Can't get CPU cooler off

[Ruben_Samich]

So I'm cleaning out my computer cause I was getting 20 frames in everything and I looked inside and it's super dusty. So I took my graphics card and my RAM out. Next I was gonna take my (Intel Stock) CPU cooler out. I turned and pulled the pins but I still can't take it off. I can pull it about 3/4 of an inch away from the processor but I can't get it free. Am I just not pulling hard enough? I don't want to break the white pins underneath.

 

[luckymatt42]

It might be the old thermal paste that is sticking. Make absolutely sure that all the retaining pins are retracted all the way. Try twisting it off.

You might need to clarify though. If you can get it 3/4 of an inch away from the processor...it's off. You may need to describe exactly what you mean by that phrase...like is one side lifting off but the other is staying?

 

[shmoochie]

If it is the old paste sticking, you can let the pc run under load for a bit to warm it up and then twist it off. It almost sounds like the pins aren't all removed though if you can pull it 3/4 of an inch away.

 

[Calvin7]

Twist in a clock and anti-clockwise rotational direction, which creates a shear force in the thermal interface. Failure to break the adhesion seal between the HSF and the processor may result in pulling the processor out of the socket, possibly resulting in processor and / or socket damage.