cpu/heatsink problem.

[hoom]

You don't want to be running your CPU without adequate cooling...

When you twist the heatsink, does it move?
If you can get it to twist you should be able to get it off.

In dealing with the paste bear in mind that it is:
a -toxic (heavy metals)
b -electronically conductive (silver) so you want to avoid getting it on circuit board
c -potentially corrosive so you doubly want to avoid getting it on circuit board

BTW, 'pea size lump' should be 'rice grain size lump' (though there is plenty of variation in rice size) or you might squeeze it off the sides

 

[Moffell]

Ok, this might sound a bit crazy I admit. It's not that big of a problem with the heatsink bonding with the cpu through the TIM. The HSF on my Asus A8n wouldn't come off properly and I accidentily ripped the cpu still bonded to the HSF out of the socket trying to get it loose. It scared the shit out of me, believe you me.

Reassembled everything and it all worked excellent, had a word with my local retailer and he'd had the same experience a couple of times, no broken cpu's or mobo's to this day. (This day being 2 months ago).

Used the fridge trick and a scalpel to get the HSF off the Cpu afterwards. Much excitement while booting up.

I wouldn't like to try it with a socket 778 cpu though.