- 1). Shut down your computer and unplug it.
- 2). Open the case by removing the side panel that gives you access to the inside hardware. The access hatch may be on the left or right side of the computer case. Look for a latch or quick release that might let you easily remove and reseat the case hatch.
- 3). Touch something metal to discharge any static buildup. Flip the latch on your heatsink to dislodge it. The heatsink is likely a big chunk of metal and a fan that is attached on top of the main processor, a shiny square located on the motherboard. The motherboard is the main chip, usually the largest in a computer system. Carefully remove the unlatched heatsink by unhooking the rest of the mechanism from the fastener hooks. Remember the direction your heatsink is facing when you take it off. This will help you get it back on later.
- 4). Dispense a dab of thermal grease about the size of a pea directly in the center of your processor chip. Use a business card to evenly smooth the thermal grease across the surface of the processor.
- 5). Reseat the heatsink, align it with its seating hooks, and latch back into place. Close the computer case, plug the computer back in and reboot the computer.
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