Hi I have just received my shiny new NF7 northbridge fan as mine is making TERRIBLE noises - can't wait to replace it! Only problem is - how exactly do you do it?! It seems to be locked in place by the plastic ends, how do I remove the old one so I can put the new one on? Thanks Josh :-)

Hi Josh I am not totaly familiar wiht that board or how the NB fan is secured, but it seems that the actual fan is also part of the NB heat sink assy !!! Am I correct ??? If so you may be forced to take the board out and remove the plastic retention plugs by turning the top knob anti clockwise and by pushing the plastic lug from the back of the board. If so and the fan is part fo the assy, you will also need to place a thin layer of thermal paste on the surface of the NB Chip set. Have a look at your mother board manual and see if there is any info in there that could help you out. Sorry couldnt be much more help than that. IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT

Hi Janos When I tried to take off the heatsink and fan it did cross my mind that the only way to replace it would be to take the motherboard out, but I really really really don't want to do that. My PC has never worked so well and I dont want to have to unbuild it just to replace one fan and then rebuild it all again! You are right about the plastic retention plugs - that is how it is fitted. Hmmmm what to do what to do.....

Try and turn the plastic retention lugs as I said and see if they are slotted. If they are the lugs will pop back up, as they ashould be spring loaded, is they dont than you may havteo remove the board. But have a go be carefull and see hwt ahppens. If no go that remove the board, but I suggest that you remove all other components first, cables, power supply etc, uisng great care. And once all is done just rebuild the comp in exactly the same manner. But I do know how you feel, the thing runs great and all you want to do is keep it that way. See how you go with that. IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT

Cheers - gonna shut down now and try again. The new one is spring loaded so the old one should be too. Would my m/b work fine if I unplug the fan as a last resort?

Ahhhh this noise is driving me crazy! The old fan just will not come off. There is no way I can put up with this noise for much longer. Helllpppp!

It should be ok but I wouldnt run without the NB fan for to long. It is there for a reason, and not juts good looks. If it wont come off, dont force it, remove the board, I know its a lot of work but it is worth doing the job right. The Heat sink may have also got alittle stuck to the NB Chip also and it will be a lot easier to remove with the board outside the case, Take your time, no rush, that will also give you a chance to clean the the other fans and components if at all dusty. But I stress take your time and use caution. Best of luck , let me know how you go. IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT