I'm having a tough time getting my CPU cooler off. It's a deep blue fan model, and I've removed all the screws in the corners. I've even preheated the CPU and tried pulling and prying on it for over an hour. I suspect the thermal paste has become really hardened—it's been at least 5 years since I last changed it. I tried wiggling it and using various tools, but nothing's working. I even removed my GPU to get a better angle, but that didn't help. There's this latch that says 'ultra durable,' but I'm not sure it's meant for the heat sink. I'm worried about damaging the motherboard since I can feel it flexing as I struggle to get the heat sink off. Any advice?
5 Answers
You might want to run your computer to heat it up a bit. Running a stress test with software like AIDA64 could loosen it up after getting hot. If the paste is thermal adhesive, you'll need to use something like acetone to break it down.
Consider using something like fishing line to cut through the thermal paste instead of pulling on the heat sink. Sometimes that method can work better without risking damage.
When you heat it up, make sure to turn the fans off first. You want to get it as hot as possible for max heat transfer and break the bond of the paste.
Have you tried twisting it? That can sometimes help break the bond made by the thermal paste. Just be careful not to put too much pressure on the motherboard when you're twisting.
Floss can be useful too! Just slide it underneath to help break the paste's grip if twisting doesn't work.
I've been twisting it for about 20 minutes while holding the metal piece and the corners, but it just won't move at all.