XPS 8930, replace top fan without removing CPU cooler

According to page 96 of the online XPS 8930 Service Manual, you have to remove =
* PSU
* Blower and heat-sink assembly (if installed)
* VR heat sink (if installed)

There is almost ZERO room there.  There is no front fan. There is no front fan header. Some have changed the CASE to overcome this problem.

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS-Desktops/XPS-8930-Case-swap-to-Define-C-Mid/m-p/7285552

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS-Desktops/XPS-8930-Case-Swap-CPU-Liquid-Cooler-temps-Upgrade-summary/m-p/7284394

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/us/en/19/xps-8930-desktop/xps-8930-service-manual/procedure?guid=guid-69e0bf9d-8cb9-4a3e-af56-77dadf960557&lang=en-us

This is not a standard fan

The heatsink is VERY low profile

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@DELL-Chris M wrote:

According to page 96 of the online XPS 8930 Service Manual, you have to remove =
* PSU
* Blower and heat-sink assembly (if installed)
* VR heat sink (if installed)

 

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Thanks but I'm wondering if anyone has any first hand experience with this since the service manual isn't always correct.  For example it shows that the machine already has a 120mm fan when apparently these don't.

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@Harry Muscle wrote:

Hi, I placed an order for a new XPS 8930 with a 8700K processor, so it will have the better blower style CPU cooler.  I was also thinking of changing the top fan once the computer arrives since apparently it now usually includes a 92mm fan instead of a 120mm fan.  However from the pictures I've seen it looks like there is almost no clearance between the CPU cooler and top fan.  Is it possible to remove and replace the top fan without removing the CPU cooler?

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I have a solution for the missing 120mm fan; I'm just not going to buy a new 8900 series PC next time unless it has one. Luckily my 8920 does have one.

Hi,

I was planning on doing the same but does this mean I need to replace the thermal paste when I put everything back? 

The service manual says “The original thermal grease can be reused if the original processor and heat-sink assembly are reinstalled together.”

I’m happy enough replacing the fan and bracket and removing the blower but not sure I want to get involved with thermal paste replacement.