Removing heatsink from a CPU

Wasn't sure if I was supposed to ask this here, or in /tech/, so I apologize if this is the wrong place to post this...

I got a new motherboard for my PC, mainly because I needed a PCI Express slot, but my old motherboard was 6 years old anyways. So I ordered it and everything, got it yesterday, and was installing it last night. But when I tried to take the heatsink off of the CPU, I accidently pulled the CPU out too, still attached to the heatsink.

No damage to the pins(at least that I can tell...), but I've had a hell of a time trying to get that goddamn CPU off the heatsink. It's attached with a thermal pad, and I've tried everything that I can find on Google to fix it. Rubbing alcohol didn't work, or putting it in the freezer. I tried prying it off (with and without heating it up), twisting left and right, scraping with a knife. Nothing.

I'm at my wits end, /comp/. Anybody know of another way to get the heatsink off without breaking the CPU? I don't feel like spending 100-200 dollars just because stock thermal compound is a bitch...

i'd say keep at it with the knife untill it loosens up some, then try twisting it...

hammer time

SHOULD HAVE ASKED THIS IN /tech/ YOU STUPID ASS MOTHERFUCKING SON OF A WHORE.

>>4
Back to /g/, please.

http://dick-as-a-name.mybrute.com

>>4 please this is a computer problem so it does belong here
here's my tip you may want to take apart the entire thing and put it in a different case or contact you local geek

Get an x-acto hobby razor (those ones with the little handle). Now, while holding the unit by the heatsink side, slowly and steadily keep slicing away at the thermal pad. Work from all sides possible to hopefully just leave a little weak spot in the middle that you can't get to, but will hopefully be able to break away by gentle pulling/wiggling.

Remember to always be careful of the pins, because if you bend one of those you're fucked. If you still have the case that the cpu came in, put it back in while you're doing this to protect the pins.