<Got it!>Removing CPU Heat Sink/Fan Socket AM2

[Ray2047]

Feeling dumb tonight. I installed it and I have read the instructions a couple of times but I can't figure out how to remove the cooler on my AMD Athlon socket AM2 CPU. It has a curved black lever on one side that I'm pretty sure I need to move to remove it but can't get it to move with reasonable pressure. Don't want to break anything. Just want to blow out the heat sink under the fan and apply new grease.

CPU Is a dual core AMD64. Any help appreciated.

[T6]

http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,83170.0.html

my rule is: if you don't have temperature problems, don't do it

probably thermal paste is at same states as i described

if you still want to do it, remove lock on the heatsink and make soft movements, twisting heatsink without much strength, anyway ther is not much space

don't remove the plastic that gives support to the heatsink, too complicated and could damage/twist mainboard

[Ray2047]

if you still want to do it, remove lock on the heatsink and make soft movements, twisting heatsink without much strength, anyway ther is not much space

That's part of my problem I don't understand how to remove the lock. The heat sink and fan assembly seems to hold the CPU in.

I have had over heating in the past when watching videos. Since the computer is down for other problems I thought I'd redo this too.

[ezas]

I assume you are running the stock AMD HS?

I didn't read T6's link but the CPU chip itself if held in place by the zero force thingy. It's the little (thin) silver lever that lays right next to the socket. The black lever holds the HS to the chip via the metal retention bracket. The metal bracket clips on to the frame on the motherboard.

When I switched out my mainboard a few weeks ago I accidentally twisted off my stock AMD HS on a phenom II X3. Fresh paste applied exactly according to Artic Silver web site instructions got me a nice drop in temps. I was surprised at the improvement. It made me realize that I didn't need an aftermarket HS/Fan to run a mild overclock.

As for the lever don't know what to tell you. Mine moved with what I would consider a very normal amount of pressure. I'll shut down and take a look and see if I can offer anything helpful.

[ezas]

This is on an AM2+ socket so don't know how similar the AM2 is.

Moving the plastic lever is the first step in removing the HS and/or the CPU die. The plastic lever flips up to release the pressure on the HS. At full release it is 180* from where it was when locked in place. Just for reference on my stock AMD HS the lever is about 1/2 way up the HS. It is a small blue plastic lever, about an inch in length and when locked is parallel to the MoBo.

On my AM2+ socket the plastic lever has a slight initial resistance (maybe the first 1/4" of arc) then the tension on the lever from the metal hold down bracket starts putting pressure on the lever to open. In other words resistance is only felt at the very beginning of lever movement and then it wants to open itself. I looked around a little bit and didn't really notice anything the lever could hang  up on at least not on my MoBo.

The pressure it took to open was barely enough to press into the flesh of my finger tip.

I did a little (very little) googling and found some how to-threads but no problems removing threads jumped out. What I did learn is that the thickness of the OEM thermal pad (vs grease) makes the lever harder to move since there is more tension on the retaining brackets. How much more I can't say. When I removed mine I don't recall it taking anything more than slight pressure to open. Didn't even feel close to feeling like I was going to break something.

Good luck

[Ray2047]

When I removed mine I don't recall it taking anything more than slight pressure to open. Didn't even feel close to feeling like I was going to break something.

Mine is actually a squared curved lever about 1-1/2". It starts to significantly deform with out moving when I apply pressure and that is what worries me. Attached to the lever is a  square bar that runs through the fan mount. The bar  connects to fingers going down each side that are inserted under the CPU socket. Sorry no camera so I can't supply a picture.  Thank you for the reply.

[T6]

this old video for a older model of the heatsink you have will illustrate you about the plastic lock, it is different but the movement is the same, if you are using the one that came with the cpu in the box that thing is strong but if you have doubts and know how to handle a screwdriver you can remove it by hand but you also can break it or break mainboard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZdRqLskLgw

the model you have doesn't have two screws, the black plastic part should be what holds the heatsink in place but after you do the same movement done in the video both sides should be released

the twisting heatsink movement that didn't worked for me but you see used here, do it

after you remove the heatsink you will have to use thermal paste or buy a new thermal compound to replace the one it has now, you can't reuse it, could be dangerous, in two years will stop working and system will become hotter and hotter

[Ray2047]

Super Villain, Thank you, thank you. That was what I needed to know. Actually never did get the lever to move even with the video but prying the clip with a screwdriver did it. I admit I was close to just using the screwdriver but kept thinking, no, the lever needs to be moved. You and UPS have made my Thanksgiving eve. You showed me how to get the cooler off and UPS delivered the PSU that wasn't scheduled for delivery till Monday.

Yes, I have a new tube of Arctic Silver and isopropyl alcohol to clean it.

[T6]

glad to help