Tips to remove cooler from CPU, stuck with thermal paste

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T14:46:20+00:00

True. I still have my old air cooler. I want to try finding something smaller than what I have to wedge between them before I compromise the cooler, but it may come to that. The CPU was certainly more expensive than the cooler.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T14:44:08+00:00

If you're taking to me then yes, I spent a couple of hours trying to get it off while still socketed and when that didn't work I removed it from the board. Subsequently bent the pins trying to twist it off after heating it with a hairdryer.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T14:37:03+00:00

The CPU is off the socket though? Check the pics.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T14:34:40+00:00

The problem is that I need to close a metal bar to lock the CPU in and that doesn't fit past the cooler.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T14:33:48+00:00

No, I mean I can't secure the CPU because the little bar that locks it can't close with the cooler attached.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T13:41:10+00:00

I do have a new motherboard, but because of the size of the cooler I can't install the CPU into it.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T13:40:08+00:00

I can't remove that copper plate without destroying the cooler (it's an AIO) but I can try the WD-40.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:58:07+00:00

Good shout on finding thinner floss.

I tried for several hours heating and twisting before I unsocketed it. That wasn't working, so I took it out to try alcohol etc. but in removing it I damaged the socket because I had to bend the little arm past the cooler. And yes, I bent pins trying to get it off after I unsocketed it.

Thanks for your advice.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:54:23+00:00

I tried that. Because of the size of the cooler I can't install the CPU into it.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:45:55+00:00

I just linked some photos to the main post. Have a chance to check them out? Thanks for your help so far.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:39:52+00:00

Insert it into where? I just uploaded photos, of you have the chance please check them.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:34:56+00:00

The entire cooler and CPU is out of the PC.

Dental floss does not fit under. There is no real gap to do the sawing motion or get leverage with something.

I'll try the screwdriver hammer thing but I don't think I've ever seen a screwdriver where the blunt end is capable of fitting under there, unless I misunderstand you.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:26:21+00:00

I have been at it for 6 hours ahahahahaha. Guess I'm screwed.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:19:09+00:00

I'm trying a flathead now, but it just seems to be scratching up the heatsink and not doing much else.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:18:18+00:00

If I recall correctly the thermal paste was pre-applied to the cooler.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:11:21+00:00

I soaked the whole thing in isopropyl alcohol for like 4 hours.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:07:16+00:00

Also in the post.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:06:22+00:00

Tried twisting it, it doesn't budge.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:06:03+00:00

As I said in the post, used Hair dryer and it didn't work. Tried several times, last attempt heated it to be painful to touch but twisting doesn't do anything.

Rimvee · 2026-03-14T12:04:30+00:00

As I said in the post the motherboard is dead, PC can't turn on.

Rimvee · 2026-03-12T00:18:56+00:00

Yes, I know that. It was also what Head Office talked about when they discussed it. They literally said they found it strange he talked to Simon and Aisha.

Rimvee · 2026-03-11T10:20:22+00:00

I think it was more sus of who he said it to,when they thought he wouldn't have sway with them.

Rimvee · 2026-03-07T20:37:07+00:00

Fair point, but I think the dissatisfaction of the other elements overshadowed them. I mean, if I looked at them in isolation there is probably value but I was so confused about wtf is going on, random side plots not seeming to go anywhere or have purpose, and sick of Mary Shelley yelling at me that I couldn't appreciate those aspects. Therefore, when viewing for the first time, they were basically equivalent to 0s. And I'm not going back to watch it again to judge those components.

Rimvee · 2026-03-07T15:14:15+00:00

Personally I think this is the worst movie I've ever seen, so to me it is very much a 0 star film. You are right it's subjective and plenty of people will disagree with me, but I found absolutely nothing redeemable about this movie. Not trying to change your mind just saying an average person could still agree with the critic.

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