[SOLVED] Heatsink stuck

[DorianGrey]

I have a dell optiplex 9010 mt and im wanting to remove the heatsink to replace thermal paste but it will not come off . Feels like its stuck to the cpu. Is there any way to get it off without damaging the board or cpu?

 

[bignastyid]

If the system won't run you can warm the cpu cooler up with a heatgun or hair dryer. If the system will run just run it for awhile to warm it up and remove the heatsink while it's warm.

 

[DorianGrey]

The system can run so ill do that

Also it being stuck like this is this a sign of i will have to applynew paste or just the stuff on here beforehand is just that old per say?

 

[geofelt]

Always run the pc to heat up the processor.
That softens up the paste so you can remove the cooler easily.
Yes, whenever you remove the cooler, you need to replace the paste.
And... you need to first remove all of the old paste.
Alcohol and a lint free paper coffee filter works well.