Removing fan and heatsink?

noaxark

Junior Member
Jun 24, 2003
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Hi, a total newbie here :)

I've been trying to remove my fan and heatsink (they seem to be attached to each other) from my motherboard, but I can't. From what I can figure, I'm supposed to push this metal thing down and then slide it forward. While I can push it down, I can't move it a millimeter forwards. My thumb is all blue now, so I'd rather get some advice from you guys before I continue my attempts :). So, how do I open this Fort Know lock? Am I supposed to use some kind of tool here? It looks like using a flat-end screwdriver would work, but I don't have one small enough...

In case you need the information, I've got an MSI KT3 motherboard and some kind of ineffective fan/heatsink that came with the computer (picture below).

My fan and heatsink.

Also, I'm going to replace my current cooling so-called-solution with a Papst 8412NGL fan and a PAL8045T heatsink. Is there anything special I need to know before I do that? Do I need new thermal paste or something?
 

NYHoustonman

Platinum Member
Dec 8, 2002
2,642
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1-Basically, what I do is (gently of course) have something in between the edge of the clip and the heatsink and (gently of course) push out from the heatsink as I push down with my hand. These things do go on tight.
2-You won't likely NEED new theermal paste, but it would be a good idea to get some. Two reasons, basically-1, I once bought a HSF where the existing phase change material (stuff that comes on HSF) was scraped off, and 2, the main reason, the stuff on there is likely to be utter crap. Look into Arctic Silver 3 or something of that sort for maximum performance, but if heat doesn't matter so much to you, try the existing stuff first. And, by the way, in case you didn't know, you WILL have to clean your processor of existing thermal material.
 

noaxark

Junior Member
Jun 24, 2003
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Originally posted by: NYHoustonman
And, by the way, in case you didn't know, you WILL have to clean your processor of existing thermal material.

You mean, eventually some day? I've had this computer for about a year-and-a-half, so isn't it about time now?
 

noaxark

Junior Member
Jun 24, 2003
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OK, I got my heatsink now and the instuctions that came with it tells me to uninstall my motherboard before I switch heatsinks. Do I really have to do that? I mean, what bad could come from putting the heatsink on while the motherboard is still in the case, aside from the inconveniance of cables getting in the way?
 

beatle

Diamond Member
Apr 2, 2001
5,661
5
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Well, you'll notice later in the instructions that it's physically impossible to install the 8045 without removing the motherboard, since it bolts through the 4 holes around the socket. (If you figure out how to do it, tell me, I have one ;)).
 

HiTek21

Diamond Member
Jul 4, 2002
4,391
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The Alpha PAL 8045 is a real pain in the ass when it comes to installing and removing. Usually when you're unscrewing it from the stand offs one or two of them will come undone and will require you to remove the whole mobo to reinstall it. Its a great heatsink once you get everything running in there, just have a can of compressed air handy because you will need to blow out the heatsink every so often.
 

noaxark

Junior Member
Jun 24, 2003
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Ah... this is perhaps a tad too advanced for me. I'll take my screwdriver and see how far I can get without busting anything, though :)

And a can of compressed air? Bah, I've built a special adapter of a straw and some tape to use with my vacuum cleaner :)
 

screw3d

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2001
6,906
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Originally posted by: noaxark
Ah... this is perhaps a tad too advanced for me. I'll take my screwdriver and see how far I can get without busting anything, though :)

And a can of compressed air? Bah, I've built a special adapter of a straw and some tape to use with my vacuum cleaner :)

Be careful.. you dont wan't your saliva shorting out the caps!