Problem installing Zalman CNPS7000A-AlCu on Asus K8V SE Deluxe

[JediJorgie]

I am trying to attach my Zalman CNPS7000A-AlCu to my Asus K8V SE Deluxe, but have a problem. There is a metal plate attached to the back of the mobo, in the same place I am supposed to install a similar plate Zalman gave me. I didn't think it would be a problem, except there are 2 posts attached to the plate and sticking up on the business side of the mobo (see pic). These posts are creating too much space when I attach the heatsink to its metal posts and preventing it from coming into contact with the processor.

I've thought of using washers to stand off the supports for the heatsink, or cutting the nipples to the right height, but I know either way wont give me the exact distance. I would like to just remove the existing plate, but don't see any way to do it. The posts don't seem to screw off, and the plate itself feels like it might be glued to the back of the mobo.

A second, minor problem has also occured to me. I have had the thermal grease sitting on the processor and heatsink for about 2 hours now. (I didn't know it wouldn't fit until after I had put the grease on.) Should I remove the thermal grease from them once I figure this out?

Please, share anything you think could help me. If I can't get this Zalman attached, I'll have to order a new heatsink, which won't be here until next week, because I bought the OEM processor and I don't happen to have any 754 heatsinks lying around.


Thanks,
Jorgie

 

[sellmen]

That is bizarre - I have one attached to my K8V SE Deluxe right now. I screwed the brass nipples that Zalman included into those two standoffs, then screwed on the Zalman - contact is perfect.

Are you sure you are screwing the nipples in all the way?

 

[JediJorgie]

I tightened the nipples as hard as I could with a pliers, then attached the heatsink, and I still get a slight gap between the heatsink and processor. You can kinda see it in this pic.

Edit: Better picture, forgot to turn macro on the first time.