Can't remove heatsink retaining clip!

Hello, everyone.

On trying to install an Athlon XP 2400 to upgrade an older motherboard with a Socket 462 - try as I may, and I have really tried hard, to remove the single retaining clip on the heatsink, which runs through the centre of the unit - I just cannot manoeuvre it of the holding lug. I've tried just about every combination of pushing down & pulling with the screwdriver, but the clip just will not release.

I have in mind to remove the motherboard to get more access and place it on a flat surface to get more purchase. However, removing the motherboard is really the last thing I want to do. I have also thought about the more drastic measure of trying to saw through the neck of the retaining clip head in order to free the heatsink. If I do that, I'll probably have to but a new heatsink unit complete with a retaining clip. I have looked to buy just a retaining clip, but have not seen these for sale separate from a heatsink to date.

Any advice/suggestions to remove the retaining clip would be appreciated.

Dave.

Yup, those clips can be genuine bastards to remove (or install).

My advice:
-Get the mobo out (sorry, I know it stinks, but that way you have the smallest risk of damaging the board itself.

-One of the sides of the retaining clip should have a notch where a flathead screwdriver can fit.

-Get two flathead screwdrivers, one that fits the above notch, and one slightly bigger.

(If you're lefthanded, reverse the instructions that follow)

-Put the motherboard on something that won't damage it, like a piece of polystyrene or a hard pillow

-Turn the motherboard so that the notch is to the left of the cooler from your point of view.

-Take the smallest screwdriver in your left hand, insert it into the notch, and gently press down.

-Take the bigger screwdriver in your right hand, hold it so the head is vertical and put in between the vertical part of the retaining clip and the heatsink itself. Do this on the same side as the notch (so the side that's now being pressed down by your left hand).

-Now slowly rotate the bigger screwdriver so the head turns to a horizontal position.
The retaining clip should be free from the bottom of the pin on the socket because of the screwdriver pushing down, and by turning the other screwdriver, it'll clear the pin completely. Once it's clear, slowly release pressure on your left hand and the clip should come of clean.

Kind of a 'dummies guide on how to', but I hope it helps.

Thanks,

I'll give your suggestions a go. These clips can be really hard work to remove.

Dave.

Thanks, Itsacon.

I followed your suggestions and they worked where all other attempts have failed. The clip released quiet easily using your method. Great work!

Dave.

lol. i simply use heavy duty long nose plier and a heavy duty flathead. i use the flathead to push it down and the pliers to pull the clip off the side, so as to not damage the heatsink.

im glad you got it off in the end though. i still remember my first few attepts at removing a heatsink from a socket A, that was a bitch without proper knowledge and tools.

Yeah, I use a cheap pair of pliers and my finger to push it down. I push down on it and then sort of twist it out and it comes out in seconds.

You're welcome...

Hi there, I'm a newbie at this, but I thought I'd share my tip on this:

I found a much simpler way to detach the heatsink when the clip is too hard,- just unscrew the cpu frame that holds the heatsink on the motherboard,- no need for use of force or risk of damaging anything.

Being frustrated and tired I read this (and several other similar) recommendations on how to detach it, but luckily I spent a few hours on the eye so I didn't stress myself, and figured it would be easier to just unscrew the hole frame.

Worked fine for me on an Amd AM3-processor and my Asus Sabertoot 990FX-board
.

hello
I can't seem to find a way to remove the heat sink from my Dell Dimension 3000. Can anybody give me link or illustrated steps on how to do it?