Hello all,

I have a cpu cooler question. It's not linux specific though. I'm running ubuntu 12.4 and the cpu cooler on my pc is going. I ordered a new one but the problem is removing the old cpu fan and heatsink. It uses a mechanism I've never seen before on a amd cooler.

I managed to find a picture of it but the company that I think made it doesn't list it on it's site.
http://www.p-wholesale.com/cn-pro/5/...ler-81039.html
Have any of you ever installed one of these and if so how do you get it off. Do I push the lever toward the cpu or away from it?

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

The HSF(HeatSinkFan) shown is in the release mode, notice the tab pointing up above the latch point(small rectangle opening) that will go over the tab on the socket/motherboard mount point. You would mount the opposite side first then press down to mount the last tab. Once you have that mounted you would press the top tab and push towards the motherboard to latch the mechanism or lift up to remove. Please look at: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/350/3/

Notice the small tabs on the left & right rails around the processor socket. This is where you would place each of the opening on the HSF mount points(rectangle opening) on the spring arm, you place the first one opposite of the locking mechanism tab then place the last over the tab then rotate down the latch mechanism. Make sure that the processor is square & set in the socket before attaching the HSF. You may need to clean the processor surface and use either a new pad or heat sink compound before mounting HSF.

Please use caution whenever handling the processor and replacing into the socket. Be sure to line up the socket with the processor key and be sure to open the socket latch(lever arm on the bottom of the socket in: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/350/3/) before attempting to insert/remove the processor. Pins can be easily bent thus causing major issues. Not covered by warranty if damaged by end user.

Your new HSF may differ by latching mechanism. Some use a swing arm latch while others use the technique shown in your link. Varies between manufactures but all must align to AMD AM2 socket specs.

HTH!

Thank you for the quick reply and the well written directions which you took the time to write.

However, the cpu cooler that's attached to my computer doesn't use the standard leaver type tension mechanism. Instead of moving parallel to the cpu to apply pressure this cpu cooler uses a 'paddle' to apply pressure to the retention mechanism. This 'paddle' looks to move either toward or away from the cpu to apply pressure to the retention mechanism. Look at the picture of the cpu cooler that's included in my original post and you'll see what I mean.



Thanks in advance for any help.

Yes but it has been a long time. Should be away from the CPU to unlatch. It is similar to how a shipping container or hard briefcase latch works which probably does not mean much to you.

That's kind of what I thought. That would seem the most logical way for it to work. Thanks for you're help.

Hi,

I did look at the picture you provided. That tab is used to apply leverage to a spring that will keep the HSF mounted once the tab has been moved to the latch position by pressing down. Press/pull tab up to release.

Okay the new cooler arrived a few days ago. The removal of the old cooler was a breeze. The new thermaltake cooler installed without a hitch and now instead of running at 60 to 70 degrees Celsius the cpu is now running at roughly 35 to 40 Celsius. The random shutdowns have stopped completely and I'm very happy. Thank you all for your help.