My laptop has been making rattling noises. After opening it and testing, turns out it's a fan issue: when it speeds up something probably goes wrong with the bearings.
I would like to replace it given that fans seem to be pretty cheap (~$10), and I think I do find some compatible fans online.
However, as you can see in the photo…
…the fan is connected to the heatsink. I have tried separating but it doesn't seem to work. Is there any chance it cannot be separated? What's then the purpose of selling only fans online?
Also, a fan and heatsink combo goes for a much higher price, so I wouldn't be too happy with buying the whole thing.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.