Passive heatsink extraction is a real pain!
Passive heatsink extraction is a real pain!
I just got an Intel DQ67EP with LGA 1155 socket for setting up a pfSense/opnSense router. It already had an Intel i3-2120 installed. The i3-2120 lacks AES support, which means pfSense will need to handle it after the 2.5 release (though there are mixed reports I’m trying to avoid). Suitable CPU options with low TDP are:
- Xeon E31260L: 4 cores, 8 threads, 45W
- i5-2500S: 4 cores, 4 threads, 65W
I removed the CPU fan but the old unit is stuck on a passive heatsink. I’ve tried looking at YouTube and Google for solutions, but haven’t found a clear way to remove that metal plate without damaging the motherboard or anything in my home. Any advice or help would be really appreciated.
Have you considered deleting it in the same way as you would remove an Intel stock heatsink? https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/...ssors.html (Flip the posts 90 degrees counterclockwise and adjust the pins)
The small black symbols on the pins let you spin them to "unlock" them, after which you can tug at the tab's top. This should take them off.
Based on the image and the instructions from @minibois, it seems safe to detach each post holding the heat sink, remove the heatsink, and gently wiggle it out. Take your time with the process. The Xeon appears to be a solid choice. More threads mean better performance, higher cache capacity, and lower TDP. It’s unclear if pfSense prioritizes clock speed over thread count, but this Xeon looks promising.
I adhered to the instructions and took out the stock Intel fan, which was secured at the top of the metal plate. You can see the four holes left for screws along the edges.
They refer to the four black-painted pins at the corners of the heatsink, marked with arrows. Rotate them 90 degrees and they should detach, ensuring they remain in the "Up" orientation when you take off the heatsink or the pins stay secure.