How hard/complex is it to remove heatsink?

[Dj SharK]

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]

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]

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]

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_application_method.html#

 

[whs]

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

 

[Wishmaster]

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]

@ 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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Dj SharK]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Lomai]

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]

). 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]

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]

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]

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!