northbridge hs snapped

[ultra99]

I have a p35-ds3r and when I was assembling the computer I heard a snap, and now the northbridge heatsink is a bit wobbly, is that ok? I tried pushing down on it but nothing happened. What can I do? :S

 

[JustaGeek]

It's not OK!!!

Remove the heatsink entirely, clean the remaining Thermal Compound properly, apply the new paste and snap the heatsink back in place.

Do it before you turn the computer back on.

If the mounting mechanism of the heatsink failed, get a good aftermarket replacement.

Again - do not try to turn the computer on before you have re-seated the HS.

Good luck!

 

[ultra99]

I'm not sure.....the heatsink is not falling off nor the 2 white clips broke. So I'm just worried what's the deal here....I don't want to take it off....what if I couldn't put it back...

 

[JustaGeek]

It only works if it is seated properly.

If you don't feel that it is moving when you carefully touch it and try to move it a bit, it is probably OK.

But if moves or it is "wobbly", it will burn when you turn the computer on.

Don't be afraid, the worst has already happened. Now you have to get a thermal paste and reseat it.

Don't panic, now you just MUST do it, or you will fry it. If it is wobbly, it will only get worse.

 

[ultra99]

Actually, when I just let it sit there without continuing building the pc, and came to touch and it didn't move. But when I press hard on the edge of it, a "snap" sound and it's moving slightly from the edges.
Now when I leave it again for a minute, then touch it, it doesn;t move.

Dont' know what's up with that.

 

[JustaGeek]

You've already moved it, and it might have damaged the existing paste.

IMO, it would be safer to remove it, clean it, and re-apply the paste.

Why take a chance...?

It is critical that the Northbridge chipset is cooled properly for long term operation.

The heatsink must be seated properly, or you might experience "inexplicable" problems: crashes, freezing, or it might even die.

It is your decision, but I would re-seat it.

 

[5t3v0]

The heatsinks on these boards are not centrally placed over the MCH & it will tilt if you push down on one end. If you released it quickly, it would snap back which might have been what you heard. Even if the clips are in place, you will have broken the seal & the paste GB have used is hard, not viscous, so your cooling will now be inferior. As justageek says, you should reseat it. I would do this as a matter of course anyway as these HSFs aren't very effective & get scorching hot. I reseated mine with AS5 & have a 40mm fan on top of it now.

 

[ultra99]

Ok, now I have to unassemble the motherboard and cpu heatsink, which is a pain...

How do I remove NB heatsink....any guides? I don't want to break those white clips. I've never done it before.

 

[5t3v0]

Yeah, remove mobo. PITA I know. Nip the ends of the 2 white pins & push up. Clean old paste off the HSF & chip - I use the wife's nail polish remover for this. It's not recommended by the purists but it works. Apply a rice grain sized blob of Arctic Silver 5, put the HSF back & push the 2 pins down until they click. Job done.

Edit: BTW, dont get AS5 on any exposed electrics. It is conductive & might short circuit something.

 

[ultra99]

the old paste on the chip is very stiff, cant get it off..help!

 

[5t3v0]

Yep - I told you it was shite stuff. Scrape it with the corner of a credit card or your finger nail.

 

[ultra99]

Well, I did a clean paste and reseated. Looks fine I feel it's still wobbly. When I press from the edges it swings side ways.

I think it's the way it is, I re-did what I can, so hope nothing fries.

Thanks guys for your help. (Y)