How to Install an 80mm Fan in your Framework Desktop

Before you begin repairs, shut down your Desktop from the operating system and unplug it.

Make sure your Framework Desktop Screwdriver has the T5 Torx bit (labeled as T5) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

Use your finger to lift up the two D-rings on the Top Panel screws.

Use your fingers to twist the screw counter-clockwise and loosen it.

Remove the Top Panel screw.

Repeat the same procedure for the other Top Panel screw.

Slide the Top Panel towards the rear of the computer to release the clips securing it to the chassis.

If you're having a hard time gripping the Top Panel, use the screw holes to get a better handhold.

Lift the Top Panel off the chassis and remove it.

Use your fingers to pull the Front Panel off the magnets securing it to the chassis.

Use your fingers to grip the top of the Right Panel and slide it upward to release its clips.

Remove the Right Panel.

While holding the Desktop steady, use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to remove the eight 4.0 mm‑long Phillips screws securing the top plate.

Lift the top plate off the Desktop and remove it.

Lay the right side of the Desktop on your work surface so the Mainboard is facing upward.

Orient the fan so its label is facing away from the chassis fan grille and the cable is pointing up.

If your fan has an arrow indicating airflow direction, make sure it's pointed towards the heatsink.

If you're using a different fan, orient it such that the fan is blowing into the Desktop, not away.

Insert the fan into the chassis and along the front plate, making sure that the screw holes in the chassis and the fan are aligned.

Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to install the four screws securing the secondary fan.

Most fans of this type use self-tapping screws that will carve threads into your fan's screw holes. This is normal and necessary for the fan to be secured.

Orient the fan cable so its two vertical lines are facing you.

Slide the fan cable over the four-pronged connector labeled "Sys Fan 2," making sure the orange label slots between the vertical lines.

You can also connect the cable into the "Sys Fan 1" slot depending on the cable's length and orientation.

Move the fan cable underneath the heat sink and tuck it behind the silver screw post.

Rotate the Desktop so it sits upright on your work surface.

Place the top plate on top of the Desktop, making sure it slots into the chassis so the orange circles are visible.

Make sure the matching screw hole on the top plate labeled "5/8" is slotted on the inside of the Chassis so that the orange circle is visible.

While holding the Desktop steady, use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to install the eight 4.0 mm‑long Phillips screws securing the top plate.

Slide the Right Panel onto the right edge of the chassis, from top to bottom, and press it flat to ensure its clips are slotted into place.

There should be a small gap between the bottom of the Right Panel and the silver base.

Push the Right Panel towards the base of the computer to engage the clips.

Lay the bottom of the Front Panel on the small, protruding lip in the silver base to align its tabs.

Press the Front Panel flat to the chassis and let it align to the magnets.

Slide the Left Panel onto the left edge of the chassis and press it flat to ensure its clips are slotted into place.

There should be a small gap between the bottom of the Left Panel and the silver base.

Push the Left Panel towards the base of the computer to close the gap and engage the clips.

Orient the Top Panel so its arrow is pointing towards the rear of the computer.

While holding the Top Panel at a slight downward angle, slide it across the top of the chassis (from rear to front) until you feel its clips catch.

There should be a small gap between the Top Panel and the front of the Desktop.

Lay the Top Panel flat on the chassis to align the remaining clips.

While securing the computer with one hand, use the other hand to slide the Top Panel towards the front of the computer to close the gap and engage the clips.

Insert the top panel screw into its hole and twist clockwise until it feels snug.

Repeat the same procedure for the other top panel screw.

Use your finger to close the two D-rings on the top panel screws.