Sometimes, when you are about to remove a processor, you find that it has melted / glued to the heat sink, and the processor slips out of the socket before you lift the stabilizer lever and it can be difficult to remove without doing damage.
Steps
Step 1. Avoid prying the processor with metal objects
The processor should slide off the heatsink easily. Using foreign objects such as a razor blade could damage the processor.
Step 2. Spin the processor slightly on itself
Be careful not to bend the feet. Don't apply too much force.
Step 3. Soak the processor and heatsink in 90-95% isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes
This option does not harm the processor.
Step 4. Use dental floss
Pass a long piece of floss in the area between the processor and the heatsink, passing it in any corner where the floss is able to penetrate.
If the floss is flat, run it flat between the CPU and the heatsink, so you can make better use of the floss lever action
Step 5. Continue to pry up the wire
Continue to pass it back and forth applying gentle force as you penetrate between the processor and the heatsink.
Method 1 of 1: Alternative Method - The Heat Gun
Step 1. Warm the gun well
Each flat side of the CPU should be heated for 10 seconds. Keep the gun nozzle 2 cm away from the metal surface. Be careful not to touch the processor as you could damage the transistors.
Step 2. Hold the heatsink firmly and spin the CPU clockwise and counterclockwise
- If the CPU doesn't want any spinning, it still applies heat to the heatsink. The heat from the heatsink will melt the CPU thermal paste.
- The reason the CPU fuses to the heatsink is that the thermal paste is of low quality. Once the paste reaches a certain temperature, its molecular structure is altered slightly and the paste behaves like a glue. So if your cooler is cold, the CPU will stick. Just make sure you don't apply heat directly to the CPU. The isopropyl method is great, but if any liquid remains on the components when you plug them back in, you risk damaging the CPU or motherboard.
Advice
- To make sure the liquid you are using is suitable, rub it on glass. If it does not leave marks when it dries, it is suitable.
- If you can't find an isopropyl, methylated spirit is fine too.
- Dip the floss 90% in isopropyl. Make sure you have a long enough piece of floss that it can be wrapped 3-4 times around your hand. Run the wire to the corners of the processor and heatsink. Once the wire is inserted into one of the corners, grab the heatsink with your foot on the floor, with the processor facing up. Now, floss back and forth, gently but quickly. Try to get from side to side between the processor and the heatsink, and the processor will eventually come off.
- For greater effectiveness, soak the floss in a solvent specifically designed for removing PC heat sinks, available online or at computer stores.
- If the processor is in a working computer, turn on the computer for 15-20 minutes to warm it up. This alternative is safer than using the hot gun.
- You can use 90 +% ethanol, or take a risk using 70% isopropyl.
- Use dental floss, it works great!
Warnings
- As mentioned, do not try to detach the processor using a lever. Not only do you risk damaging it, but you can also scratch the surface of the heatsink or processor. This creates voids that can retain heat.
- Avoid damaging the heatsink unless you intend to throw it away.
- Do not use acetone, as it may damage the silicone.
