Sticky CPU Heatsinks

[jimmyj68]

I had a sad experience recently. Wanted to replace my 2.8E with a 3.2E. Undid the two screws on a ZALMAN CU 7000 (?) heatsink/fan and attempted to lift it up from the CPU - it resisted and I gave an extra tug. Out can the fan/heatsink with my CPU plastered to the bottom of it and one pin on the CPU badly bent. Any way, when I installed the new CPU I got zero response from the computer and the power on light was on with the power switch either on or off. No fan running or anything. I think I fixed it finally (after tearing down the system entirely and running the motherboard outside of the case) by jiggling around with the little fastener arm on the side of the CPU socket - the one that you raise to insert the CPU and lower to fasten the CPU in the socket. I'm guessing that pulling the CPU out of the socket with that arm lowered is not a good idea. Anyway, I'm about to remove the heatsink again to use Artic Silver in an attempt to get my temperatures down a little. I used a generic heatsink paste that came with another brand heatsink. Any suggestion how to remove the heatsink/fan if it adheres to the CPU? The large round copper heatsink blades surrounding the fan make it impossible to release the heatsink socket clamp and then simply remove the heatsink painlessly with CPU attached.

OOPS one other thing. While attempting to straighten the bent pin on the 2.8E I caused it to break off. Turns out it is pin number 1 and according to Intels documentation all it does is send a shutdown signal when the CPU exceed its upper temperature limit. I had it running in the computer during my trouble shooting when I thought maybe the 3.2E was DOA. It was installed when I got he system running again and it adhered to the heatsink again when I removed it and put the 3.2 back in to a now operating system. Is it ok to use in a properly cooled system?

 

[Arcanedeath]

Try removing the heatsink w/ a twisting motion instead of pulling stright up, this is a problem w/ all CPU's that have an IHS. there's really no fool proof way of avoiding this issue you just need to be very careful when removing the heatsink.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

well if it only has a signal to shut it down when it gets too hot then, i dunno sounds like it would work to me, jus dont get it too hot!

as for the cpu cooler issue....well i would never tug at it, a twisting action is better, twisting side to side first to try loosen it then as ur twisting jus pull gently as ur twisting and it should come off....it happend to me when i was building my a64 rig, using the same zalman cooler and the thermal grease they gave me. i screwed it down, then for some reason i needed to take it off again, but the grease seemd to of sealed the cpu to the HSF, a gentle twisting + pulling action got it off

never tug