Thain's Thoughts

When your Dell Inspiron 530s sounds like a jet engine taking off when doing just moderate computing, it can be quite annoying. There is a way to fix this problem. As with any “electronic” problem, there could be several underlying causes. The main reason for the fan noise is that the processor is getting too hot too fast. What happens is there is a goop called “Heat Sink Compound” that is applied between the CPU and it’s heat sink so that heat will better be dissipated through the heat sink. The heat sink compound that Dell uses for the 530s is really insufficient for long term use and tends to get hard and brittle which prevents the compound from transferring heat as well. So your solution is to go to Radio Shack (or some store that sells electronic components: transistors, resistors, diodes, etc.) and buy some heat sink compound. I recommend Arctic Silver 5 which is a little more expensive, but it lasts longer and gets better heat transfer.

The procedure is quite easy even for the layman. Just open the computer (two screws in the back and slide off the side), and you’ll have your heat sink in sight.  (the part with the fan on top) Remember to unplug the computer first. There will be 4 phillips screws on each corner of the heat sink. Unscrew all 4 screws and unplug the heat sink fan from the motherboard. Then lift off the heat sink and fan. The heat sink may be fairly stuck to the CPU, but don’t worry, it does come off with moderate force. If the heat sink does not come off with moderate force, then tighten the screws back, plug in the computer and turn it on for a while. This will heat the old compound and soften it a bit and it should come off easier. Set the heat sink aside. It might be a good idea to get rid of the old compound. Using a LINTLESS cloth with some highly pure  isopropyl alcohol (70%+) will work. After cleaning the top of the CPU and bottom of the heat sink, apply a SMALL (about a millimeter wide) amount of heat sink compound to the top of the CPU from top to bottom so that it looks like a small line. There is no need to spread it. (the compound will spread when you tighten down the heat sink so don’t over do it) Then just assemble the heat sink in reverse of removal.

After re-assembling the computer, your 530s should be nice and quiet again.