Today I installed my new case fans using anti-vibration rubber rivets. At the same time I took some pictures in order to help explain how to do it for others as it isn't as easy as you would think!
The fans I am installing are the 140mm Bitfenix Spectre Pro PWM fans into the front of my new case; the Corsair 750D.
However you can use this guide for any type of fan (90mm, 120mm, 140mm, 200mm or 230mm) and any computer case.
NOTE: All pictures can be "zoomed in" by clicking on them :D (right clicking and selecting "View Image" will allow or much larger image).
Step 1 - Select where you are going to install your fan!
I'll be installing my fans into the front to replace the default Corsair 750D fans. Why? These Bitfenix fans have a higher air flow than those that come with the case.
Here's the first one already installed to give you an idea of the end look:
So my next fan will be fitted just below the first fan I installed.
Step 2 - Install the rubber rivets into the case screw holes first!
First you will need to place the rubber rivets in the screw holes.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you check which screw holes line up with the fan holes. You want to place the rubber rivets into the correct holes first time round!
To install the rubber rivet, feed it through the screw hole as illustrated below:
You need to be very firm (i.e. use some force) to get the rivet to feed through fully.
Step 3 - Install the washer into place!
Once the rubber rivet is installed into the case screw hole, you can place the washer on.
Install the washer as illustrated below:
Make sure to push down on the washer so it pushes past the rivet's "head" piece.
Step 4 - Install the remaining rubber rivets into the case screw holes!
Again double check where your rubber rivets need to be so that they are aligned with the fan screw holes.
If you don't, you'll find yourself in a right mess uninstalling the rubber rivets in order to put them into the correct screw holes.
Once all rubber rivets (including their washers) are installed you will have the following:
Step 5 - Align the fan into place and feed the rivets through!
Align the relevant fan screw holes up with the bottom or top rivets first (it's easier to do the bottom in this scenario).
Now would also be a good time to feed through any wires into places where you want them.
Once done you will have the following:
Align and feed through the remaining rubber rivets.
Step 6 - Finish the installation by securing the fan into position!
Read before doing this step as it is complex and tricky!
In order to secure the fan in place, you will need to pinch the end of the rubber rivet with one hand. I would recommend placing your other hand on top of the fan.
With the hand that is pinching the rubber rivet; pull (with some force) whilst at the same time pushing down on the fan with your other hand.
Try to be careful as I did break one of my rubber rivet heads by pulling too hard!
You will feel the rubber rivet clip into place.
NOTE: In the picture you cannot see my other hands thumb which is holding onto the rubber rivet inside the case. I did this so that the rubber rivet head didn't get feeded through the case screw hole.
Once you feel the rubber rivet clip into place you should find that the fan corner has been secured. Gently pull on the fan to double check the rivet is secure:
Step 7 - Secure the remaining corners of the fan using the same technique as mentioned in step 6 above! Also double check the rubber rivet heads are secure properly!
Installation finished. Look carefully in the below picture at how the rubber rivet heads look so you know if yours are also secured properly.
Some of your rubber rivet heads may need to be pulled back a little on the opposite side so that the fan is secured properly.
Try to be careful as I did break one of my rubber rivet heads by pulling too hard when doing this step:
