Probably everyone at one time or another has had a hassle with the intel CPU cooler/heat sink/fan that is supposed to just snap in place. Trouble is, its not clear how those complicated things work and many end up with splayed split pins and coolers that won't secure or cool. I've had more than my fair share of troubles that eventually resulted in these two solutions. This should be done with mobo removed from case. The pins are split at bottom and I refer to these as tangs.
1. Straighten the pins using needle nose pliers and squeeze the splayed tangs back to vertical, making sure the pin is fully retracted. Usually they can be straightened enough to coax into the holes.
Holding the mobo in one hand be sure the tips of the prongs are in teh hole and can be seen sticking out slightly from underside. If not, use a small screwdriver from above to push the tangs in place, then push the pin down. This should work even with 4 badly mangled pins. MY TIME: 20 minutes
If you can't get #1 above to work, the following is a sure-fire fix.
2. Bolt it down. I recommend using 1/2" nylon screw with either metal or plastic nuts, it won't matter as there is nothing to contact on underside of mobo. I found 1" screws at ACE and then cut them down to size. Use clippers to cut off existing pins. You must have proper size washers for the upper side to support the screw head. You can use metal screws, I just feel more comfortable with plastic. I do not see anything that they could cause a short by their use. MY TIME TO COMPLETE: 95 minutes.
1. Straighten the pins using needle nose pliers and squeeze the splayed tangs back to vertical, making sure the pin is fully retracted. Usually they can be straightened enough to coax into the holes.
Holding the mobo in one hand be sure the tips of the prongs are in teh hole and can be seen sticking out slightly from underside. If not, use a small screwdriver from above to push the tangs in place, then push the pin down. This should work even with 4 badly mangled pins. MY TIME: 20 minutes
If you can't get #1 above to work, the following is a sure-fire fix.
2. Bolt it down. I recommend using 1/2" nylon screw with either metal or plastic nuts, it won't matter as there is nothing to contact on underside of mobo. I found 1" screws at ACE and then cut them down to size. Use clippers to cut off existing pins. You must have proper size washers for the upper side to support the screw head. You can use metal screws, I just feel more comfortable with plastic. I do not see anything that they could cause a short by their use. MY TIME TO COMPLETE: 95 minutes.