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Impossible to remove screws on MoBo

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Absoguar

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So I bought a new CPU fan today since my old one is starting to kick the bucket and unfortunately I've encountered a problem. I took off one 'bracket' holding the fan relatively easily, but the lower bracket simply will not budge. I've taken the other side panel off to see if maybe there are nuts on them but no, they're just stuck.

Is there any way I can do this without resorting to buying more tools? I'm a student and I already forked out £50 for the fan and a set of screwdrivers.
 
Can you provide more information and maybe some pictures? (use techpowerup.org for pictures, will provide the links you can post to display them properly)

Some CPU heatsink brackets use screws, some use push pins...different CPU generations and brands (AMD, Intel, Skylake, Haswell, Bulldozer...etc..etc) have different methods...some are very similar. The more information you can provide, the better quality responses you will receive. Also go into UserCP and fill out System Specs. Then you don't have to necessarily post your system info if System Specs stays current.

Welcome to TPU and hopefully we can get you sorted.

Also with the heatsink, it uses a thermal paste to the CPU, you may need to heat it up with a heat gun/hair dryer (get it very hot), and then slightly twist it off...that is once you sort out the screws you're trying to remove. :toast:
 
Why do you need to remove that bracket? I'm not an AMD guy much anymore, but I thought those brackets stayed on the board and you used them with provided adapters for different coolers? I could likely be wrong here. Are those phillips screws reverse thread? I don't recall seeing many reverse thread screws on mainboards that are consumer grade tho...Have you tried right and left turn on them? And again, are you sure you need to remove them?

Well the information as to what socket that is, what board that is can help as well. Take a look at my system specs to see how detailed one could get. Not saying you need to be that detailed, but the more you can provide, the better you know about your system and the better chance of getting better help you will be provided.
 
As a former AMD guy, those brackets stay on the motherboard in 99.99% of all cases. The only time I can see the brackets being removed is if you want to go with an AIO water cooler, otherwise the aftermarket heatsink should come with the appropriate mounting hardware; Double check the compatibility of the heatsink.

:toast:
 
I'm 99% sure I need to remove them since I bought a Coolermaster Hyper 212 which comes with its own brackets.

Also it's an AM3+ socket.
 
Do the instructions state to remove them? If so...then try heating them up and turning both ways. Odds are there's some thread lock applied making them uber tough to unscrew... Also make sure the screwdriver you use fits well so you don't strip them out. I usually use a P2 Phillips for most PC duties with great luck. Its a Snap-On brand screw driver from my mechanic days...a little expensive to buy for just PC jobs but does the trick.
 
Yeah I definitely need to remove them, since the new cooler just won't fit on the stock brackets. How should I go about heating them up? Like I said I don't really have access to any tools other than a set of screwdrivers right now.
 
Yes, you need to remove those brackets on AM3+ boards. I remember doing it on my 212 EVO on my FX 8350.

Honestly it may not be much help to you, but perhaps just try pressing down harder while your trying to unscrew, I don't really know what else to suggest. I would reccomend something to loosen it up, but were not exaclty working on an automobile ;)
 
@Kursah that bracket does need to be removed to install the CM 212 cooler the OP bought.

@ OP From the pic it looks like you are using a screwdriver that's too small or worn out- you need an undamaged #2 Phillips screwdriver- bear down and turn counter-clockwise and those screws should loosen right up. Note- those screws use a fine machine thread so all you need is about half a turn to loosen them up.
 
Norton said:
@Kursah that bracket does need to be removed to install the CM 212 cooler the OP bought.

@ OP From the pic it looks like you are using a screwdriver that's too small or worn out- you need an undamaged #2 Phillips screwdriver- bear down and turn counter-clockwise and those screws should loosen right up. Note- those screws are machine thread and all you need is about half a turn to loosen them up.
Click to expand...

Gah. The biggest one I have is a #1 screwdriver and it's quite literally brand new. The thing is that it took out the first bracket perfectly fine while these screws don't even budge.
 
A larger phillips will provide the surface area to better apply torque to the screw head without stripping it out as quickly as one too small. If its that new, return it and exchange. :toast:
 
Absoguar said:
Gah. The biggest one I have is a #1 screwdriver and it's quite literally brand new. The thing is that it took out the first bracket perfectly fine while these screws don't even budge.
Click to expand...

That #1 screwdriver is too small and tearing up the screw... and the screwdriver. Recommend using the right one before the project needs a drill and significantly more swearing ;)
 
drop of oil in around the screws perhaps
 
Bansaku said:
As a former AMD guy, those brackets stay on the motherboard in 99.99% of all cases. The only time I can see the brackets being removed is if you want to go with an AIO water cooler, otherwise the aftermarket heatsink should come with the appropriate mounting hardware; Double check the compatibility of the heatsink.

:toast:
Click to expand...

Stock Cooler and a handful of other coolers will use the stock bracket...

Coolermaster Hyper 212 does not use the stock board brackets
IMAG0023.jpg


 
Okay I borrowed a #2 screwdriver from my housemate and...No dice. They're not moving even slightly.
 
Use soldering gun and heat them up. Then try.
 
try a thick flathead/slot screwdriver and use a qtip of oil (whatever you have on hand) around the outside area of screw
 
No tools, quit immediately. Bring it to a man with... tools. Only harm could be done otherwise.
 
Well all you need is a good screwdriver. 6mm with a long shaft should do the job.
They are easy to remove, unless you are using a to small/short screwdriver. Maybe post a picture of your screwdrivers.

But if you still can’t remove it then you could:
1. borrow a power drill/screw gun and the right size bit and try it with that ,
2. remove the motherboard from the case and try to unscrew it on a solid surface,
3. ask a friend who visits a gym to try his luck. :p
 
1. put the screws back that you already removed and tighten them back up this might remove some of the stress.
2. try the awkward screws again
3. slacken all 4 equally, the same way you would when tightening them.


edit....you could also try tightening the awkward ones as this will crack any adhesive that may have been used.
 
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