[Pc_Support] Heat Sink Framework broken

[Carter Manucy]

Paul M Foster wrote:
> I've got a P4 box, my main box, where the frame for the CPU heat sink 
> broke off, and I'm wondering if it's possible to get replacements for 
> that. If you have a P4, you know it's about the size of a 386 CPU, but 
> on top of it sits this massive heatsink/fan block. At least on mine, 
> there are two steel tension clips that clip to a plastic framework and 
> hold the heatsink/fan down onto the CPU. That plastic framework is 
> about an inch to an inch-and-a-half tall, with four plastic "posts" 
> which the spring clips can hook to. Well, the end of one of the posts 
> broke off, and the heatsink/fan came off.
>
> Right now, I've got a string of four zip ties holding the fan down on 
> that side. But I'm wondering if anyone's ever heard of this problem, 
> and if a new plastic frame gizmo can be had to replace the old one. 
> Anyone know?
>
If you're talking about the ZIF socket on the motherboard, you've got 
one of four choices so far as I can see it. 

One is to use your zip ties.  Some motherboards have holes in the board 
right around the socket area - I've had this same thing happen to me in 
the past, and found a well-placed, good quality set of zip ties kept 
enough pressure on the socket to keep the CPU cool.

Second is to get some heat sink 'glue'.  This is usually not a good 
choice, as it'll bond the heat sink to the CPU, and make it near 
impossible to get apart without damaging something. 

Third is to get yourself a new motherboard :)

And lastly, if you have the four round holes surrounding the socket, you 
can probably get another heat sink type that will 'wrap' the 
motherboard, and thus bypass the white plastic tabs that have broken off.

- Carter