Introduction
Follow this guide to replace the fan in your Valve Steam Machine (2026).
If the fan in your Steam Machine stops spinning or starts making weird noises, it might need replacement.
Before starting this repair, follow our Steam Machine cleaning guide and see if it fixes your issue. Something as simple as a buildup of dust and grime can be misdiagnosed as a failing fan.
While overheating can be a symptom of a failing fan, it's often a result of old thermal paste. If you suspect this is the case, follow our motherboard guide for instructions on how to remove and reapply thermal material.
What you need
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Power down your Steam Machine and disconnect the power cable.
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Unplug any remaining cables or accessories from all ports.
Ask FixBot
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Reposition the Steam Machine so the bottom is facing up.
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Reposition the Steam Machine so the back panel is facing up.
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Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to fully loosen the two captive screws securing the back panel.
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Lift the top edge of the panel (near the screws) until the two locking clips release.
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Slide the panel towards the top edge and lift to remove it.
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Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 7.3 mm‑long screws securing the inner assembly.
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Grip the inner assembly under the fan and lift it straight up and out of the shell.
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Set the inner assembly down so the SSD is on top.
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Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the 5.1 mm‑long screw securing the rear USB and Ethernet port cable cover.
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Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the board's press connector.
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Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the 5.1 mm‑long screw securing the rear USB and Ethernet port board.
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Slide the board straight away fron the inner assembly to remove it.
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Reposition the inner assembly so the antenna marked AUX ANT is facing up.
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Lay a heated iOpener on the auxiliary antenna for two minutes.
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Tool used on this step:Tesa 61395 Tape$2.95
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Slide the flat end of a spudger under the antenna and lift to separate the adhesive.
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Guide the antenna cable out of its clips on the fan.
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Reposition the inner assembly so the antenna marked MAIN ANT is facing up.
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Lay a heated iOpener on the main antenna for two minutes.
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Tool used on this step:Tesa 61395 Tape$2.95
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Slide the flat end of a spudger under the antenna and lift to separate the adhesive.
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Use a pair of angled tweezers to firmly grip the head of the fan cable connector.
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Gently rock the connector side-to-side while lifting to disconnect it.
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Peel up the tape securing the fan cable to the heatsink.
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Reposition the inner assembly so the fan is facing you and the power cable socket is on the bottom.
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Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 7.3 mm‑long screws securing the fan.
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Slide the fan straight away from the inner assembly to remove it.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
When putting your Steam Machine back where it lives, make sure it's in an area with at least a few inches of space on all sides. If your console sits in an entertainment center, make sure at least one panel is open to provide airflow. Avoid keeping the console on carpet or other similar surfaces, as your device is more likely to suck up dirt, dust, and hair.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.
