Question AMD Wraith Stealth stuck to Ryzen 5600G

[mikeymikec]

I'm trying to troubleshoot a computer not POSTing that I build a couple of years ago. The only diagnostic bit of evidence so far is MSI's "Ez Debug" saying it's the processor, which I rather doubt, but I have a spare AM4 CPU here which I can try.

The only problem is, the stock heatsink won't come off. I've removed a bunch of these before without any issues. This time, after unscrewing the four screws, it wouldn't give in the slightest. I even removed the board from the case, the backplate fell off, and it still wouldn't move. Redditors in other threads suggested twist-and-lift only enough to break the seal but no dice here, the last suggestion was to heat the processor up a bit with a stress test which I can't really do here, but I unplugged the fan and ran the PC for up to ten minutes (regularly monitoring temp with my finger on the heatsink), I would say it reached 40-50C in about ten minutes, but still the heatsink won't budge. Any other ideas?

The paste is the stock AMD paste, nothing different there.

 

[WilliamM2]

You could try a blow dryer. It's worked for me years ago.

 

[mikeymikec]

I tried again later when the system was cool (board back in case), unscrewed the HSF again, this time I used a plastic spudger between the HSF and the backplate to make sure that the backplate was loose in all four corners, did another twist, it held firm then suddenly gave way. Yay!

 

[aigomorla]

next time use a blow dryer...

i assume its the og socket with pins on the cpu, so you will most likely pull the cpu out of the socket with the IHS stuck.

If this happens, you just need to heat up the heat sink slighyly.... like id say so its a bit more warm to the touch, but id also say do not worry about burning that chip, as i do not think a blow dryer is capable of it, unless u leave it on for a very long time.

Then just twist the CPU off the heatsink when its warm, and it should twist right off.