What You Need Before Replacing the ZimaCube Fan
The original guide uses a replacement heatsink-and-fan assembly and notes that the supplied back panel is not needed during the replacement. Power the system down, disconnect it, and work on a static-safe surface before opening the chassis.
Remove the Cover and Original Cooler
Remove the top-cover screws, lift the cover gently, disconnect the fan cable, and loosen the four cooler screws. The original guide specifically warns not to remove the black CPU protection/contact block unnecessarily.
Install the Replacement Heatsink
Align the heatsink fins toward the front panel with the fan facing the rear, secure the four mounting points, reconnect the 4-pin fan cable, and reinstall the cover. The community guide says its replacement cooler was supplied with thermal interface material already applied; verify the condition of your own replacement part rather than assuming every kit is identical.
Configure the BIOS Fan Curve
The guide recommends CPU fan start at 40°C, full speed at 90°C, start PWM 50, and a 0.5 PWM slope for ZimaCube Pro. These are values from the 2024 guide, so treat them as hardware-specific guidance rather than universal settings. After changes, save with F10 and monitor temperatures under load.
For current-generation hardware, see the ZimaCube 2 product page and the current ZimaOS overview. Intel also explains general thermal monitoring concepts in its processor thermal guidance.
