So I found out my CPU never had a Fan on it

Don't most Processors come with a Heatsink and Fan combo on top of it to keep it cool? Because I just popped open my Dell Dimension 4600 to find a huge green vent over the CPU which leads to the case fan. Whether or not that's supposed to be the cpu fan, I don't know but if it is, that means my computer doesn't have a secondary case fan anywhere else. Not to mention it's a fucking Pentium 4 Prescott core. So today, my computer randomly shut down and I turn it back on and realize it was because the temp was too high. Well, no shit.

Suggestions?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Actually that was just asking to make sure that is the case for most computers. Apparently, my Piece of shit from Dell doesn't have one. It feels like they cut so many corners making this computer. Copper Heatsink, No CPU Fan, Lack of a Temperature sensor on the CPU, crappy Power Supply that can't power a GeForce 6600GT consistently. Any suggestions for a good cooling system? Preferably something that can be reused in a newer system since I don't plan on keeping this system much longer. I also have no idea how the heatsink stays on the CPU either. I've tried taking it apart, but there's no clip or anything, or at least not anything I see. I'm about to just get a new computer.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Ulysses

While it's true that the usual way to cool a CPU is with a heatsink-fan combo with the fan touching the heatsink, there's nothing wrong (in principal) with using a duct to guide the air out via the case fan. This fan will be sucking rather than blowing air, and I don't think there'd be very much negative air pressure on the heatsink due to the poor design of the vent, but it should be sufficient for that system. I am worried that the other components won't be getting as much cooling as they should for my liking, but again I doubt they'd sell the thing if it was highly likely to fail - at least i'd hope not. When did you begin to experience problems? If it was only recently it probably isn't the fault of the cooling system, as miserable as it is.

Maybe all the money Mikey Dell saves on fans gets spent on booze; Dell designers might as well be drunk off their asses ;_;.

This is the kind of thing you're talking about right?

Spoiler:

The heatsink could be attached using spring clips or screws; a cheap option would be to simpy use thermally conductive glue (such as thermal epoxy), though that isn't normally used on major components - just small things like power transistors and memory chips and the like.

Yeah, that's the piece of shit. And no, this problem has been happening for a while now, but it's been "ignorable" up until now. The Fan is just Ridiculously loud.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Ulysses

What might have happened is that whatever compound they used inbetween the CPU and heatsink has dried and shrunk, leaving you with a bit of flaky dust in the gap. I've seen this on some old graphics cards where you detach the mounting clips/pegs and the heatsink just falls right off. I'm assuming that since you opened it up, the warranty has expired by now and it wouldn't hurt to take a look at the heatsink after removing a few bits and pieces.

Haha, warranty's been out for like 3 years now. This PC was bought back in 2002 I think. I really have no idea how to take off the heatsink. Isn't there usually like a lever you lift or something. I see 2 green levers (one on each side), but I can't figure out how to release it.

EDIT: Never mind, I got it, and yes, that thermal paste is like almost gone now.

And just for one last kick in the nuts: Dell's PSU? 250W.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Cam

That's why you build your own computer, warranties are fucking overrated.

Also I hope you realize Dorii and Gura are males.

I'm going to build my next computer hopefully. I didn't even have anything past the usual 1 year limited warranty on the Dell anyway.

As for the twins, I think it's safe to say that they're female:

Spoiler:

I was speaking idiomatically.