Dell Optiplex 960 Tower, socket 775, aftermarket CPU cooler?

[Peroxyde]

Hi,

The computer begins to make a buzzing noise. Is it possible to replace the original CPU cooler by an aftermarket CPU cooler, like the CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO?

Motherboard:

Mounted in Case:

 

[T_Yamamoto]

i dont think itll work since the socket is slanted.

 

[dawp]

also, I don't see any mounting holes for the heatsink, is it a clip on like an AMD? the 775 boards I'm familiar with have through holes for mounting the HSF. I think your best bet is to locate the faulty fan and replace it. it would be cheaper too.

 

[imagoon]

Go to the Dell parts page, chat with a rep and they will give you the part number. It is a generic Foxcon 4 pin fan, I found several on google for sub $20 shipped.

 

[Motorheader]

You can replace the fan with another 120mm fan but it has to have the 4 wire/ 5 pin dell connector. A generic fan will not work correctly and will give errors at system boot and may not even allow for system to boot beyond bios check if a fan is not detected.

Try getting the Foxconn or Maglev fan as a replacement either NN495, Y4574, or YK550.

 

[Bman123]

Use a different fan, just cut and splice the wires together so you can use the stock fan connector I did it on my old dell and didn't have any issues

 

[Motorheader]

It's not that simple - the fan has to have the correct wires and sensor for the bios to acknowledge and control - especially with the 4 wire ones.

 

[Peroxyde]

Look like changing the fan is the best option. Thank you gentlemen for your advice, Motorheader in particular for giving the fan models to look for.

I was hoping that the 4 holes around the CPU socket would be standard enough to mount a standard HSF for 775 socket. I wonder why Dell went to the troubles of designing their board in a so specific manner. Even the fan connector must be specialized.

 

[Slugbait]

I wonder why Dell went to the troubles of designing their board in a so specific manner. Even the fan connector must be specialized.

They've been proprietary for many years. The idea is that you will need to buy replacement parts direct, instead of buying off-the-shelf at half or third the price. It's all about revenue.

 

[Motorheader]

With a few exceptions along the way Dell has long been an exclusive Intel shop and the design of the mb/cooling/and processor orientation is known as BTX. It never really took hold in the retail space, but Dell has such a large corporate presence that it was able to go it's own way with system design.

The fans can be had for anywhere from $8.00 to $15.00 shipped.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

wow. that looks like my dell.

the socket is slanted so, no dice. :/

just changed my cpu 🙂 finally on 65nm

 

[WoodButcher]

Are the screws that hold the mobo in place holding the heatsink as well? stacked standoffs w/screws on top?
Dell really goes out of their way to keep their techs busy....