Installing a processor with heatsink attached?

[Underworld1020]

Okay, I'm in need of help...serious help. I was cleaning a friend's computer out and I somehow moved the cpu while cleaning it's fan. The processor is now out and I can't figure out how to get it back in.

The problem is that the heatsink is attached to the processor. I can't put the processor in because the heat sink pushes the zif bar down before it even reaches the processor. Like I said I'm in need of desperate help, this is not my computer and I need to get it fixed in next few hours. What should I do?

Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[Aluvus]

Separate the processor and heatsink. If it is stuck firmly, you may need to apply a little bit of heat (direct a hairdryer at the heatink, say) to soften the thermal paste. All modern sockets are designed in such a way that you essentially can't insert a processor while the heatsink is attached to it.

 

[Indred]

I've had it happen many times where the Thermal paste creates a vacume. It acts like an adhesve and won't let go. Also you can try to grap the outer part of the cpu and twist it slowly. I don't have to tell you to be carefull not to bend the pins...

 

[aka1nas]

Make sure to twist the sink to the side to break the connection and not just pull it straight off the CPU.

 

[Underworld1020]

Thanks guys.

I was really worried because I tried putting it in while the zif bar was down and I bent a bunch of pins. I put the pins back in place, and then used a hair dryer to loosen up the stuff and used a twisting motion to get it off. I tried pulling at first, but that didn't work. Anyways I got it all fixed in time and the computer works better than ever. It was overheating due to tons of dust.

Again thanks a million.