Removing the airflow shroud gives you access to the computer's CPU.
While the CPU in your Dell Optiplex is calculating data, it also creates heat that may lead to a critical system failure. To prevent problems from occurring, the computer also has an air flow shroud and a cooling fan that constantly move heat away from the internal components. You may need to replace the shroud and cooling fan if they stop working, or if you plan on replacing the CPU.
Instructions
1. Turn off the Dell Optiplex. Remove each of the cables attached to the ports on the front and back ends of the computer's case.
2. Position the Optiplex computer case on its side on a flat work surface. Ensure that the left side access panel is visible and facing up.
3. Press your hands against the unpainted metal tabs at the far back end of the Optiplex case to ground yourself and discharge any static electricity in your hands. Press in the plastic release buttons positioned at the top and bottom end of the access panel.
4. Pull the access panel up until it locks into place at the 90-degree position and the motherboard is visible in the lower half of the Optiplex case.
5. Locate the black, square cooling fan towards the back end of the Optiplex motherboard. The airflow shroud is the large plastic piece attached to the end of the cooling fan.
6. Unplug the cable connecting the cooling fan to the port on the Optiplex motherboard. Pull up the two plastic anchor tabs located on the bottom end of the air flow shroud.
7. Lift the airflow shroud up slightly until the heat sink attached to the cooling fan is visible. Pull down the clip on the side of the heat sink and pull the cooling fan and airflow shroud out of the Dell Optiplex computer.
8. Set the new airflow shroud and cooling fan onto the motherboard. Snap the heat sink clip into place to attach the cooling fan to the heat sink. Attach the fan's cable to the corresponding port on the motherboard.
9. Push the access panel down until it snaps into place. Reconnect all of your Optiplex's cables.
Tips Warnings
The thin, green memory modules can get in the way of removing the airflow shroud in some Optiplex models. If the memory module blocks access to the fan you can remove the module. Push down the plastic tabs at the ends of the module and pull it straight up to remove it from the motherboard.
If you are removing the airflow shroud to reach the CPU you should pull the heat sink off the CPU after removing the fan and shroud. Pull up the plastic lever on the side of the CPU. Grab the edges of the CPU and carefully lift it directly up to remove it from the Optiplex motherboard socket.
Air flow shrouds and cooling fans are available directly through Dell or at online computer parts stores.
Tags: instructions, dell, optiplex, shroud, airflow shroud, heat sink, access panel, Dell Optiplex, into place, Optiplex motherboard, shroud cooling, attached cooling, back Optiplex, computer case
