Windows 7: 4 heatsink screws won't unscrew

Hey guys!



I am having a problem with the 4 screws that hold the heatsink in place.

They just won't move, and so of course I am held up in building my PC until I can find a way to get them out of there. It's a Small Form Factor Acer Aspire 1400 desktop PC that has what looks like a comparatively small heatsink/fan, and it's made by a company called AVC.

I've tried a couple of different screwdrivers, but to no avail!

It would actually be more instructive if you could use the paperclip icon and attach a picture of it.

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It sounds like whatever the screws go into is turning, check the back of the board, I assume you have it out of the case since you mentioned a new build.

I apologize for my late reply (unavoidable circumstances). I found out that I didn't have the right screwdriver size. I just needed something that would give me enough torque.

I am having another problem, though. I wish I had a digital camera to take pictures and show you guys, but I'll do my best to explain it.

The SFF Acer happens to have used a heatsink that screws straight into the motherboard, whereas my new motherboard has one of those plastic brackets that is screwed into the motherboard, and it just requires a heatsink with those clips that the SFF heatsink don't have.

Since my motherboard (Biostar A770E3) is socket AM3, I assume the AM3 heatsinks with the metal clips should be the correct width...

Also, can I get a heatsink with a 3 pin connector when the connection on my motherboard is 4 pin?

The plastic bracket is standard for the AM3 socket for the CPU cooler to attach to. Hook one side of the hooks, usually the one opposite the lever, then hook the other side down and flip the lever to tighten it down. The 3 pin connector will work fine. My board also has a 4-pin connector but the fan is a 3-pin.

Thank you so much for your help! Now to order the heatsink and fan!

You're welcome, just be aware of space you have.