I'm screwed, GPU backplate pin stuck to heatsink screw

So I'm replacing my GPU with a new one, the new one includes a backplate but it seems that the backplate is a bit off because now the 3 screws are half in (I thought it was fully in but turns out not) and I can't turn it out or in.
Anybody have any ideas?

 

Any pictures?

 

Well it's kinda hard to see in a picture so I uploaded a video
M15X - Heatsink and Backplate Stuck - YouTube

As you can see the pin spins with the screw. The pin is kinda black because I tried holding it with electrical tape, that didn't work. This happens on 3 corners.

So anybody have any ideas?

 

Not sure if this would work but you could try using a rubber band around the pin and something to hold it in place. Hope this helps and good luck.

 

Can't you hold the pin with needle nosed pliers while you undo the screw?

 

Yea, I was going to say it looks like you have around 1/4" to work with.
Jewelers pliers will really work well.

 

Yeah I'll try getting those pliers but I'm kinda pessimistic on that.
I did though order another heatsink, do you guys think if I cut the connecting metal from the heatsink to the screw (see my picture) that would be safe?

 

I just realised the title of this thread is kinda funny, 'I'm screwed'.. seriously though, with some really small needle nosed pliers you should be able to hold the pin. They are really small screws, they can't be that tight

 

I wondering how you are going to re-fasten the new heat sink if the pins spin? Yes, I saw the video, BTW nice job on that.

 

I really don't know why but somehow the the screw is tight but it doesn't go that far in.

Oh, fortunately I still have a backplate from my old 260m, this backplate I got with the new card.

 

Forgot the picture

 

DON'T BUTCHER YOUR HEATSINK.
Do as you were advised above, use pliers.
If you can't get it out, stick a blade (or similar) between the screw's head and heatsink to force/push it out while having somebody turning the screwdriver at the same time you do that and hold the pin with your pliers.

Good luck

 

No offence intended, but did you check that the threads in the backplate you are using match the screws for your heatsink? If they aren't, or you somehow cross threaded the screws into the heatsink, that would explain it being so tight and spinning.

 

Yeah, I'm gonna get some long nose pliers and try that first.
But do you think that butchering the heatsink is that dangerous, because if it's not dangerous to the card or the laptop that would be my last option if the pliers doesn't work, because I already ordered another heatsink and the price of the heatsink isn't really comparable to the card or the working laptop. I'm just looking for some advice for what to look for when in the worst case scenario in case I have to do it

None, taken. I would think that it's correct because the guy I bought it from used the same backplate on his own m15x, also there's one corner where the screw and pin works fine.

 

I've had this happen before, and the best bet really is using a pair of jeweler or thin needle nose pliers to properly unscrew it then ascertain the condition of the backplate and GPU. Cutting is a last resort.

 

I didn't say 'don't butcher the heatsink' because it might be someway bad for anything, just useless, since doing that won't 'free' your card and you'll still have to do as above, if you can do a clean job and save your heatsink, why not?

 

I think, and hope, that the GPU's fine because I tried turning it on and it works just that the temps goes crazy high, at which point I turn the laptop off.
Do you think one of these would work?
Amazon.com: SEPTLS188NN7776V - Long Needle Nose Pliers: Home Improvement
Amazon.com: Neiko 3-Piece 11-Inch Long-Nose Pistol-Grip Plier Set with Cushion Handles: Home Improvement

Yeah, I really really hope that the pliers work, if it does then I have some heatsink I could sell on the cheap.

 

Heightened temps will definitely happen when the heatsink is making poor contact with the GPU die/ihs.

I used a pair of needle nose pliers I had from good 'ole Radio Shack to secure the loose backplate mount and then removed the screw for a 9600M GT many moons ago in the same predicament.

 

It's good to know that someone was able to fix this kind of problem, having no laptop right now really sucks.

 

It's nothing, really. Just wait until you snap a tight bolt off flush in a thread. Then you've got problems.

By the way, the first pair you linked look like a better bet.

 

I don't have one of these so there's a good chance I have no idea what I'm talking about, but can you remove the whole board then use pliers to hold the other end of the screw?

 

I ordered both, just in case.

I thought of that but the heatsink pipe on the far side is hitting the case so unless I cut the pipe that's not possible. I even disassembled my m15x to try to take the mobo from under it so but unfortunately this time the vga port is the one that is in the way

 

I finally got the broken backplate off!!!
It was very tough, I was able to hold one of the pin with the pliers but two pins had to be pulled out, thankfully the pin was already kinda loose from the bottom (that was why it spins with the screw).
See the broken backplate

Fortunately my old backplate from the 260m fits, so now I'm just gonna have to test the card to see if it runs well.
BTW are these temps and clocks for standby normal?

 

Temps look great. Glad you got the backplate sorted!

 

Now after i left it on it's about

that should be fine right?
i'm gonna test this thing tomorrow when my monitor arrives, cause i'll probably be gaming in 1920x1200 with my monitor normally.

 

Good to hear you managed to take it off.
BTW use multiple programs to check your temps, just to make sure.
GPU-Z is known to report wrong temps/load amount etc.