help removing chipset heatsink

[jshoop]

i have an old socket 775 motherboard with alot of dust in the slots are everywhere hard to get to, so im gonna give it an alchohol bath. however, i need to take off the heatsinks to change the thermal paste. The cpu cooler and northbridge heatsinks were easy, but i cant seem to get the southbridge heatsink off. i've tried many ways, and im hoping i dont have to unsolder the pins holding the bracket in.

Heres my motherboard:

https://panam.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Intel2/4006194R/4006194Rnv.shtml

im talking about the heatsink on the lower right near the sata ports. heres a closer view of how its locked in

https://panam.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Intel2/4006194R/4006194Rmvr23.shtml
https://panam.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Intel2/4006194R/4006194Rmvr24.shtml

any help would be great

 

[jshoop]

update: i popped off the metal bar holding it down with a pocket knife and a screwdriver, but the bond between chip and heatsink is really strong. i dont know whats connecting them together, but am i safe to try to pull off the heatsink? would it damage the motherboard?

 

[Eximo]

Twist, rather then pull, to remove heatsinks when possible. More then likely they used a thermal pad or compound. If they used thermal adhesive, it may take significant force.

 

[jshoop]

if it has used adhesive, would i be able to use paste when i put it back on? the metal bar took som force when i was trying to get it off, so it will be held down after.

i may have to take a trip to the bathroom to get it off with a blowdryer. the heat should loosen the adhesive. Should i worry about anything around the heatsink when heating it up with a blowdryer?

 

[Eximo]

Hairdryer can't really get hot enough to do any damage. They are built under much warmer conditions.

Yes, you can replace thermal adhesive with regular compound, just have to have something hold it in place for that to work. The metal bar should be enough.

 

[jshoop]

i gave it the alchohol bath and the adhesive stayed, the heatsink still cant move, so i'm just gonna leave it how it is and put the bar back on it.

thanks for the help