Member Avatar for pmcd

I have to move my P4 (Northwood) + Intel heatsink+fan to a new motherboard. Software issues are not a problems and the motherboard is compatible. But I am really baffled by all the discussion surrounding heatsinks. From what I gather these are the steps??

1- remove the heatsink +fan by unclipping the steel clips.

Question: How do I do this and won't the heatsink "stick" to the cpu? If so what do I do?

2- Lift cpu lever lock and then the cpu pops out.

Is the heatsink now reusable or do I have to get another one? There's all this discussion about Arctic Silver, cleaning heatsink, cleaning cpu,... that is just plain confusing. I didn't apply any thermal stuff at all when I put the P4+HSF in (it was a retail box) but I assume the HSF and the cpu must be "glued" together now.

Can I just buy a new HSF and pop it unto the P4 (without cleaning the P4 in exotic ways)?

3- Put cpu in new socket (easy for me) and then attach HSF.


Sorry to be so picky but I have this feeling that the HSF can't just come off easily and then put back on without doing something.

Any help would really be appreciated. If possible just assume I am totally clueless when it comes to the HSF and cpu together.


Would it be possible to remove the cpu+HSF without detaching the HSF from the cpu?

Thank's,

philip

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A concise, practical checklist addressing ’s original worry about the HSF being “glued” and whether fresh thermal compound is needed.

Power down, unplug and discharge static before touching the board. Identify the heatsink mounting type (push‑pins, spring screws, metal retention clip or lever) and operate that mechanism first. Heatsinks often feel stuck because old thermal compound has dried and formed a bond; it is usually releasable with controlled technique rather than brute force.

To separate sink from CPU: free the retention hardware, then rock or twist the heatsink gently while lifting—avoid straight, hard yanking. If it refuses to break free, a short warm‑up (hair dryer on low for 30–60 seconds) or a few drops of high‑purity isopropyl alcohol around the seam (protect the socket) will soften/dissolve the compound; let it soak and try again. Never pry with metal tools between mating surfaces or yank in a way that could bend pins or damage the socket.

Once apart, thoroughly clean both mating faces with 90–99% isopropyl alcohol and a lint‑free wipe. Remove stubborn residue with a plastic scraper or soaked swab; avoid touching contact pads/pins. Apply a small, centered amount of fresh thermal compound (a single pea‑sized dot is standard for CPUs with a heat spreader) and reseat the heatsink so pressure is even. Do not use adhesives that harden.

Quick verification: boot to BIOS and check fan operation and idle temperatures; run a short stress test to confirm sensible load temps. The practical advice from and to clean and reapply TIM is sound; ’s point about separating fan from sink for cleaning is useful. Claims of running without paste (as in ’s post) are atypical and not recommended for reliable cooling. Removing the CPU+HSF as one assembled block is possible but increases risk of socket/pin damage, so separate them when practical.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for Elitenewb

I have all the same questions as this guy. So, instead of making a new thread I will just ask if someone could post the answers here!

Thanks!

Member Avatar for captain_zeep

hi this is my first post..i am about to do same thing, but i have cleaned my heatsink and internal parts the computer many times.
The heat sink and fan are to separate parts, the fan is attached to the HS by 4 screws on each corner, once you remove the HS+Fan undo the screws and pull apart...then clean with cotton buds or whatever between the metal gaps, then put it all back together....
my question is do i NEED to add thermal glue or whatever when i move my CPU unto my new ( brand new) board
thanks for any help

Zeep

Member Avatar for Elitenewb

I have just done this recently and the answer is: Yes, you will need to re-add thermal paste to the bottom of the heatsink before you install it on the CPU in the new motherboard.

So, this means:

1. Take out the old Heatsink and CPU
2. Clean both really well
3. Put new thermal paste on the Heatsink
4. Install the CPU into the new motherboard
5. Install the Heatsink with the new thermal paste on it onto the CPU in the new board and you should be good to go.

Hope this helps.

Member Avatar for caperjack

hi this is my first post..i am about to do same thing, but i have cleaned my heatsink and internal parts the computer many times.
The heat sink and fan are to separate parts, the fan is attached to the HS by 4 screws on each corner, once you remove the HS+Fan undo the screws and pull apart...then clean with cotton buds or whatever between the metal gaps, then put it all back together....
my question is do i NEED to add thermal glue or whatever when i move my CPU unto my new ( brand new) board
thanks for any help

Zeep

it is recommended that you clean of both heatsinc and cpu of old past and apply new past .i use a flat blade,like one for a utility knife

Member Avatar for Paintball9

i didnt need to put thermal paste on mine. i have none on at all and i can keep my p4 northwood 2.6 overclocked to 3.8 under 60 degrees celcius during a benchmark easily. normally under 40 degrees. i wouldnt be too worried if u have a northwood they are really good in terms of heat

Member Avatar for jbennet

i didnt need to put thermal paste on mine. i have none on at all and i can keep my p4 northwood 2.6 overclocked to 3.8 under 60 degrees celcius during a benchmark easily. normally under 40 degrees. i wouldnt be too worried if u have a northwood they are really good in terms of heat

Wtf. Your CPU should be melting right about now. My P4-HT 3ghz has a big heatsink and fan and arctic silver 5 and runs at over 70 on a good day, over 90 on a bad day

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