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    P170 EM - Can't unscrew CPU heatsink!

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by eriannmx, Dec 12, 2014.

  1. eriannmx

    eriannmx Notebook Consultant

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    So, please don't troll me, but after 2 years I finally got my hands into repasting my laptop.

    GPU was easy, but CPU.... only one of the screws moves, the other 3 are like rocks.... Any tips of how to make these buggers budge!?
     
  2. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    Get a screwdriver that perfectly matches the thread if possible and try not to thread the screws.
     
  3. pukemon

    pukemon are you unplugged?

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    Yep. Buy a computer screwdriver kit. Don't want strip the head or threads on those screws.
     
  4. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    You'll be surprised at the difference even a slightly different sized head can make.
     
  5. eriannmx

    eriannmx Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, I wil ltry that.
     
  6. Prostar Computer

    Prostar Computer Company Representative

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    Be sure to use some pressure too so as to get a good grip with the screwdriver head. You don't want to apply so much pressure that you flex the board or break something, but mild pressure can help the screwdriver in catching when you turn it.
     
  7. Mr Najsman

    Mr Najsman Notebook Deity

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    Is it possible to use any kind of mechanical lubricant in these cases or that is plain hazardous if it trickles on the board?
     
  8. Prostar Computer

    Prostar Computer Company Representative

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    I don't think hazardous is the word for it, but it most definitely poses a potential threat to the motherboard. The screws shouldn't ever need lubricant.
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2014
  9. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    If you did resort to that I would clean up any residue with an alcohol based solvent.
     
  10. Support.3@XOTIC PC

    Support.3@XOTIC PC Company Representative

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    Lubricants help more for rust, I sure hope these screws aren't rusted.
     
  11. Ethrem

    Ethrem Notebook Prophet

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    Just use pliers. That's what I had to do with one of my screws. They had it on so tight that it stripped so I grabbed a pair of regular pliers and twisted and it came off without an issue. Same thing for screwing it back on. The heatsink won't get any tighter than its made to but since you're not stripped yet, just tighten it until it won't tighten anymore but don't try to push it past that, there's no point.

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NNFSNS/ref=s9_top_hm_b2JwQ_g469_i11

    Something like those should work.

    Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
     
  12. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    On my 570WM I had to break out the dremel for one of the flat screws that hold down the VRM part of the GPU heatsink, they are a pain if they get stuck.