Just started assembling, how do I take the cpu fan off

[indigo0086]

I got the MB assembled and tested so it has the cpu fan on it, but I need to add the thermal grease, how do I take off the fan to my motherboard. It has a little plastic hook where the metal tab goes in, but I don't know how to take it off.

[Leef]

One side has a flat are on the clip. Push down and it should slide out. You'll have to push down kinda hard so be VERY careful...especially if it's an AMD chip. You may need a flat-head screwdriver to work the tab back under when putting it back on. But I'll say again...be careful.

If you ordered it pretested, it should already have either grease or thermal wax tho...as far as I know, all companies that test equipment do that. May not be the best...but it works.

[Charger]

Push down slightly on the clip, and then out.
More than likely the heatsink is equipped with a thermal pad. You'll want to scrape that clean and apply some thermal grease. A small dab on the CPU die is all you need. I also like to smear a thin layer of grease onto the heatsink before re-attaching to ensure good thermal bonding.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Position your screwdriver very carefully, lest you scrap the mobo.

[edrod13]

As mentioned by Nuclear Krusader, be careful that the screwdriver does not slip and hit the mobo, scratching the traces. Other than that you should be good to go.

Edrod13