• Heatsink possibly fused to CPU, cannot remove from motherboard without ripping out processor
    7 replies, posted
A year ago I wanted to upgrade my processor. I unclipped the heatsink and found that it would not budge. I attempted to apply force (wiggle it around a bit) but I ended up ripping the processor out of the motherboard, destroying it. While that wasn't a problem back then because I had a replacement handy, today, I simply want to remove my processor from the motherboard so that I can transfer it to a new case, but I find myself facing the same dilemma, but without a backup CPU. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can separate the heatsink from the CPU so I can remove it without destroying it?
Have you thought of taking a small knife and wedging it between the CPU and heatsink to get it loose?
I have this problem with Dell machines all the time. The trick is to free the heatsink from any screws/clamps holding it down and twist it with a moderate amount of force either clockwise or counterclockwise. Just make sure the socket lever is secure while doing this so the CPU doesn't move. If this doesn't work and you have a CPU that still uses pins (Pentium 4, AMD stuff), as a last resort you can pull straight up with both hands on the heatsink to pull the CPU out with the heatsink. If you do it right, there shouldn't be any bent pins. Once you get it out, you can use a flathead screwdriver under the lip of the side of the CPU and slowly turn the flat end until the CPU pops off. You may want to hold the CPU while doing this so it doesn't go flying off somewhere and get fucked up.
Great reply bohb, I'll give that a shot. As an alternative option, could I possibly just remove the mobo while keeping the cpu and heatsink on? The only thing I'm worried about is the extra stress on the mobo while I have it out, or is that something I shouldn't be too concerned about?
I have that same problem and pulled the CPU out of the socket. It worked fine after I pried the CPU off the heat sink, cleaned everything up, and applied new compound.
[QUOTE=Falstad007;39232887]Great reply bohb, I'll give that a shot. As an alternative option, could I possibly just remove the mobo while keeping the cpu and heatsink on? The only thing I'm worried about is the extra stress on the mobo while I have it out, or is that something I shouldn't be too concerned about?[/QUOTE] Generally you should install the CPU and heatsink before you put the motherboard in the case, and leave it in when you remove the motherboard. It reduces the amount of stress on the motherboard, since you aren't having to force heatsink clamps/pins down and bending the motherboard.
If you run a stress test on the PC to heat it up then shut it down and dismantle it immediately then the heatsink should be easier to remove.
Getting a hairdryer and warming up where the cpu+heatsink connects always worked for me with laptops and such, when that shitty thermal paste decides to harden up and make a fucking bond between the two that doesn't want to separate.
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