Need help with installing heatsink!

[ETan]

OK, here's the situation. I bought a new heatsink from cyber cooler, and was going to install it. I took off the old heatsink / fan and then proceeded to try to install the new hsf.

After 45 minutes and 1 bloody finger, I am still unable to put the heatsink on.

You know how the socket A motherboard has 3 latches on each side of the processor socket, that you use to latch on the heatsink?

Ok, the middle one that I always use is broken. My old Volcano 5 still fits fine on it even though a bit of the middle latch is chipped off. The new heatsink is compatible with my system, I checked already. However it is slightly larger than the volcano 5, which is why the volcano 5 still works but the new one won't stay latched on.

That's the problem, it won't stay on... it keeps bouncing back up... The latch on the motherboard socket is not far out enough for the heatsink to latch on... (as i said above, because it is somehow "chipped" off a bit. Just the middle one on one side, not all 3.)

What should I do?

I tried to install the heatsink not on the middle but on the side instead... and it stayed on. Is that ok?

This means the little square at the bottom of the heatsink is not directly on top of the CPU core. Is this ok? Is this why they created 3 pairs of latches thingy on the motherboard socket? So dumb @ss like me can break all of them one by one? No seriously, this is the only way I can get it to stay fit... But I don't dare to turn it on now because I don't want my CPU to fry...

Please help! I'm on crappy school's computer now... agghh!! The pain....

I will wait for replies and then go back to my room to turn on my PC... and hope it doesn't fry.

Please advise!

You wouldn't need CAPS or a catchy title if you'd post in the right forum.

AnandTech Moderator

 

[clarkmo]

I can only guess but my guess is your cpu will fry. Somebody somewhere wrote about restoring that middle peg but for the life of me I can't remember. I probably read it on this forum or at least a link too.

 

[punkrawket]

what are you trying to install....??? what hsf??

different clips are harder than others

 

[Bulk Beef]

If that heatsink isn't making solid contact with the core, don't start your PC.

I would try bending the tabs on the clip.

 

[ETan]

It is a cybercooler P-10000 heatsink, with a 70mm fan. Slightly larger than the volcano 5 (60mm).

So I shouldn't turn on my pc then, because it would fry?

GODDAMNIT why did they put the 3 latches thingy there in the first place then?!? Just to confuse the heck out of people like me?

Any suggestion on this problem, please??

 

[Bulk Beef]

<< So I shouldn't turn on my pc then, because it would fry? >>

Yes, it will likely fry.


<< GODDAMNIT why did they put the 3 latches thingy there in the first place then?!? Just to confuse the heck out of people like me? >>

Those side latch thingies use a different clip.


<< Any suggestion on this problem, please?? >>

I assume that there is still a little bit left of the center latch thingy that's busted. You should be able to tweak the clip from your new heatsink so it will engage what nub of a latch you have left.

 

[clarkmo]

I can't think of a quick fix, except some kind of retainer which makes use of the 4 hole fastening system present on some mobos, perhaps heat resistant plastic wire running across the hsf from hole to hole. The trick would be getting the right amount of downward pressure.

 

[ETan]

I've tried tweaking the metal clip to fit whatever is left on the latch... But it just won't catch! I've tried virtually everything I could think of... i can;t believe this but i was actually mentally and physically (hands) exhausted from trying to upgrade my pc...

My finger has finally stopped bleeding now. 🙁

So I cannot turn it on the way it is now...

I guess not many option now except to put back the volcano and return the hsf. 🙁