CPU cooler installation

[smellycatbutts]

This is my second time working with Ryzen Wraith Spire cooler. I had no issues the first time. Screws installed perfectly into socket.

 

However, while installing the cooler this time, the screws will not move. I can turn and turn and turn, but the screws will not move down. They just spin uselessly in the air. 

Yes, I removed the bracket that was originally on the mobo. I've included a picture. The screws just float above the socket.

 

Picture of the issue

 

Someone suggested that I screw counterclockwise until I hear a thud, but that did nothing. Another suggested I push forcefully down on the screws, but that didn't work. Is this cooler defective?

 

I can't really remove the cooler now as is either, as the thermal paste has been applied and the cooler is stuck quite well. If I can't get the screws to move down, how can I remove this cooler? It's pretty stuck. Is there another way to heat the paste to remove it?

 

Edit: LOL, sorry about my profile pic. It's associated with my Steam account. Just a joke more than anything. 

Edited November 18, 2017 by smellycatbutts

[8uhbbhu8]

Pull everything to do with the cooler apart and try again. Usually something is not seated correctly when this issue happens and you have to redo it to get it to work. 

[smellycatbutts]

10 minutes ago, 8uhbbhu8 said:

Pull everything to do with the cooler apart and try again. Usually something is not seated correctly when this issue happens and you have to redo it to get it to work. 

How would I do that? The cooler is completely sealed. Is there some way to heat up the thermal paste so it will loosen its vice like grip?

[8uhbbhu8]

5 minutes ago, smellycatbutts said:

How would I do that? The cooler is completely sealed. Is there some way to heat up the thermal paste so it will loosen its vice like grip?

Just slowly pull the cooler off. I find don't pull straight up, pull like your peeling it off. start on one side and pull at an angle to the other slownly. The paste does tend to stick quite well. Just make sure you have thermal paste on hand to apply when you put it back together as you'll need to clean the cpu heatspreader and the cooler bottom.

 

Also I just looked at the picture again, it looks like they are held by springs. Did you make sure to push down on the screw when turning them? 

 

Spoiler

Sometimes (Not recommended with new hardware but can work (not responsible for any damages)) I've actually taken the cpu out of the socket along with the cooler and used a screw driver to pry them apart.

 

[smellycatbutts]

4 hours ago, 8uhbbhu8 said:

Just slowly pull the cooler off. I find don't pull straight up, pull like your peeling it off. start on one side and pull at an angle to the other slownly. The paste does tend to stick quite well. Just make sure you have thermal paste on hand to apply when you put it back together as you'll need to clean the cpu heatspreader and the cooler bottom.

 

Also I just looked at the picture again, it looks like they are held by springs. Did you make sure to push down on the screw when turning them? 

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Sometimes (Not recommended with new hardware but can work (not responsible for any damages)) I've actually taken the cpu out of the socket along with the cooler and used a screw driver to pry them apart.

 

I've pushed as hard as I reasonably can. This is my second time installing this cooler. My other build didn't require this amount of force.

 

Here's a short video of what I'm talking about. I had to use my other hand to hold the phone, but even with proper force applied to the screw driver, and holding the cooler, the screws will not move down into the socket.

[8uhbbhu8]

hmmm yeah something is definitely wrong there. That means probably an RMA is going to be in your future.

[smellycatbutts]

44 minutes ago, 8uhbbhu8 said:

hmmm yeah something is definitely wrong there. That means probably an RMA is going to be in your future.

Well, that's great. I don't even know if AMD will RMA a stock cooler.

[elailey77]

Mine is doing the same thing!Not sure how to fix and i am kinda nervous as this is my first ever build