The CPU remains attached to the motherboard.
The CPU remains attached to the motherboard.
You can change the holddown's shape by firmly pressing on it with force, especially on one side. Using the CPU to lift it could help remove a small piece of paper, folding it thinly and placing the CPU face-down on it. Press along the sides where it sticks; if it loosens, it will. This method protects pins from damage and lets you apply full pressure. Be mindful not to warp the holddown, so press evenly on both sides if needed.
The CPU is protruding at an angle and won't fit flat on a table. Consider taking it to a micro center or Best Buy Geek Squad. You bought it from Best Buy.
Run a stress test on your PC to loosen the thermal paste. Power it down and remove the CPU.
The CPU is stuck inside the metal part of the socket... this is probably the cause. Lift the retainer clip and cover the pins with paper towels or napkins to avoid dropping anything. While holding the retainer bracket overhead, apply pressure near the arrow on the left (mark [1]) so the CPU’s side protrudes slightly from the metal frame. Then shift the CPU sideways (left to right as shown) to let the bracket’s lip emerge from under the heatsink. You can use a thin flathead screwdriver or the edge of a thin knife between the socket and CPU—aim near the first arrow on the left, where it meets the metal base. Use the tool like a crowbar; gently twist or push to move the CPU right and free the metal from under it. Keep applying slight downward pressure on the opposite side so the CPU’s edge is clear of the frame; otherwise you’ll push too much and nothing will work.
Avoid covering the socket with a towel. You might touch a CPU pin and damage it. Use a sheet of paper or flat cardboard instead, but not any fabric.