Reinstalling Core i5-2520M CPU in CoreHT PC
Printed From: ASRock.com
Category: Technical Support
Forum Name: HTPC&Gaming Barebone&Others
Forum Description: Question about HTPC&Gaming Barebone&Others
URL: https://forum.asrock.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=28894
Printed Date: 08 Sep 2024 at 11:13am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Reinstalling Core i5-2520M CPU in CoreHT PC
Posted By: Matt
Subject: Reinstalling Core i5-2520M CPU in CoreHT PC
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2024 at 10:08pm
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I'm trying to reinstall the CPU onto the MB in this CoreHT PC I have. I've got a CoreHT PC, pretty old new, which I still use connected to my TV. Recently the CPU fan has been running loud most of the time, and after cleaning out dust didn't help, I decided to see if the heatsink paste needed replacing. So I remove the CPU fan. What I hadn't realised is that CPU/fan is one assembly that all comes out together. Now I'm trying to reinstall it and having issues. The CPU socket is a ZIF type with a screw to turn to secure the CPU in place. But the heatsink completely covers this screw when I go to install the CPU. So I'm trying to work out how to do this. Should the screw simply be in a particular position when I screw the cpu/heatsink down? Is there a way to turn the socket-locking mechanism once the CPU is in? Thanks in advance for any advice. |
Replies:
Posted By: Xaltar
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2024 at 11:24pm
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It sounds like your thermal compound is either intentionally "glue"/a double sided tape compound or is so old and hardened it fused the CPU onto the heatsink. Regardless, it would have been applied after the CPU was installed and you will need to carefully separate the CPU from the heatsink to reinstall it. I tend to favor dousing the contact areas in WD40 or other penetrating oil. Once it's softened up you should be able to carefully separate the CPU and heatsink. Good luck. ------------- 
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Posted By: Matt
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2024 at 1:28am
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OK, that has worked. https://imgur.com/a/73QTQJN" rel="nofollow - https://imgur.com/a/73QTQJN The CPU was secured to the heatsink, but I was still able to separate them, clean them up, then re-install them one after another. First the CPU into the ZIF socket and securing it, then applying a little heatsink compound, then screwing the heatsink down on top of it. I'm still not convinced the two were ever intended to be separated, but all's well that ends well! Early days, but I think it's running quieter now too. Mission accomplished. |
Posted By: Xaltar
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2024 at 4:47am
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They were not meant to be stuck together, that kind of thermal compound always gets very sticky when it's dried out and stale  If the CPU was completely stuck to the heatsink then it's a good thing you replaced the thermal compound with fresh, you should see improved temps and quieter running. Glad it worked out for you  -------------
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