Yet more computer woes

[ciphergoth]

The processor is glued to the fan with epoxy glue.

After finding that the problem with my computer was the power supply, I realised that I had enough bits left over from replacing parts one by one to build most of a new computer. Now, Lisa and Lil need a faster computer, so I thought I'd use those bits to upgrade theirs. I opened the case of their computer, and quickly realised that this case wouldn't fit my motherboard. However, the inside was amazingly filthy, so I took it on the roof terrace to give it a clean-up. In particluar, the processor fan was caked with dirt all the way through, which couldn't be doing it any good. In order to clean it thoroughly, I took it out.

And the processor came with.

I've cleaned it now, but I'm stuck with a problem. The processor appears to be glued to the fan with epoxy glue. This means I can't (1) put the processor in, (2) close the ZIF socket, and (3) attach the fan. But the ZIF socket will have to be closed when the fan goes on, and it doesn't want me to put the processor in in that state, it's not ZIF any more.

Do I have any options besides jamming hard and praying?

Comments

[envoy.livejournal.com]

Go out and look up solvents that might help, also possibly see about applying heat to soften the epoxy. Actually, if it's an older computer, go online and just look up how much a compatable processor is going for nowadays. Older CPUs drop in cost *super* fast, it might be that you can save yourself a *lot* of trouble for a rather small amount of money.

[countess-sophia.livejournal.com]

And indeed there's a few older but still good cpus sitting around at our house.

Soph x

[dreamsewing.livejournal.com]

If you are willing to risk the whole shebang, go to john Lewis or online and see if you can find Velcro tm Glue remover/solvent. It's a low conductivity oil based solvent used to break apart the special evil epoxy backing heat/iron on velcro glue. Denatured surgical alcohol is very good too, tends not to eat metals as acetone might and evaporates with no residue. You can find this at Boots.

[funky-firelord.livejournal.com]

I have in past just leavered them off with a screwdriver, I was of course very very carefull, but it is does brake it is only the outer caseing that can come off and that can be glued back on again.

Firelord

[kimble.livejournal.com]

I had this exact problem with an old P4 a while ago. After failing to achieve anything with a scalpel and all the solvents we had to hand, and deciding the prising with a screwdriver was bound to snap the chip, it eventually came off with about twice the force you'd be comfortable applying to a CPU in a twisting motion. Usual disclaimer applies.

[calum]

I'll add to my comment below.. Twisting force would work well with baked thermal paste too.

[calum]

Hopefully it's baked-hard thermal paste, and not actually epoxy - epoxy is not a good heat conductor for a start.

If so, gentle shearing force should separate it.. (ie, gently pry off with a screwdriver).

if it really is stuck with epoxy, you're looking at some sort of solvent to get it off.. and that solvent could well damage the CPU as well.

Personally, I'd probably do my best to reverse the process I took it out with.

[drdoug.livejournal.com]

What he said. If it's epoxy (would seem odd), there isn't to my knowledge a solvent that'll take out the epoxy and leave the IC in anything approaching a functional form. "Solvent" for epoxy generally means things that'll eat through anything - e.g. piping hot conc nitric or sulphuric acid. And even then progress is very slow (and hugely hazardous). That sort of stuff will make much shorter work of just about anything else, including any metal in the vicinity (e.g. pins, circuits). And in case you didn't know, the casing of ICs is made of epoxy too, so you're looking for something that's selective to the particular epoxy in your glue and will spare the IC casing. I think it's unlikely you'll find one. (If you do, though, it'd probably be well worth shelling out for the patent - I suspect the semiconductor industry will be very interested.)

A pry with a screwdriver sounds a good plan to me. I'd try minimum force, and then gradually increase. The risks seem lower to me than jamming it in to the socket - you'll almost certainly shear pins off if you do that IMO.

[mskala.livejournal.com]

Are CPUs really packaged in epoxy these days? I thought packages for chips in that size and power dissipation range had all been ceramic for a long time. The seals may be epoxy, though, so even if the main package is ceramic that doesn't mean it's safe to use epoxy-dissolving solvents.

[drdoug.livejournal.com]

You could well be right - my information is from years ago in the days when putting a heatsink on top of a processor was an exciting new development.

[cryx]

I think I'm prolly missing something here, but why do you actually need to take the fan off? It should go straight back in with a fan on it (you might have to slightly close the socket and slide it). Make sure it's lined up correctly, as the zif socket will have one of the corners blanked off, to match the processor, so there is only 1 way round it can go. What ever you do, don't jam it in! just rotate, and try again.