Frustrating problem with new build :( Please help!

[zeroneleven]

I got about 1/4 of the way through putting my first build together before I hit a major snag. It happened after I installed the CPU and started to install the heatsink. First of all, my board is a Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3P. The heatsink is a Thermalright Ultima-90.

I went to fit the backplate of the heatsink onto the back of the board, as per the instructions. However, one side of the backplate was sitting higher than the other side. I couldn't get it to sit flush against the board. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that a row of "pins" sticking out of the back of the motherboard was keeping the backplate from inserting properly.

Pictures can explain it better.

These pins on the motherboard,


are hitting one of the "pads" on the backplate,


and keeping it from sitting against the board.


Notice how the pillar to the right of the pins won't go through the board. If the pins were a millimeter or two to the right, everything would be fine.

As far as I can tell, this is a major problem for me and anyone else who buys this combination of mobo/heatsink. At the same time, I'm certain I've seen people with this combo, and I never read about any problems like this. But I don't see how I can possibly install this heatsink. Unless I can somehow "snip" off the offending pins. Otherwise, the heatsink will be slightly lopsided and pressing against those pins...

As I said, this is my first build, so if anyone can please help me out I'd appreciate it.

[shadowpr]

Have you tried rotating the back plate 90 degrees?

EDIT: For the consideration of others, could you make those images links.

[zeroneleven]

Thanks shadowpr, rotating it worked. It goes against the instructions, but I don't see any problem with it.