The backplate of a CPU cooler is one of the essential parts of an efficient PC. It is a part that holds the more remarkable in place while transferring heat from the motherboard to the cooler.
However, there are some situations in which it is necessary to remove this backplate from the cooler. Below we explain why this backplate needs to be removed. We also explain the best ways to perform this removal procedure, avoiding any beginner mistakes. So to do a good job, you should read on.
Table of Contents
When Do You Need to Remove the CPU Cooler Backplate?
There are certain situations when a backplate needs to be removed, although this procedure should not generally be performed. The cooler backplate is one of the essential parts to deal with high temperatures. This component allows heat transfer from the motherboard to the cooler.
Therefore, it is not recommended to use a PC without the CPU cooler backplate inside. One of the exceptions to removing the backplate is if the user needs to replace this unit. As we have mentioned, it is an essential component that must function properly at all times and must be replaced when it has deteriorated.
The backplate also has other vital functions, such as protecting the integrity and structure of the motherboard while securing the cooler in one place. In general, a CPU retention bracket should be considered to refer to a bracket on the front of a motherboard. A CPU is usually placed in these locations.
This is usually known as a CPU socket, and the whole thing also usually works with a specially designed lever so that it can be fixed in one place to the CPU. For its part, the backplate is located on the other side, and the functionality can be mentioned in two places.
The user can place all the screws on the backplate to hold the cooler fixedly. As mentioned, the backplate also transfers the heat from the motherboard to the cooler. All that means that the cooling capacity of this component decreases noticeably when the backplate is removed.
This means that the backplate only needs to be removed to incorporate its replacement. A PC without a backplane is exposed to various problems due to excessive heat buildup.
How to Remove CPU Cooler Backplate?
Sometimes it is necessary to replace a CPU cooler to add a new cooling solution or add additional new thermal grease. Some people need to add new thermal grease because it is a component with a certain lifespan.
This thermal grease can harden, which impairs the performance of the CPU cooler. If this happens, it is necessary to soften the thermal grease as much as possible. Hardened thermal grease alone can make it difficult to remove this cooler.
To remove this component with retaining brackets, the following steps must be followed:
- One must begin by turning off both the power supply and the entire system. It is also important to disconnect the power cable from the CPU more fantastic fan. This cable is usually found on the motherboard of a PC. The RGB header on the motherboard should also be disconnected, and the RGB cable should be from the CPU cooler.
- Once the above steps have been performed, the cam lever should be pulled. This lever should be pulled up gently to avoid causing any damage. This cam allows you to lock and unlock the retaining frame with the CPU cooler. This is a critical part that holds the CPU cooler in place.
- The user will also encounter the retaining clips once the cam lever has been pulled up. These components must be released and are located on either side of the heat sink, specifically on either side of the socket mounting tabs on the motherboard. The vast majority of CPU coolers feature this same design of retaining clips.
- The user needs to loosen the seal between the CPU cover and the heat sink in this step. To do this, the CPU cooler needs to be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. Once this is done, the user needs to separate the CPU cooler from the CPU. When the procedure is performed carefully, the CPU remains seated in the socket.
Remove With Spring-Loaded Screws
It is also possible to perform the removal of this component with spring-loaded screws:
- Here, it is also necessary to start by turning off the power supply and the entire system. The user needs to find the motherboard to disconnect the power cable from the fan. Specifically, this is the CPU fan header. Depending on the type of CPU cooler, the RGB header and the cooler RGB cable must also be disconnected from the motherboard.
- Considering the entire length of the cooler, the user needs to follow a diagonal pattern. To do this, the user needs a screwdriver that will allow the user to turn any spring-loaded screws. These screws should be turned counterclockwise until a full turn is completed. In this way, the user will separate any spring-loaded screws from the backplate, which belongs to the base plate.
- Again, the user also needs to loosen the seal between the heat sink and the CPU cover. To do this, the user needs to perform counterclockwise and clockwise turns lightly and gently on the CPU cooler.
- When all this is done carefully, the CPU is held in the socket while separating the CPU cooler from the CPU.
Conclusion:
Removing the backplate of a CPU cooler is a simple procedure when the design of the different components is respected. However, it is essential to know how to remove or install the backplate.
This is because it is an essential component that complements the performance of a CPU cooler. In this way, it will be much easier to apply good maintenance to a PC when necessary.
Key Concepts:
