[SophieMayk]

Hello,

 

I'm trying to clean up and apply some new thermal paste but I can't seem to remove my heat sink.

 

I honestly don't even know what the part is called and can't read the serial number unless I remove it.

 

I've released the tension clips and tried unscrewing the only visible screws I can see, however I still cannot remove the heat sink. 

 

I've attached some pictures if there's anyone who can advise what I should be removing and or what I might be missing.

 

Thanks.

 

 

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First things first, why are you wanting to clean up and re apply new thermal compound in the first place.

 

Thermal compound when correctly applied will most often last the lifetime of the computer and the only time ever need to be replaced if the heatsink is removed for some reason.

[phillpower2]

First things first, why are you wanting to clean up and re apply new thermal compound in the first place.

 

Thermal compound when correctly applied will most often last the lifetime of the computer and the only time ever need to be replaced if the heatsink is removed for some reason.

[SophieMayk]

First things first, why are you wanting to clean up and re apply new thermal compound in the first place.

 

Thermal compound when correctly applied will most often last the lifetime of the computer and the only time ever need to be replaced if the heatsink is removed for some reason.

 

This computer has hit its 10th birthday so I wanted to check if it needed reapplying. If it doesn't need doing I'll skip that part.

 

Under and within the fan is full of dust but I can't access it to clean without taking it out. 

[phillpower2]

If the CPU is not overheating best thing you can do is leave well alone, it is not uncommon for people to end up pulling the heatsink too hard and then ending up pulling the CPU from the socket which as you can imagine does not end well.

 

Best way to clean out those dust bunnies is with canned compressed air like the example here

 

Best done outside or in the garage while wearing a mask, do not upend the can as fluid can sometimes come out and last but not least avoid using a vacuum cleaner as they can generate static that will ruin the CPU and MB etc.

[SophieMayk]

Best Answer

I was concerned about pulling out the CPU so I will leave well alone then.

 

Thank you for the advice! Compressed air it is

[phillpower2]

Most wise and you are welcome