Intel E97379-003 CPU Heatsink and Fan Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Intel E97379-003 CPU Heatsink and Fan is designed to provide efficient cooling for Intel i3, i5, and i7 processors utilizing the LGA115x socket. This unit combines a heatsink for heat dissipation and an integrated fan to move air, ensuring optimal operating temperatures for your CPU. Proper cooling is essential for maintaining processor performance and longevity.

Image 1.1: Top view of the Intel E97379-003 CPU Heatsink and Fan, showing the fan blades and Intel logo.

2. Safety Information

• Always disconnect power from your computer before opening the case or performing any installation/maintenance.
• Handle the heatsink and fan carefully to avoid bending fins or damaging the fan blades.
• Avoid touching the thermal paste on the heatsink base, as it can be easily contaminated or removed.
• Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive components.
• Keep small parts away from children.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• Intel E97379-003 CPU Heatsink and Fan assembly (with pre-applied thermal paste)

Image 3.1: The Intel E97379-003 CPU Heatsink and Fan as it appears in its packaging.

4. Specifications

5. Installation Guide

Follow these steps to properly install your Intel E97379-003 CPU Heatsink and Fan. Ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged before beginning.

5.1. Preparation

1. Disconnect Power: Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Open Case: Remove the side panel of your computer case to access the motherboard and CPU area.
3. Identify Old Fan: Locate the existing CPU heatsink and fan assembly on your motherboard.

Image 5.1: View of the motherboard with the existing CPU fan installed. Note the surrounding components and cables.

5.2. Removing the Old Heatsink and Fan

4. Disconnect Fan Cable: Gently unplug the 4-pin fan connector from the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
5. Unlock Push-Pins: The Intel stock heatsink uses four push-pins. To unlock them, rotate each pin counter-clockwise by 90 degrees (a quarter turn). You may need a flathead screwdriver for this.
6. Release and Lift: After rotating, gently pull up on each push-pin to release it from the motherboard. Once all four pins are released, carefully lift the entire heatsink and fan assembly straight up from the CPU.
7. Clean CPU: Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to thoroughly clean any old thermal paste from the CPU surface. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before proceeding.

5.3. Installing the New Heatsink and Fan

8. Prepare New Fan: The new Intel E97379-003 heatsink and fan typically comes with thermal paste pre-applied to its base. If not, apply a small pea-sized amount of thermal paste to the center of your CPU.
9. Align Heatsink: Carefully align the four push-pins of the new heatsink with the four mounting holes around the CPU socket on the motherboard. Ensure the fan cable is positioned so it can reach the CPU_FAN header without obstruction.
10. Secure Push-Pins:
    • Ensure the push-pins are in the "unlocked" position (rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise).
    • Press down firmly on each push-pin in a diagonal pattern (e.g., top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) until you hear a click. This locks the pin into place.
    • After pushing down, rotate each pin clockwise by 90 degrees to secure it. Verify that all four pins are firmly seated and locked.
11. Connect Fan Cable: Plug the 4-pin fan connector into the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard. Ensure it is fully seated.

Image 5.2: Close-up view of the push-pin mechanism for securing the heatsink to the motherboard.

5.4. Final Steps

12. Close Case: Reattach the side panel of your computer case.
13. Reconnect Power: Plug your computer back into the power outlet.
14. Power On and Verify: Turn on your computer. Observe the CPU fan to ensure it is spinning correctly and quietly. Monitor CPU temperatures using system monitoring software to confirm proper cooling.

6. Operating the CPU Fan

The Intel E97379-003 CPU Heatsink and Fan operates automatically, controlled by your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings based on CPU temperature. It will adjust its speed to maintain optimal thermal conditions for your processor. No manual intervention is typically required for its operation.

• Monitoring: You can use various software tools (e.g., HWMonitor, Core Temp) to monitor your CPU temperature and fan speed.
• BIOS Settings: Advanced users may adjust fan curves in the motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings to customize fan behavior, though this is generally not necessary for stock coolers.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and efficiency of your CPU cooler.

• Dust Removal: Periodically (every 3-6 months, depending on environment) open your computer case and use compressed air to gently blow dust out of the heatsink fins and fan blades. Hold the fan blades to prevent them from spinning excessively during cleaning, which can damage the fan motor.
• Thermal Paste: The pre-applied thermal paste is designed for long-term use. Re-application is generally only necessary if the heatsink is removed from the CPU. If you re-apply, ensure the old paste is completely removed and new, high-quality thermal paste is applied correctly.

8. Troubleshooting

• Fan Not Spinning:
  • Check if the 4-pin fan connector is securely plugged into the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
  • Ensure the computer is receiving power.
  • Check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure fan control is enabled and not set to a very low RPM that might appear as not spinning.
• Excessive Noise/Buzzing:
  • Verify that the heatsink is securely mounted and all four push-pins are locked. Loose mounting can cause vibrations.
  • Check for any cables or obstructions touching the fan blades.
  • Dust buildup can cause imbalance and noise; clean the fan and heatsink.
  • If the noise persists after cleaning and re-seating, the fan motor may be failing, requiring replacement.
• High CPU Temperatures:
  • Ensure the heatsink is properly seated on the CPU and all push-pins are locked.
  • Verify that the fan is spinning.
  • Check if the thermal paste application was sufficient and even. Re-apply if necessary.
  • Ensure adequate airflow within the computer case.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Intel website or contact your retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.