stuck processor

[StormRider]

Ok, I was trying to remove my heatsink today to install my new Coolit ECO ALC earlier. When I removed the heatsink, the CPU was still stuck to it! other than isopropyl alcohol, how the heck do I get it off?

[Technochicken]

See if you can slide a knife or something between the IHS and the heatsink, and pry it off. Otherwise, you may be able to slide the processor off the heatsink.

[StormRider]

A KNIFE?!?!?! are you serious?
won't that break the cpu?
edit: nevermind, I got it off

[x88x]

Try just twisting it. It's only stuck on there with suction, so if you can break the seal it should come off easily without damaging anything. I've had this happen a lot, and actually it's a good thing because it means you had a really good seal between your CPU and HS/F.

[Technochicken]

A KNIFE?!?!?! are you serious?
won't that break the cpu?
edit: nevermind, I got it off

The actual CPU die has a chunk of copper over it, so no.

[nevermind1534]

Yes, you'd be surprised at how much abuse it can take.

[FuzzyPlushroom]

I've taken 'em off gently with flathead screwdrivers before. This seems to happen most often with socket 478 CPUs (due to the large contact area and possibly the high TDP), which don't tend to be worth much anymore anyway; as such, I'm not always that gentle, but I've never had a CPU not work afterward.

[StormRider]

Well, since I was offline while I worked on it, my processor is unstuck, and it didn't start having psycho attacks after its alcohol bath. After straightening out a few pins, I put it back on, and it works fine
Now my PC is cooled with the ECO ALC I won from the contest. and that's my first real heatsink change! Yay for progress!

[msmrx57]

[mDust]

Ok, I was trying to remove my heatsink today to install my new Coolit ECO ALC earlier. When I removed the heatsink, the CPU was still stuck to it! other than isopropyl alcohol, how the heck do I get it off?

How was the CPU not locked in the socket? I'm having trouble picturing this.