Removal of Heatsink

[Audio111]

Hello Everyone,

I have recently received a computer that someone built for me. After turning it on, I found out that the CPU temperature was rising up to 100oC during stress. I concluded that this may be because there is no thermal paste or that the heat sink is mounted incorrectly. I cannot currently get into contact with the person who built the computer for me and I wish to remove the heatsink and check it out. Unfortunately, I do not know how to remove it as it is an aftermarket heatsink from some Chinese company. I have included pictures of it below. Anyone know how I would remove it? I don't want to tamper and break something.

Thanks!

Here are the links to the pictures:

http://imgur.com/sJn0mEg

http://imgur.com/AUio6wz

 

[Hayden Hutsell]

the tab things hook around a little latch near the base, so I think you use the tabs to get the things holding it down to release. tip: remove cards to get a better view?

 

[Cristi72]

Hello,

What CPU are you using? If you have a Pentium or i3, try to find a stock Intel cooler and ditch that aftermarket cooler ASAP (I know you just want to check/change the thermal compound, but that cooler is a low-quality one; only Zalman produces decent-quality flower-like coolers).

If you have an i5 or i7, go for: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&cm_re=hyper_212_evo-_-35-103-099-_-Product

 

[Audio111]

Hello,

What CPU are you using? If you have a Pentium or i3, try to find a stock Intel cooler and ditch that aftermarket cooler ASAP (I know you just want to check/change the thermal compound, but that cooler is a low-quality one; only Zalman produces decent-quality flower-like coolers).

If you have an i5 or i7, go for: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&cm_re=hyper_212_evo-_-35-103-099-_-Product

Yeah, I have an i3 and I think its a poor quality cooler also. I have an intel stock one I can put in. Still having issues removing it though. I tried pulling on the tabs but nothing is budging.

Here's a picture of the back of the motherboard:

http://imgur.com/hADRZiA

Any ideas?

 

[Cristi72]

Yeah, I have an i3 and I think its a poor quality cooler also. I have an intel stock one I can put in. Still having issues removing it though. I tried pulling on the tabs but nothing is budging.

Here's a picture of the back of the motherboard:

http://imgur.com/hADRZiA

Any ideas?

You have two levers, one of each side of the fan. Push the left lever (or which lever has a hinge) towards the motherboard until it stops (use the thumb), maintain the pressure, put the index (or the middle finger) under the lever and rotate the lever upwards:
http://i.imgur.com/oPKWLaG.png

EDIT: After you detach the cooler, you should also detach the plastic frame from the motherboard; you must rotate all the 4 pins counter-clockwise and pull the pins from the motherboard.

Before mounting the stock Intel cooler, watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcQgZX-4W0o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qczGR4KMnY

 

[Audio111]

I am doing what you are saying but its not working. Both levers have hinges from what it looks like. I push one of the levels towards the motherboard but its not moving at all.

 

[Audio111]

Yeah, I have an i3 and I think its a poor quality cooler also. I have an intel stock one I can put in. Still having issues removing it though. I tried pulling on the tabs but nothing is budging.

Here's a picture of the back of the motherboard:

http://imgur.com/hADRZiA

Any ideas?

You have two levers, one of each side of the fan. Push the left lever (or which lever has a hinge) towards the motherboard until it stops (use the thumb), maintain the pressure, put the index (or the middle finger) under the lever and rotate the lever upwards:
http://i.imgur.com/oPKWLaG.png

EDIT: After you detach the cooler, you should also detach the plastic frame from the motherboard; you must rotate all the 4 pins counter-clockwise and pull the pins from the motherboard.

Before mounting the stock Intel cooler, watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcQgZX-4W0o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qczGR4KMnY

Hey again,
I just managed to get the heatsink off, however, another issue....I have no clue how to detach the plastic flame. There is no place to screw it off...

Here's a picture:

http://imgur.com/Qn3LSq4

 

[Audio111]

I was able to get heatsink base off and installed stock cooler. Temps are around 50oC under stress. I think the old fan was installed incorrectly and the quality was very poor.

Many thanks

 

[Cristi72]

I was able to get heatsink base off and installed stock cooler. Temps are around 50oC under stress. I think the old fan was installed incorrectly and the quality was very poor.

Many thanks

Don't mention it, I'm glad you solved the problem. Have fun, enjoy your system!