Separating heatsink and CPU

[Markbnj]

Ok, this will probably get a laugh, and thankfully I can laugh about it too. I was replacing the heatsink on my CPU, first time I have done it. It's the stock AMD heatpipe cooler with an 80mm fan and pre-applied thermal pad.

So I go in and release the straps, then begin carefully trying to lift the heatsink out. All of a sudden, pop, out it comes. I look in and realize that the cpu is not in the socket anymore. The socket, of course, was locked down because I can't raise the locking bar with the hs in place.

My heart did a little flip, and I quickly got out my mini-maglite and inspected the pins. Big sigh of relief. I was then able to carefully edge the cpu off of the hs plate and clean off the old compound.

I didn't like the cooling performance of the new hs, so I am going to do this again, and would rather not repeat what just happened. Since I can't raise the locking bar under the hs, how can I loosen the compound so I can get the hs off?

 

[skinnypotbelly]

You can use a blow dryer to heat up the hs. The cpu should come right off after that.

 

[Markbnj]

Ok, I'll try that. Thanks. I had just shut down the machine before the attempt I described, so it must have cooled off fast. i just don't want to bust a pin yanking the cpu out.

 

[evilharp]

Same thing happened to me with my X2-4200. The stock AMD TIM is notoriously sticky (apparently this is the same for most pre-applied TIM on Intel and other heat sinks).

To avoid this problem, I:

-stick to AS5 (sticky, but not as bad)
-only remove the heatsink when the CPU is warm (soon after a shutdown is best. I haven't tried the "hair-dryer trick")
-try to twist the heatsink while I am removing it (of cousre not every heatsink can do this thanks to rentention brackets)

Maybe AMD will adopt a CPU renention clip similar to Intel's LGA775.

 

[Markbnj]

I was a little wary of applying much rotation while pulling it. In this case I am glad I didn't. I suppose that with the cpu fully seated and all 939 pins inserted, it will hold up fine, but I would hate to be twisting at the moment when the CPU decided to pop out.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Don't pull at first. Just twist it back and forth when warm. It will work loose.

Build a cardboard dam around the HS to contain the hair dryer's hot output. This will not
only help keep the hot air off other componets but consentrate it on the HS.

Use a gloved hand so you will have a steady grip.

I've heard some ppl run Prime 95 for awhile to heat it up.


Galvanized

 

[orion23]

The first time this happened to me I almost cried! I was fixing someone's PC and I though I had broken the CPU pins or something..

I never thought of the hair drying trick. Glad to know in case it happens again!

 

[CraKaJaX]

I use a blowdryer, quicker than prime95 imo. Then I just twist/lift it off.

 

[Markbnj]

I don't have a lot of twist room given the way the cooler sits down in the socket bracket, but it does sound like the key is to get it warm, and then twist it while the cpu is still fully socketed.