I'm facing a really confusing problem with my NH-D15 cooler and 5950X CPU. I applied MX4 thermal paste about 2-3 years ago, and after mounting it down tightly, it seems like the paste has completely hardened, almost like concrete!
The cooler is now stuck on the CPU socket, and I'm at a loss about how to get it off. I've tried a bunch of methods: applying 99% isopropyl alcohol around the edges, using a vise to twist the cooler off, and even applying heat with a Dyson hairdryer, but nothing seems to work. My thermal camera shows the temperature stays around 45°C with the hairdryer, and that might not be enough to soften the paste.
I've dealt with liquid metal before and managed to pop that off with a razor blade, but there's no gap for a blade to fit in this situation! I'm thinking about using a hammer to drive the blade in since I can always lap out any damage later.
Is it common for MX4 to harden like this? Could I have accidentally used thermal epoxy instead of paste?
4 Answers
Sounds like a tough spot! MX4 can sometimes behave unpredictably, especially if it’s been exposed to high temperatures. If it’s really hardened, I think the razor blade method is solid. Just take it slow to avoid damaging anything. Many people have said twirling the sink slightly while applying heat can really help loosen the bond.
Definitely sounds like some bad luck there! MX4 is usually safe, but if it was applied carelessly or too thick, it can cause issues. You might even want to consider if maybe some liquid metal was mixed up with it, which can create more adhesion. Glad you're able to move forward with your build now!
Be careful with the hammer idea; it can lead to more damage than it’s worth! Many have mentioned that with MX4, it's essential to be gentle. But a thin razor blade does work wonders, just make sure you don't apply too much pressure. My instincts say you might just want to swap the cooler out if it gets really messy.
I ran into a similar issue with MX4. It can dry out pretty hard over time, leading to situations like yours where it bonds really tightly to the heat sink and CPU. A razor blade is definitely a good tool for this. I'm glad to hear you got yours out with it! Just be careful next time and try to heat things up before removal to avoid sticking so bad.
Yeah, I’ve heard people recommend running stress tests to heat up the CPU a little before removing the heat sink. It might help soften things up. Glad you managed to resolve it!
Good to know! I just had a nightmare experience with some paste too, and I didn’t realize it could actually cure that hard. Glad you found a way to get it off!