How hard/complex is it to remove heatsink?

Dj SharK · 11 Oct 2010

Thank you for all the tips. I will read up on it (since i read somewhere that if applied too much/wrongly, it would only spike up the temps even more).

Appreciate everything.

Wishmaster · 11 Oct 2010

Dj SharK said:

Thank you for all the tips. I will read up on it (since i read somewhere that if applied too much/wrongly, it would only spike up the temps even more).

Appreciate everything.

This is quite true.
The reason is, rather than efficently dissipating the heat from the CPU to the Heatsink (as it is supposed to), it acts as a insulator if it is applied too thick.

Pusspa · 11 Oct 2010

just a note, do NOT force the clips holding the fan/heatsink assembly on the cpu. they require a certain amount of pressure to release, but can be broken rather easily.

Dj SharK · 12 Oct 2010

I did it! Well, i picked up my 500GB HDD from servicing a couple hours ago and since i was at the hardware store, decided to get a new power supply (500W) and went to a friends' place to get a Nvidia 8500 GT 512MB graphic card that he no longer use.

Since i have no experience at all with any of these (except fitting the graphic card; which is straight forward), i decided to risk it all by change the power supply and remove the heatsink. Did a little twist (90 degree) and it came loose but did not detach. I wiggle it and it didn't come off. So i yanked it a tad bit and it came off one and a time. I got a toothpick and cleaned out the heatsink (since i can't figure out how to remove the fan). Unfortunately, i totally forgot about the thermal paste. I'll get them soon though.

Everything seems to be running fine and looks great! Except the GPU temp is crazy high (80+C when case is on and 75~C when i remove my side panel. For now, i'm leaving the side panel open since i don't exactly want anything in my CPU to burn. :S

whs · 12 Oct 2010

Without the thermal paste you are taking a great risk. I would fix that asap.

Lomai · 12 Oct 2010

whs said:

Without the thermal paste you are taking a great risk. I would fix that asap.

+1 - I'm hoping that the CPU was not pulled attached to the heatsink. Otherwise he should be definitely having issues with his box.

Desslok · 12 Oct 2010

Dj SharK said:

). Unfortunately, i totally forgot about the thermal paste. I'll get them soon though.

Everything seems to be running fine and looks great! Except the GPU temp is crazy high (80+C when case is on and 75~C when i remove my side panel. For now, i'm leaving the side panel open since i don't exactly want anything in my CPU to burn. :S

If you don't have thermal paste, shut it off and unplug it until you get some. Your GPU is hot, not your CPU? Are you sure the GPU fan is running? Is there a plastic shroud around the fan/heatsink part of the vid card?

Luckystar · 12 Oct 2010

Guys, not sure if i missed, but did anyone mention to the OP about Thermal paste remover.

Arctic Silver ArctiClean 30ml Thermal material remover.. | Ebuyer.com

That is what i use, cleaner first then purifier (if you look, you can get these in one bottle, obviously called something else, TIM Remover i think)

Sorry peeps to hijack but were'nt sure if that was mentioned.

Lucky

kodi · 12 Oct 2010

Dj SharK said:

I got a toothpick and cleaned out the heatsink (since i can't figure out how to remove the fan).

If you had read my previous post and used a paint brush you would not have to remove the heatsink at all and you would not have to replace the thermal paste

Dj SharK · 12 Oct 2010

Desslok said:

If you don't have thermal paste, shut it off and unplug it until you get some. Your GPU is hot, not your CPU? Are you sure the GPU fan is running? Is there a plastic shroud around the fan/heatsink part of the vid card?

Yes, CPU temp is quite alright i guess. Only the graphic card temp is insane (attachment 1). GPU fan? My previous card (Nvidia 7300 LE 256 MB) have a tiny little fan on it. My current card (Asus/Nvidia EN8500GT 512 MB) doesn't though (attachment 2). Which would you reckon is better? One with a little fan or the other?

@Everybody else, thank you!