Problem with removing the CPU cooler backplate
Problem with removing the CPU cooler backplate
Will you replace the identical cooler? If not, you can employ robust pliers to remove the screws from behind the motherboard, and the front components will likely detach.
Do you have an image of the full socket? It looks like the backplate should slide off easily. I strongly recommend against using pliers to remove the screws from behind. It seems like a simple fix.
I checked if he intended to repurpose it, but if he needs to swap it out for a cooler then it doesn’t matter. AIOs aren’t built to last forever. It’s set up on a 8700k model that came out around 2017... roughly six years ago... the typical lifespan for an AIO is just mentioned. Your feedback is clear...
Just finished installing it, during some testing there was a minor gap around the screws that stopped it from moving easily. I had to push and pull really hard to get it out, but now everything works fine. I also swapped in a new cooler and things look good for now.
First, using pliers to cut through solid metal stuck on your motherboard is a really bad idea. There are countless ways it could cause permanent damage or break the board. Second, you're correct—this is something I've never done before. I don't have any experience with that kind of work, and I'm not sure how to handle it safely. They can get frustratingly stuck, but usually it's just a matter of adjusting the position until everything lines up and debris slides off.
There’s ample space behind the motherboard for modifications if needed. Whether you opt for side cutters, a trim tool with a thin disc, a hand saw, or even an oscillating tool... You shouldn’t dismiss others’ suggestions as foolish because you don’t grasp them. Trying out unconventional methods is how you avoid making mistakes and learn from them!