Replacing Socket A Heatsink

[paulsiu]

I am going to transfer my socket A AMD to a new motherboard. Judging from the instructions, I would have to:

1. Remove the cpu heat sink.
2. Clean off the thermal grease.
3. Transfer the cpu to the new mb.
4. Apply new thermal grease.
5. Reinstall heatsink.

Most of the diagram describe how to install a heatsink, but how difficult is it to remove it? Is it just pulling the latch outward on the beefier side of the socket? How much pressure do I need to apply? How do I do this without cracking the cpu or the socket?

 

[SynthDude2001]

You usually need to apply quite a bit of pressure to the clip to get it under and out from the lugs on the socket. They're very strong though, just be careful (don't send a screwdriver flying into the motherboard )

I've had motherboards bend under the pressure needed to remove a heatsink... (without damaging them)

 

[Fern]

All but one of my socket A coolers use the retaining clip which has a "latch" you put a flat edged screwdriver in. This allows you to push down and out to free the clip.

The only thing I'd add to list above is "first remove the mobo from the case". Although not reqiured, it certainly makes it easier for me. I lay the mobo on a phone book or a table with newspaper underneath.

 

[fireontheway]

Dont fotget the old credit card trick incase the flathead screwdriver slips.

 

[cubeless]

usually u can just pull out the psu or memory and not pull the mobo out...

and the credit card trick is to put a credit card under where the clip attaches so u don't perforate your mobo when the screwdriver slips...

just take it slow... be sure u don't have the hsf cockeyed on the lip of the socket, too... start up the pc an go straight into bios to watch your temp if u can... you'll know real fast if u have it on straight...