removing AMD socket A heatsink problem

[notation101]

I am looking to re-apply the thermal compound between an old athlon XP
2600+ cpu and the stock heatsink on an old socket A asus A7N8X-VM
mobo, to reduce the cpu temperature. Taking off the heatsink on a
socket 939 was easy but I am not sure how to take off this socket A
heatsink. Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

 

[Guy]

From your description, you are unable to remove the CPU and heatsink
from the motherboard.

There should be three slots on one side of the heatsink retaining
clip. They interact with three plastic notches on the CPU mount. This
device presses the heatsink against the CPU.

To remove the heatsink and CPU:

1. Follow all safety procedures to prevent electric shock and
electrostatic discharge.

2. Using a small flat-head screwdriver, depress the heatsink retaining
clip until the three slots disengage from the CPU mount. You will
probably have to help the slots disengage. Warning: be careful not to
hit the motherboard or the capacitors with your hands or the
screwdriver.

3. Once you have the heatsink retaining clip removed you can remove
the heatsink. If it is stuck and you are unable to remove it, remove
it with the CPU. The CPU is in a ZIF socket, so just lift the lever
and pick up the assembly.

Take great care to not bend the CPU pins.

Check your motherboard's documentation to verify the layout before you
start

 

[larry moe 'n curly]

I am looking to re-apply the thermal compound between an old athlon XP
2600+ cpu and the stock heatsink on an old socket A asus A7N8X-VM
mobo, to reduce the cpu temperature.

A screwdriver blade of the right width and taper helps a lot to
prevent slipping and give good leverage. If the taper is too narrow
the screwdriver will hit the heatsink before the clip is completely
free of the plastic cleats.

I like to protect the copper traces on the mobo from being gouged by
placing a thin layer of tough material between the bottom of the clip
and the mobo. Shim copper, brass, or aluminum or plastic from a
bleach or soda bottle will do.

 

[Jan Alter]

A screwdriver blade of the right width and taper helps a lot to
prevent slipping and give good leverage. If the taper is too narrow
the screwdriver will hit the heatsink before the clip is completely
free of the plastic cleats.

I like to protect the copper traces on the mobo from being gouged by
placing a thin layer of tough material between the bottom of the clip
and the mobo. Shim copper, brass, or aluminum or plastic from a
bleach or soda bottle will do.

Before attempting to release the clips of the HSF from the socket run the
computer for 15 minutes or so to heat up the processor and thermal compound
beneath. That will soften it to allow easier removal of the HSF from the
CPU.

 

[notation101]

I've had another look at this heatsink making a gentle attempt at
removing the restraining clip without success, clearly a good amount
of force would be required and taking into account the risks of
damaging and gouging something with the screwdriver, it's all bit too
risky even if putting some quality arctic silver 5 compound would be
welcome it just aint worth the risk of doing major damage. I'm glad
that taking off heatsinks is so much easier on modern mobos.

Anyhow thanks for all the advice!!!

 

[Jon Danniken]

I've had another look at this heatsink making a gentle attempt at
removing the restraining clip without success, clearly a good amount
of force would be required and taking into account the risks of
damaging and gouging something with the screwdriver, it's all bit too
risky even if putting some quality arctic silver 5 compound would be
welcome it just aint worth the risk of doing major damage. I'm glad
that taking off heatsinks is so much easier on modern mobos.

What do you think we had to do when we *built* the things in the first
place?

It's a leaf spring, nothing else. Insert a screwdriver or a nutdriver at the
latch end, press down and lever back, and the latch is disengaged.

It is too strong to do with your fingers, but a screwdriver/nutdriver is all
the tool you will need. Use only as much force as is necessary, be firm,
gently.

Here is a guide with some pictures showing installation:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/white_papers_and_tech_docs/23986.pdf

Jon

 

[PeterC]

I am looking to re-apply the thermal compound between an old athlon XP
2600+ cpu and the stock heatsink on an old socket A asus A7N8X-VM
mobo, to reduce the cpu temperature. Taking off the heatsink on a
socket 939 was easy but I am not sure how to take off this socket A
heatsink. Any help would be appreciated.

I've just done mine (used Zalman ZM-STG1 and lowered the temp. by 3°C).

On 1 side there's a plastic clip (green on mine). I put a screwdriver that
fitted well in to the outer slot then pressed down and then levered the
clip outwards a little until the metal clips just cleared the tabs on the
socket.
When replacing the h/s, make sure that it's not resting on the raised bit
underneath.

hth,

Peter.