Hello,

In a computer I have built, I am going to replace my Sempron 64 processor with a dual core Athlon x2. As best I can tell, I must first remove the heat sink/fan assembly of the installed processor in order to access the processor latch.

Since the installed AMD heat sink uses an adhesive thermal compound, how difficult will it be to remove the heat sink? Will it require enough force to potentially damage the mother board? What is the best way to remove the heat sink safely?

Tom Weeks

Before removing HSF, turn on computer, let it run for a while(15min.?) under heavy load. The heat should soften the compound. After turning off and disconnecting mains, release the HSF lever, release the clips. Try to wiggle the HSF sideways, there is sometimes a very small gap, enough to let it move tiny bit. Do not pull straight up until you feel its loose from the CPU.

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Hello go_for,

I followed your instructions and the heat sink/fan came loose at the first wiggle. The whole CPU replacement took an amazingly short 8 minutes. After I did the replacement I discovered an AMD video on You Tube showing the procedure. Your description was as good as the video.

Thanks for the help.

Tom Weeks

How can I clean the old adhesive thermal compound off of cpu and heat sink?

~~~~~~~~How can I clean the old adhesive thermal compound off of cpu and heat sink? ~~~~~~~~~

Scrape what you can with a credit card, then use isopropyl alcohol and a soft rag to wipe the remainder off.