Asking Pointers Uninstalling Noctua U14s

[AnDynamo]

I have found many videos on how to install the Noctua U14s cooler, but not any on how to take the process in reverse. Unclipping the fans was fine, but unscrewing the screws from the crossbar enough that I could lift the heat sink off gave me an issue.  The screws seemed to spin indefinitely and having someone help me, the heat sink came off, but along with it, the processor, possibly due to cured thermal paste. Anyways, it’s out now, but I fear the retention mechanism might have been damaged as the arm wasn’t lifted prior to removal. I didn’t see any bent pins on the CPU, but I fear I may have damaged either the CPU or the motherboard socket. Can anyone lend a (virtual) hand on the right way to undo the crossbar screws to safely remove the heatsink? 

 

Thanks in advance.

[WoodenMarker]

The screws are captive and stay with the mounting hardware. 

Thermal paste can get the cpu pretty stuck. The usual method is to twist before removing the cooler to avoid the issue.

If you're having trouble removing the cpu, you can try loosening it with some isopropyl alchohol. Drenching some string in it and trying to run it between the cpu and cooler might make it easier. 

[LogicalDrm]

You are using AMD? On Intel its really easy process. Take off fan, unscrew the two main screws with springs. I do it by loosening them both little bit at the time as otherwise the thing will "jump" one the other side and make things bit more difficult. After both are loose, just lift cooler off. I haven't had hardened paste, but I have done lifting in a way where I wiggle it a bit first to make sure it comes off clean. Then wipe extra paste off cooler and CPU and proceed to either remove CPU or mounting brackets, depending on what is the point of whole process.