If there is any identification on the fan that you can see without 
removal of the fan, you could do an internet search to try to find 
installation/removal instructions. All of the CPU, heat sink, fan units 
I have encountered are 3 separate components, though a combination 
fan/heat sink is probably not unheard of. It would mean a more expensive 
fix if the fan gives out.

The heat sink surface has to be firmly meeting the CPU surface. That is 
likely being done by the clips you have located. Have you tried pressing 
down on the clips while trying to rotate them away from the hold down 
location on the motherboard. Or there could be a cage type attachment to 
the motherboard and the clips are held down to it. The CPU has its own 
method of being held to the motherboard.

As to the thermal paste, it is easy to use as long as you do not over do 
it. It comes in a small tube. I'm not familiar with a thermal sheet 
though I would not be surprised.

Tom

Richard Glazier wrote:
> Fans need to be matched carefully to the socket type of the MB.
> After that, it has to meet the heat/speed requirements of the CPU.
> (Even if it fits it might not "cool enough"...)
>
> Some fans need to have a third sensor wire or some MBs will turn
> off. They assume the fan failed. (Other MBs will happily let the CPU
> fry with a failed fan...)
>
> The "little things" someone saw might be a form of punch-in rivets.
>
> I removed almost ALL quoting since there were two Anns and it was
> getting very confusing.
>
>                                               Rick Glazier
>
>
>

                  Visit our website regularly for FAQs,
               articles, how-to's, tech tips and much more
                          http://freepctech.com