Tips for removing ALX-800 heatsink?

[JeffCY]

I don't know if I'm missing something, but these heatsinks seem incredibly hard to install and remove. After messing with it for a while (and coming close to hitting my motherboard with the screwdriver a couple times) I was able to get it on. Recently I got my hands on some arctic silver 5 and was about to remove the heatsink and use AS5 instead, I found it very difficult and eventually gave up in fear of damaging my motherboard. The clip is extremely tight, and I don't see a way to easily get it to unclip. Any tips, possibly sites with pictures on how to do this? Thanks.

 

[Davegod]

hmm my SK7 was an easier install than I was used to. you are using a screwdriver right?

 

[JeffreyY]

Yes, I am. The thing is it doesn't simply come off if you just push down, it needs to move laterally as well to unhook but that seems to be the hard part for me. I can't get the downward push along with the side movement to unhook it.

 

[Peter D]

Tried a socketed driver with a credit card underneath the lugs to protect the motherboard, like mechBgon suggests?

 

[Davegod]

try sliding the 'sink itself towards either lugs, maybe it's precise position isnt helping leverage. Alternately, make sure the screwdriver/socket is very secure and use it to push down and then use fingers to unhook it over the lug's clip.

 

[JeffCY]

Good tips guys, thanks.

 

[imported_Gholam]

I get that a lot with a certain brand of stock P3 heatsinks - use two screwdrivers, push the clip down with one, and hook the other under the clip to pull it away from the socket.

 

[xbassman]

Try a narrow screwdriver....

I have 3 Thermalright heatsinks and feel your pain.
One time I had a narrow screwdriver in my hand when I was installing one, and low and behold it fit perfectly in the hole. Then all I had to do was press down and over. It was really easy and I was kicking myself for all the times I had slipped and hit my mobo with a bigger screwdriver. 😉

 

[JeffreyY]

Thanks guys for giving me the confidence to do this again. 🙂 I took that sucker off this morning in 5 minutes or so with the tips listed here. =)

 

[Granorense]

Originally posted by: xbassman
Try a narrow screwdriver....

I have 3 Thermalright heatsinks and feel your pain.
One time I had a narrow screwdriver in my hand when I was installing one, and low and behold it fit perfectly in the hole. Then all I had to do was press down and over. It was really easy and I was kicking myself for all the times I had slipped and hit my mobo with a bigger screwdriver. 😉

And you got to push down, I know it is scary but it is the only way to get them out.