Removing, cleaning and replacing a CPU heatsink

[weber1557]

Hi guys....

What is the best way to go about doing this without damaging anything? The last one I removed (a P4), pulled the CPU out of the socket with it. Luckily it only bent one pin and I was able to fix it.
How long do you need to heat the thing up? Is idle OK or do you need to stress it to realy get it hot? It's a Q6600 with the stock fan and Arctic Silver 5. It's only been on for 3 months.

What do you clean the CPU with? Should I remove it to clean it or just leave it in the socket?

Any help is apreciated.

 

[myocardia]

I just run Prime95 for ~5 minutes, before removing the heatsink. They're easy to remove (much easier than to install). Just turn the push pins in the direction of the arrow, press down slightly (a few ounces of pressure is plenty), and twist the heatsink back and forth a few times, until it breaks loose. You'll actually feel it break free.

To clean the CPU and heatsink, I just use 70% or stronger isopropyl alcohol and either Q-tips or coffee filters, if I happen to have one. That's pretty much all there is to the entire process.

edit: error8 just reminded me that you wanted to know if you need to remove the CPU to clean the AS5 off, and the answer is no, it's not necessary.

 

[error8]

If you just want to clean it, I think it's better to leave it into the socket , avoiding the painstaking procedure to reinstall it. Just use a can of compressed air to blow the dust out of it. If you don't have one of those use a fine brush.

 

[Denithor]

I have only ever had one cpu come out of the socket with the hsf and that was a POS Dell in one of those "micro" cases that had a very unusual hsf arrangement.

Generally don't even need to warm them up, just twist the plastic thingies to release and then gently twist the hsf until you feel it release.

And yes, don't pull the cpu out of the socket, just clean it off with a Qtip and some rubbing alcohol (70% is fine, 92% if you gotta go buy it--faster drying).

Why are you pulling off a hsf that's only been on there for three months? Replacement?