Can't remove cpu cooler

[ptorgeaux]

I've recently discovered that my cpu is running completely, utterly, ridiculously hot. It's an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 running at 93* C. In attempt to solve the problem, I was going to pop open the case and redo my thermal paste. However, I can't seem to unscrew the cpu cooler from the motherboard. I don't want to crack it or anything. Any ideas?

 

[Conumdrum]

Please tell us the CPU cooler you have and post a link to it so we don't have to figure it out.

I don't think it has any screws. Or it would already be an aftermarket cooler that you installed, and you would know how to take it off.

 

[AKM880]

Is it the Intel stock cooler? Or a different one with mounting hardware and bolts?

 

[daship]

Some people have no business taking off the side panel.

 

[Conumdrum]

Some people have no business taking off the side panel.

Massive help with that post.

 

[ptorgeaux]

Some people have no business taking off the side panel.

Oh, I agree entirely. I'm the type of person that should have gotten a dell, apparently. I do have an aftermarket cooler. I put together the rig myself. I believe this is the cooler http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?category_id=1623&product_id=2736. I know how to get it off, but I can't budge the screws.

I appreciate any input guys, thanks.

 

[hundredislandsboy]

How tight can those screws be? Just some downward pressure as you turn the screwdriver should be enough.

 

[ptorgeaux]

Actually that would have been a good reason why you couldn't take the hsf off some prebuilt machine. Your only making yourself look a lot worse by saying you put it on there.

Listen, I spare myself no humiliation. My intent wasn't to make myself sound good, I just want to fix the problem. And yes, the screws are really freaking tight. With this area being delicate, I don't want to break anything. If the only viable answer is "push harder" so be it, but I thought there might be a potentially less harmful approach.

 

[rubix_1011]

Push not quite as hard as push harder? Really, if you have this much apprehension removing the cooler, are you sure you have a decent idea of what you are looking at, anyway? Part of your problem could be that its TOO TIGHT to begin with.

 

[ptorgeaux]

Well I thought I made it pretty apparent it was too tight to begin with. I'm not an idiot, I just don't want to crack the motherboard, strip the screws and never be able to get the cooler off, damage God knows what other parts.

Let's assume we were talking about opening a tight jar. I would recommend someone heat up the lid under hot water and then try again. These are the type of answers I am looking for. I thought I couldn't be the first person to encounter this issue. If I am, I guess it's time to get innovative. This didn't have to be a troll-fest.

 

[overshocked]

Did u buy this from s manufacturer or did u build it?

 

[ptorgeaux]

I built it.

 

[overshocked]

Sorry, there isnt a magical way to get it off.

All i can say is that when cold thermal paste can get REALLY hard. so i would turn on ur system for about 15min then turn it off and try to get the cooler off immidiatly.

 

[jonsy2k]

Sorry, there isnt a magical way to get it off.

All i can say is that when cold thermal paste can get REALLY hard. so i would turn on ur system for about 15min then turn it off and try to get the cooler off immidiatly.

Yeah I was going to suggest this as well. I'm not really sure why there was a big influx of useless and offensive posts, but I'd go with this idea.

I think there was another guy with a problem similar to this, where he stuck it in the oven for a tiny bit and managed to get it off, but since your comp is still functioning, just turning it on should be fine.