Help unscrewing optiplex 790MT heatsink

Question

Greetings ,

i've been trying to upgrade my dell optiplex 790MT from an i3 to an i7, but can't manage to unscrew the heatsink off the motherboard I tried first both screwdrivers PZ 1X100mm and pz2 X100 mm with no results.

I then bought Philips screwdrivers P1 and P 00, but i'm facing the same issue the screws wont move at all... am i doing something wrong?

Does anyone know which screwdriver model exaclly i should use to remove the scews from my heatsink please?

Kind regards

JOcean · Accepted Answer

Strange as it looks like it should work. Can you confirm that the screwdriver makes proper contact with the screw heads? The only thing I can guess is that somewhere along the line non-standard screws were used similar to either Torx heads or the screws were over torqued when tightened.

bradthetechnut · Accepted Answer

If you're not having any luck with Philips screwdrivers, try a standard slot screwdriver that's the right fit.  I've done it before. Also, sure it's not already loosened?

JOcean · Answer

A standard Phillipps head #1should do it. The screws are spring loaded so you may have to press down while turning counterclockwise. After the screws loosen then turn the heat sink slowly back and forth to break the paste retention on the CPU. This YouTube video should help.

Primalelectron · Answer

Hi , I tried the ph1 that i just bought earlier but didnt work , here's a picture of it , is it me or is small compared to the one shown  in the video Thank you for the reply and the video link

Primalelectron · Answer

Yes i try making contact but when i rotate nothing happens if i force it , it just turns in the void without rotating the screw.. i tried the screwdriver on the motherboard screws and it does seem to work but i noticed that this heatsink has different screws heres a picture

I have ordered a professional set of screwdrivers that will be arriving tomorrow i hope it will work

bradthetechnut · Answer

May need to remove fan first.

JOcean · Answer

Can you post a larger shot of the whole CPU cooler? For some reason this does not look right as compared to the service manual.

Primalelectron · Answer

Apologies for not replyng, just got home from work,

I did what you guys recomended me about the philipps screwdriver; the one i used before was defective , tried another one and it worked

Thank you for your support

JOcean · Answer

Happy to help out! I have to admit that was a new situation for me..very strange.

bradthetechnut · Answer

I'm guessing the handle turned but not the screwdriver?

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Help unscrewing optiplex 790MT heatsink

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