TR Forums

Hey TR people, I have another problem. I guess im glad it lasted 4 years but its pretty annoying since I need my computer up and running again.

CPU cooler is an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro.

So my computer just turned off suddenly. I looked over and everything was running accept the CPU fan so I quickly powered off the computer. I assume that the processor turned itself off. It would take way too long to get a replacement fan from the manufacturer, and well im not even sure the fan is the problem. I hope its the problem since its the easiest to fix.

Well assuming that the fan is busted, I will probably just put in a new cooler. The problem is that I used the thermal pad that came with the heatsink, and those are a pain to remove. It was brown if that helps any. It seems like I need to heat up processor and then gently pry them apart. Then I guess I try to clean with rubbing alcohol.

1) Will running the CPU without the fan heat it up and if so, is it safe?
2) Is there any other thing that could be wrong here? I think the computer posts just fine.

Edit: I decided its too much trouble to replace the heat sink. I am just going to replace the fan. Will most 92mm fans snap on easily or will I have to use wire or something to hold it together?

Replacing the heatsink isn't too bad. Rather than tilting or snatching, you could try gently twisting the cooler to get it free from the processor.

Yes, you could use any 92 mm fan (preferably with a 4-pin PWM connector), but you may have a hard time securing a standard 92x25 mm case fan to the heatsink (zip ties can do the trick).

JAE is right, have a look at the clips on the side of the fan that hold it to your heatsink. That looks like the sole method of securing the fan to the heatsink, so a standard case fan will require some jimmy rigging.

Why not just get a replacement?

Have you gone to their website?
They may have parts available. Should be cheaper than buying another heatsink assembly.

IIRC, Freezer 7 Pro units used to come with a six year warranty. Wouldn't that put you within the envelope to request an RMA? Last time I had one die, they didn't make me send back the old unit - they just sent me a new fan to clip on to my heatsink. I didn't even have to remove the heatsink from the CPU.

I have a fully-functional Freezer 7 Pro under my desk. If you are not to far from Denmark and willing to pay the postage fees, I can send it to you..

Thanks for all your help. I emailed the company asking for a free replacement but I got a cheap cooler from Arctic Cooling for 12 bucks and stoel the fan from that. Its the wrong size so it I kinda just wedged it in there the wrong way (there are some wide fins that are big enough for the plastic clips).

So until the replacement comes I should be fine. The main problem I have is that my computer seems much slower now. The temperatures seem normal so I don't think its the smaller fan... but maybe my windows or some HDD sectors got screwed up when I forecfully shut down the computer. Yay!

Just wanted to say that Arctic Cooling did honor the warranty with no problems and they sent me a new fan. Much better than my experience with Zotac!