system board the resolve the issue
288273
Most of what everyone suggested so far is practical, and economically sound. A power unit replacement may be the only measure you need to be concerned of, but if you are quite intent on replacing the tower for a desktop, and has money to burn; I would suggest to pay attention on the motherboard's dimensional makeup, and rear connection layout. Make sure that the motherboard will rest inside the new case with space and clearance for your other devices. New PC cases may be optioned not to have a power supply unit (PSU) for cost, but many has it preinstalled, look for one that has 450 watts, or higher. It could be a possibility that you may need to use a newer motherboard as an added option, Barebones (case, motherboard, PSU combo) gets a good deal, better than buying them separately, just make sure it will support your CPU and the memory chips(RAMs), and legacy boards (ISA) if any. The tools you need will be, the service/tech manual of DELL PC to manipulate their hardware, a screwdriver (Phillips/Flathead), a pair of long nose (needle nose) pliers, an anti-static wrist band for grounding to your PC case, a digital camera (optional) just to take pictures, and angle shots of the motherboard rear connection and ports layout, and other areas of concern, to help in looking for a case replacement, before and while disassembling the old PC into the new one. Pen and paper to take down notes on cable markings and plug/connection orientation and location. If you've done this before then I am giving you too much information already. Most importantly, have a lot of patience, don't rush it, and double check your work.\n\nWord of caution: some of DELL's motherboards are proprietory, that the PSU cables are designed for that type and purpose only. Compliant aftermarket units by other brands may be hard to find, you may want to consider calling DELL for information or any compatibility concerns, or parts replacement, for that matter.\n~meow
492214
You are going to need a new case (commenly refered to as a shell) for that machine... repairing the power socket is tricky. its best to swap out the parts into a new shell. sniff around on e-bay or if the machine is under warrenty contact dell and have them send you a new shell and put the HD memory and drive in yourself...
9809
Think Ive got this, Use a static Cuff, Remove heat sink and clean the fan (tooth brush is good for Heat Sink Fins and cotton buds for the fan, remove Thermal paste (carefully) white spirit or lighter fuel liquid, apply new Thermal paste to the top of the CPU (a drop say 10-12mm across as it will spread when Heat Sink is replaced, and a drop half that size on the bottom of the Heat Sink rebuild the assembly (fan, heat sink) and all will be Cool.
779494
pick parts at www.cyberpowerpc.com  You only need basic knowlege, and they put it together for you as well as testing it to make sure it works.  I had one made with better specs than the one Dell wanted to give me, for somewhat cheaper.  I'd be glad to offer further help or advice, so feel free to contact me.
88291
Dust is bad for you computer. The fan could in the long run stop working and would cause the cpu to ovderheat which could cause the cpu to stop working or worse.\nPurchase a can of compressed air. \nShut down you computer.\nUnplug your computer from the outlet.\nOpen the computer case and spray the dust off. Keep the nozle of the can 20 inches away from the cpu.\nAlso you might want spray the fan of the power supply and inside the case in general.
818574
First: open the box and clean the inside, focusing on the fans.  Use a vacuum cleaner and don't forget the fan that's in the power supply.  DON'T open the power supply (that's dangerous, even if you've disconnected the power cord which you should do before opening your computer), just move the vacuum cleaner over the fan blades.  While you're at it, clean out the rest of your computer as well; be gentle as not to break anything.\n\nThen put the power cord back into the power supply, do NOT close the computer, and switch it on.  Is it more quiet now?  Congratulations!  Shut down your computer, remove the power cord again, close the computer, and plug the power cord back in.  You're done.\n\nIt's NOT quiet [enough] yet?  Listen closely to what is causing the noise.  Replace the culprit, or have it replaced by someone who knows about computers.  Fans aren't terribly expensive, and neither are power supplies.  (If it's a fan, and not the one in the power supply, you could try to put a VERY little bit of WD40 on the axis of that fan.  The axis is usually covered with a tiny sticker, which you'll need to remove.  The fresh oil usually makes it hard to put the sticker back on, and when you don't succeed it usually doesn't take long before the oil dries up.  You'll be back at square one again.  So replacing the fan is probably a better solution.)\n\nGood luck!
10420
You can replace it yourself but, the process is pretty involved for a novice person. If you have a lot of experience working with desktops and electronics you will have no problem.\nYou pretty much have to take the entire laptop apart in order to get to the fan. I've done this many times and it takes 20-30 minutes. \nThe PDF below from IBM explains how to remove and replace anything on the laptop in pretty good detail.\nIf you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself there are several sellers on ebay.com who will replace the part for $50 + shipping.\nGood luck.
288158
It is fairly easy, if you do your research and get a cpu that your current motherboard can support, so that you don't have to change it. Just do NOT forget thermal grease. It goes between the cpu and heatsink and if you forget that, kiss your cpu goodbye, it'll burn itself out. A lot of heatsinks come with a little pad of the stuff on them, but I don't really trust it... I put my own on anyway. ONe other thing to note, is that usually when you change your cpu, or your motherboard, you will need to reinstall windows. Don't ask me why, but windows just can't handle those two things changing, and it will cease to function, or function with frequent errors.
527813
im sure it is just fine but here are a couple check lists for you, \n\nopen the side of the case up if your not sure it is the left hand side of the case when the front is facing you. \n\ncheck the cpu fan and the heatsink it's self, it is the largest heatsink (large chunk of metal fins) in the computer, \n\nif you have a little more confidence then you can take the heatsink off to make sure the thermal paste is still good but you'll need some from your local pc shop or radio shack to stick it back on. \n\nalso check the fans on the power supply if there are any. \n\nyou can use a vaccum with a brush attachment to clean the computer out. \n\njust be aware of spinning fans. make sure to disconnect any fans from the motherboard before cleaning them, as spining fans make electricity, not a good thing for a computer that is off :)\n\nbest of luck, \n\nyou can also download a program called speedfan 4.2.6 that will tell you most anything about your computer and how it is running. the temps and voltages and such.\n\nif a computer is shutting off. more often then not it is the power supply and not a componant that is overheating, a HP like yours (  a fairly modern one) will display a overheating cpu warning on the screen and then shutdown. \n\nmost other motherboards emit constant scary ass chrips and beeps when the cpu nb or such is overheating. \n\nbest of luck, if all else fails and you feel the computer is worth it, then take it to a repair shop.
416026
Assuming you're talking about your chipset heatsink, it should have two small pins that hold it in place.  You really shouldn't remove chipset's heatsinks, but if you do, you'll need to buy some of this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835100007 to put on the back of the heatsink, before reapplying it.\n\nNow, if you're talking about the fan, I'd recommend you just buy a new computer, because any explanation is going to be WAY too complicated for you.
364163
Since it is an Emachine under warranty apparently you will just have to deal with the hassle of them sending you part by part. Next it will be a new motherboard, then new RAM, power supply... Companies like that don't really troublshoot, they just have you rebuild the computer until something works - at least thats what Dell usually does.
407718
Go to http://support.dell.com/ and type in your Service Tag. It should be on a sticker somewhere on the case.