Graphics card heatsink glue removal

[Olmy]

Hi, I have an 8800 GT which is factory overclocked from Gigabyte. I would like to replace the Zalman heatsink with the Accellero S1 rev2 because of the nosie, however after removing the spring loaded screws, the heatsink wouldn't budge despite using a fair bit of force (not too much though). I'm pretty certain this thing is somehow glued on, courtesy of Gigabyte. Does anyone know if there is a way to remove this heatsink, and even if I could what I should expect from the aftermath; will there be permanently bonded glue left on the GPU core?

I've heard about using a hairdryer to soften the glue, or putting it in a bag in a freezer to make the glue brittle but I'm not sure about these options. I've also read that you can run the card very hot using ATI tool or a game, then when the core is hot enough, switch off the PC and yank off the heatsink. Again it sounds risky and I'm worried I could end up with a useless piece of PCB.

Has anyone else had this problem, and if so what did you do?

[PeterStoba]

Run the card at full load to heat the die up and then turn the machine off and take the heatsink off, i've seen it work and fail.

[Olmy]

You mean to say, you've seen it work and you've seen it not work, or sometimes it works, sometimes it ruins your graphics card?

[PeterStoba]

I've seen it work = successfuly remove heatsink with card still working
I've seen it fail = unsuccessfuly remove heatsink with card still working

Hair dryers have also been used, freezing i wouldn't do though!

[peterb]

Depends on how it is fixed - if it really is glued, it will be a thermally conductive epoxy resin - immoveable. If it is normal paste or tape that has hardened, it may work whe heated - and the processor is the best way of heating it (but I'd kill the power immediately before trying so that the processor doesn't overheat if the heatsink does come off.

[Olmy]

Well yesterday I thought i'd give it a try so I ran ati tool and got the GPU up to about 74 degrees, then switched it off, pushed the pins and the thing popped off in one go. Now I just realised I don't have the right stuff to clean the TIM off, what is recommended, if possible from scan...

[peterb]

Isopropyl alocohol - Maplins.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?...source=15&SD=Y

[Olmy]

Alright thanks, I'll pick it up at Boots and hopefully get a cleaning cloth that doesn't leave fibres behind. Then I'll order the Accellero and the antec P182 .

[bibio]

Hi,i have tried Local Chemists & Boots,with no luck(some have had luck at small Chemists thou).
Bought some from Maplins(not cheap),but you can get it off eBay.Get the 100% solution,it does evaporate fast,but thats good ie nothing left on chip/IHS etc.

Cheers BOB

[ydrol]

and hopefully get a cleaning cloth that doesn't leave fibres behind..

A tip from the Arctic Silver people is that Coffee Filters are lint free if you have some knocking around.
Although a bit stuff.