Help processor stuck on the heatsink.

[earlboy2]

I was upgrading my AMD64 3200 with a newer processor, so I unlocked the the clamps holding the stock heatsink. As I pulled it out, it resisted, but not much, felt like the thermal compound sticking to the processor. I did not force it, and it came loose, but only on one side. The other side was giving me problems. I thougth the it was the clamp on the other side that's stuck in the notch ( that thing where the heatsink clamp holds on), so used a screw driver to try to dislodge the clamp, it was a bit thoug but the heatsink was finally free. But when I looked at the socket, the processor was missing. To my horror, I looked underneath the heatsink, and there it was, my processor, stuck on the heatsink with a bent pin.

My first problem is how to remove it from the heatsink. It looks like the thermal compound dired up and bonded the two together like glue. Any ideas on how to seprate the two?

My other question is. Will plugging in the new processor damage it if the mobo was damaged?

I think my old processer is broken. I'm plannin to put it back to the mobo to test it as soon as I separate it from the heatsink. Unless someone tells me this is a bad idea.

This is weird, firt time I encountered this situation. Help pls.

[KilluminatiStyle]

I doubt that there is any real damage done to either processor or the motherboard. A bent pin is really no big deal unless it breaks off when you bend it back.

If this was an Athlon XP 3200+ you might be in some trouble as the core is exposed directly to the heatsink. The althon 64's have the little "cover" over the cores (for the life of me I can't think of what it is actually called right now). Underneath that cover you'll find more thermal compound and under that the actual core. I'd say you can just use a razor blade and carefully score the thermal "cement" holding the CPU to the heatsink and then using a bit of force try and dislodge the processor. Just be sure that you score all around the CPU and be very careful not to cut, scrape, dent, or otherwise mame the CPU board. Don't worry about scuffing the heatsink. You can always lapp it later.

[Panama Red]

Take a close look at the pins on the cpu to determine if they are all the same length or if some are shorter. Shorter pins mean part of the pin is still in the socket. I have heard of one case where someone broke off ALL the pins so they all appeared short. If you have access to another cpu, compare the pin lengths.

You probably should have loosened the heatsink initially by using a slight twisting motion to work the heatsink back and forth until the thermal compound released it's grip. You can do the same thing now, just be very careful when holding the cpu. Wiggle it back and forth slightly to get it off the heat sink.

If you have any pin damage/shortening, I would recommend removing the mobo from the case. Open the lever on the socket (ZFI handle) and turn the mobo upside down over a clean table top or a piece of paper. Tap the bottom of the mobo lightly with your fingers on the back side of the socket. This should jar loose any pin fragments that may be lodged in the socket.

If all the pins are intact, you should be ok putting it back in the mobo for testing - or to use it again.

[earlboy2]

Ok I've managed to get the processor off the heatsink, I've compared the length of the pins againts my new processor, it's the same length. I'm gonna put it back again to test it before I replace it with my new processor. At least if anythng goes wrong it won't hurt... much.

@Panama Red, thanks for the tip, from now on, twist and wait for the release.

[Panama Red]

Make sure you clean off the old thermal compound and appy some new before power testing.

[earlboy2]

It still works!!! Thank you!!! I've learned a lot of things today. Specially the twist and wait for the release.

[earlboy2]

Replacing the old with the new proc. This should be fairly easy now.

[Louds3]

as a side note, i've read in a few places that you can use a hair drier to heat the heatsink and processor a little to help release the bond between the two.

steve