Removing Zalman 9300AT from HTPC Case

[Operandi]

I have a Zalman 9300AT on an Asus AM3 board for my HTPC that I'd like to swap out for a Ultra-90 (the Zalman cools great but the fan is a piece of junk in terms of noise.) The issue is the mounting clip is a joke and I can't get proper leverage on it to remove it while the board is in the case.

I was thinking rather than removing the board I could just unscrew the AM3 retention bracket with the heatsink still attached. This idea came to me after I put the machine back together and hooked it up to my TV so didn't have time to try it. Is there any reason why this wouldn't work?

 

[Operandi]

Well it works but the motherboard backplate just falls off so I had to remove the board anyway... Still it was easier than &$^#ing with Zalman's horrible mounting hardware.

Now I have a new problem. I planned to use a Ultra-90 that I had around but its a few mm too tall. I think I'll look for a SI-97A, that will allow to use the stock AM3 mounting bracket and the 92mm AVC fan I picked up.

On a positive note the AVC fan is great; top end is 3600RPM and SpeedFan lets me bring it down to ~500RPM where it is dead silent.

 

[aigomorla]

ROFL LTNS operandi!

I was gonna ask for some pictures if u can show what u mean?

What case is this that were talking about?
Maybe we can help ya with a better sink?

 

[Operandi]

Yeah, its been awhile. I've gotten back into to audio, specifically (DIY audio) so you'll often find me on those forums, here is a small two way I built last summer.

Back to the topic; the case is a Lian Li C-30I.I can probably get some pics of it but its really pretty simple, The Ultra-90 is just a bit too tall so I can't close the top of the case. I think I've worked out a deal on the For Sale/Trade forums for SI-97A so once I get that I should be set.