Removing a video card HSF

[tehtank]

I have a GeForce4 Ti4600 that has a fan which constantly buzzes. I bought a new Thermaltake gf4 fan to replace it with. I took out the pushpins on the stock fan, but it seems to be glued/taped down. Is there a safe and easy(ish) way to remove this fan without damaging the card? Just to note, I am overly cautious about messing with my computer parts. I'm always afraid I'm going to break something =p

 

[tehtank]

Bump

Man this dropped fast..

 

[esun]

Try twisting it a little, see if it'll loosen. If not, then there is a "trick" that people sometimes use (I never did this personally) which involved putting the card in a plastic zip-lock bag, placing that in a freezer, then using a butter knife and popping off the heatsink. I've never had to do this personally, just a little twisting was good, but you could try it.

 

[pirred908]

Use a hairdryer to get it hot, than just pop it off.

 

[Zepper]

Usually a firm but gentle twist will undo anything short of epoxy. I then use a plastic tool to scrape off whatever I can and then use either lighter fluid (naphtha) or acetone to remove the rest - followed by a rubbing alcohol rinse.
.bh.

 

[WobbleWobble]

I'd also use a hair dryer. Be careful pulling off the HSF as the metal may be very hot!

 

[Mullzy]

I've always like the idea of getting the card warm as opposed to the cool/frozen method. It all really depends on whatever stock compound was used, but generally my cards have had thick/guey stuff that a gentle twist will release.

 

[WobbleWobble]

If you throw the video card into the freezer there's a chance it may sucomb to condensation. Using a hair dryer doesn't have that chance.