How hard/complex is it to remove heatsink?

Dj SharK · 11 Oct 2010

I was looking in my CPU because my HDD temp went up to 53C. I wanted to clean out the dust and noticed a lump of disgusting dust in my heatsink fan (if that's what it's called).

So my question, is there a picture tutorial or video on how to remove and clean them? And is it safe for someone that have little experience in this? I mean, installing RAM is one thing but this seems a little complex. I cannot risk the dust build-up and my PC end up dead (if that's even possible). I tried using the can of air thingy and that doesn't clear it.

I looked in YouTube and there are soooo many different ones but i can't find one similar or close to the one i've got.

zigzag3143 · 11 Oct 2010

Dj SharK said:

I was looking in my CPU because my HDD temp went up to 53C. I wanted to clean out the dust and noticed a lump of disgusting dust in my heatsink fan (if that's what it's called).

So my question, is there a picture tutorial or video on how to remove and clean them? And is it safe for someone that have little experience in this? I mean, installing RAM is one thing but this seems a little complex. I cannot risk the dust build-up and my PC end up dead (if that's even possible). I tried using the can of air thingy and that doesn't clear it.

I looked in YouTube and there are soooo many different ones but i can't find one similar or close to the one i've got.

Try youtube for a video.

whs · 11 Oct 2010

If you have a preinstalled OEM OS, there should be a hardware section in Help and Support that describes the bit. Else you should find it on the homepage of your PC manufacturer.

Desslok · 11 Oct 2010

First go buy some Arctic Silver 5, you can get at Frys, Radio Shack etc for about $10 or online sometimes cheaper. On that heatsink, the four black "cams" turn them the direction of the arrow and then pull up on each one. Then you will need to clean the heatsink and fan, clean off the old thermal compound and apply new compound, following Arctic Silvers instructions. Be VERY VERY careful when putting the pins back into the board, not to bend the white plastic clips at the end.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/intel_ap...on_method.html#

whs · 11 Oct 2010

This my help too: Arctic Silver, Inc. - Instructions

Wishmaster · 11 Oct 2010

Alternativley, pickup a can of compressed air and blow it out real well.

With the stock HeatSink, you can get by without removing it to clean it out, if you prefer. The compressed air should be able to blow most if not all of it.

Dj SharK · 11 Oct 2010

@ Desslok & whs: I'm not really familiar or heard of Arctic silver 5 but i'll be sure to read up all i could regarding that matter. Also, thank you Desslok for the quick tutorial. I've seen a video on YouTube on how to remove that (pretty simple) but am not too sure how to detach the fan from the heatsink. The video doesn't show that. Do i need to remove my MB from my case to be able to remove the heatsink?

@Wishmaster: I tried that a number of times but most of it gets lodged deeper or doesn't move much. It's these really think sticky dust. I've had this PC for 2 years and never cleaned that part. :S

kodi · 11 Oct 2010

Removing the heatsink should be a very last resort as you can damage hardware if it not done properly.
Using a fairly stiff paintbrush and the compressed air will remove it without causing any damage

Wishmaster · 11 Oct 2010

Arctic Silver 5 is the thermal Paste that needs to be applied between the CPU itself, and the Heatsink.
This must be done properly.

You can not re-use the old thermal paste. I find a soft, lint free cloth and rubbing alcohol works fine for removing the old.

Arctic Silver thermal paste is prefered by many, and is quite good.

Personally, I prefer MX-2. I find it easier to work with and seems to do just as good, or a little better than AS5. At least for me.

But its just a personal prefernce there. Either will do the job nicely.

whs · 11 Oct 2010

To add to Wishmasters guidance - once the top of the CPU was properly cleaned, it is recommended to squeeze a pea size amount of Arctic Silver on the middle of the CPU and then reinstall the heatsink. The pressure from the heatsink will distribute it evenly. Just make sure none is left lurking out of the sides.