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May 4th, 2020 08:00
XPS 8930, CPU cooler assembly removal
I'm trying to replace/upgrade the PSU on my XPS 8930 & I'm trying to follow Dell's Instructions from their "xps-8930-desktop_service-manual".
Unfortunately I've got a bit stuck when it comes to removing the CPU Power Supply Connection!
The Service Manual simply shows that it is alongside the CPU Fan - however, it is clear that my CPU is fitted with a Cooler Assembly (which is unlike the Manual's Photos) - the CPU Power Connection appears to be "hidden" under this!!
XPS8930 CPU Cooler-Assembly
It seems to be a larger than expected Fan, mounted on a Metal Block, with interconnecting Pipes Linking to a Heat Exchanger.
My questions are:-
- Do I need to remove it to get to the CPU Power Connector?
- IF SO, do I remove the Screws (through the Fan's Plastic Body)?
- OR do I remove the Screws that appears to be holding the Metal Block to the Mother-Board (NB:- these seem to be spring-tensioned)?
- OR, is there any other way to remove it?
- Are there any other issues that I need to be aware of?
Many thanks!
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GKDesigns
258 Posts
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May 4th, 2020 09:00
@John-Jay
Use the Internet... it's free!
Look up your CPU cooler in the Dell XPS 8930 manual. You can bother to find your system docs on Dell.com, or use what I found without trying: https://topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/xps-8930-desktop_service-manual_en-us.pdf
Yes, you need to remove whatever is blocking the PSU connector. If you remove the heatsink and overly disturb the thermal paste or tape, you need to replace that. Plenty of instructions on the Internet on how to replace thermal paste.
GK
John-Jay
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358 Posts
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May 4th, 2020 10:00
@GKDesigns,
Thank you for your response!
However, you are referring me to the Dell Manual that I AM using (hence my mention of:- "xps-8930-desktop_service-manual")!
If you refer to the Photo on Pg 40, you can clearly see the CPU Power Connector alongside the CPU Fan.
Unfortunately, my CPU Cooler (assume "Liquid") is nothing like that picture - in fact it is impossible to see the CPU Power connector at all - hence my query!
Since I'm in "unfamiliar-territory", I DON'T want to simply start "wrecking-it" (possibly doing permanent damage), but was hoping that someone had some more specific knowledge!!
GKDesigns
258 Posts
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May 4th, 2020 10:00
@John-Jay
So, your CPU cooler isn't the one shown on page 65 of that link I posted?
Heat pipes are not liquid coolers.
GK
John-Jay
2 Intern
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358 Posts
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May 4th, 2020 10:00
OK, thanks!
John-Jay
2 Intern
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358 Posts
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May 5th, 2020 01:00
@Anonymous
Thanks for that!!
Before posting, I had looked through this Forum, for some information (& picture) of the CPU Cooler Assembly - unfortunately I missed your original Post (which would have answered my question)!
As to upgrading the Fan - good point - again, had I managed to find your original Post, I might have considered it! At this stage, I think I will simply consider it as a "Future-Upgrade" (particularly as it is possible that I would have to get the Bracket from the States, requiring shipping to the UK)!
Incidentally, I haven't managed to get the 6-pin mini-SATA to 15 pin SATA Power Connector yet. However, I have obtained one of these:- Slimline SATA to SATA with LP4 Power Cable Adapter
It has been suggested that it is possible to cut the Data section away (leaving a Molex to 6-pin mini Power Connection), do you think that this would work (obviously using a Molex Modular Connector)?
Regards
John-Jay
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358 Posts
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May 5th, 2020 15:00
@Anonymous,
Have managed to establish what I need as a connector!
Firstly, the Cable that I mentioned would do the job precisely (including replacing Dell Data Cable) except for one small detail:- the smaller connector (shown on the left in the picture) would plug into the Motherboard, if ONLY the Video Card was not in the way (Dell uses a Right-angled version)! Hence, I'm now going to look at seeing if I can get the same Cable but with a Right-Angled smaller connector!
[NB:- the Middle Connector is NOT a Standard SATA but a combination of both the Data Connector & the Power Connector (i.e. both are Mini-SATA) & plugs directly into the back of the Slimline Optical Drive! Imagine if you took the Dell Supplied Mini-SATA Data Connector & the Mini-SATA Power Connector & Super-Glued them Side by Side!]
My suggestion was to simply cut the Middle Connector at the, effectively, join between the Power & Data sections! Obviously, if I can't get a Right-Angled version, I will have to resort to cutting!