How do I remove this cooler?

[jsnotlout1]

I have no idea what model it is, it has no markings. But the CPU it is supposed to cool (an AMD Phenom IIx6) is at 91c all the time. So I want to swap out the thermal paste.

I don't want to break it, cause it seems brittle.

 

Solved the temp issue, The cooler was not clipped on correctly to start with, And the thermal paste was as dry as a desert. Its running fine now

[tkitch]

flip the black lever at the top to loosen it

unhook the metal loop under it, and then wiggle it some to loosen it from the chip and pop off the opposite side.  

[Needfuldoer]

Ten year old plastic that's been heat cycled is going to be brittle.

 

Those old AMD coolers are held down by a springy piece of metal clipped onto those little tabs on the sides of the socket. Looks like you flip that lever on top, which pushes the springy metal clip down enough to come off the tab.

 

Once the metal tabs are disengaged, twist the cooler back and forth like you're taking apart an Oreo. Once it's loose, you can lift it off. (Don't just pull up harder, you'll yank the CPU out of the socket.)

 

You should be able to find some AM2+/AM3/AM3+ compatible coolers out there, even if that one breaks.

[tkitch]

not exactly the same as this cooler (this is newer) but it's gonna be pretty close:
 

 

[jsnotlout1]

3 minutes ago, Needfuldoer said:

Ten year old plastic that's been heat cycled is going to be brittle.

 

Those old AMD coolers are held down by a springy piece of metal clipped onto those little tabs on the sides of the socket. Looks like you flip that lever on top, which pushes the springy metal clip down enough to come off the tab.

 

You should be able to find some AM2+/AM3/AM3+ compatible coolers out there, even if that one breaks.

 

4 minutes ago, tkitch said:

flip the black lever at the top to loosen it

unhook the metal loop under it, and then wiggle it some to loosen it from the chip and pop off the opposite side.  

That worked, It just took ALOT of force, luckily it has survived.

I imagine the dry thermal paste is why it only ran at 0.5 MHz on Windows when it was in use a few years ago. I tested it briefly after my family had me build them a new one. And It was always slow. Either that or the large build-up of dust

[jsnotlout1]

Uh yeah, found the problem just by taking off the top fan. CLEAN YOUR PC'S.

(My parents don't even know they can be opened, so I can't blame them.)