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Trying to remove reference cooler from 290x

fowler002

fowler002

fowler002

Soldato
Joined
23 Oct 2008
Posts
5,032
after like 2yrs I've finally got around to watercooling my 4770k PC(bought the parts ready to put the loop together but been lazy, been meaning to do it but kept getting put off for one reason or another), I'm going to be watercooling the gpu(290x) as well.

Went to remove the screws for the stock cooler but similar to my first attempt at watercooling 9yrs ago I'm having trouble removing a couple of the screws, the screwdriver turns in the screws but the screw don't budge and and the screw 'hole' is starting to 'misshapen'(one screw more than the other)

What's the best way of removing those two screws? With my first attempt I had my brother in law to help, this time he's in London so can't ask him.

Need an answer ASAP as I'm going on holiday next week and will be gone for 3 weeks.
 
fowler002 said:
after like 2yrs I've finally got around to watercooling my 4770k PC(bought the parts ready to put the loop together but been lazy, been meaning to do it but kept getting put off for one reason or another), I'm going to be watercooling the gpu(290x) as well.

Went to remove the screws for the stock cooler but similar to my first attempt at watercooling 9yrs ago I'm having trouble removing a couple of the screws, the screwdriver turns in the screws but the screw don't budge and and the screw 'hole' is starting to 'misshapen'(one screw more than the other)

What's the best way of removing those two screws? With my first attempt I had my brother in law to help, this time he's in London so can't ask him.

Need an answer ASAP as I'm going on holiday next week and will be gone for 3 weeks.
Click to expand...

You can invest Draper 09550 31 Piece Precision Screwdriver Set.
 
Sounds like you've been using a screwdriver that doesn't fit the screw heads very well. If the driver is too big/too small, it'll round off the screw heads and you'll be in trouble.

You probably need a #1 Philips screwdriver. I think a #0 will be too small and a #2 could be too big. My PC toolbox contains two screwdrivers - a #1 Philips and a #2 Philips. With those two you can remove 99% of PC screws.

EDIT: These are the exact ones I've got:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-fatmax-phillips-screwdriver-ph1-x-100mm/51711

http://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-fatmax-phillips-screwdriver-ph2-x-125mm/65204
 
Borealis said:
Sounds like you've been using a screwdriver that doesn't fit the screw heads very well. If the driver is too big/too small, it'll round off the screw heads and you'll be in trouble.

You probably need a #1 Philips screwdriver. I think a #0 will be too small and a #2 could be too big. My PC toolbox contains two screwdrivers - a #1 Philips and a #2 Philips. With those two you can remove 99% of PC screws.
Click to expand...

It removed all but those screws, any replies on actually how to remove those two screws? Or am I out of luck and I've wasted money on the gpu block, also the warranty on the 290x is now voided?
 
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fowler002 said:
It removed all but those screws, any replies on actually how to remove those two screws? Or am I out of luck and I've wasted money on the gpu block, also the warranty on the 290x is now voided?
Click to expand...

I'm biting my tongue as I type this, but why in hell are you trying to disassemble a valuable piece of electronics without the correct tools?

I typed a couple of suggestions but in reading the thread you obviously aren't up to them so stop what you are doing and get someone involved that knows WTH they are doing to try to extricate you from this.

That is all.
 
As the others have said, you need the right tools. While your current screw driver may have undone the others, it doesn't mean it's the right size. The right screw driver also has the correct depth to properly fill the head, thus preventing you from grinding it down.
 
This could turn out to be an interesting read thread. I have visions of "I was told that putting the card in the washing machine would clean the components better" happening :D
 
Looks like a lost cause but you can try the elastic band method.

Sit a thicker flat elastic band(wider than the screw head) on top of the screw and gently press down with a screw driver while holding the underside of the card firm with your other hand until it catches with pressure then SLOWLY turn the screw and remove it.

Still shaking my head at you/whoever stripped those screws in the first place though.:p
 
Another method is to heat up the pointy end of a biro (without the nib in it) and then push it into the screw, wait for it to cool and then slowly unscrew it.
 
tommybhoy said:
Looks like a lost cause but you can try the elastic band method.

Sit a thicker flat elastic band(wider than the screw head) on top of the screw and gently press down with a screw driver while holding the underside of the card firm with your other hand until it catches with pressure then SLOWLY turn the screw and remove it.

Still shaking my head at you/whoever stripped those screws in the first place though.:p
Click to expand...

One of the two screws came out using the elastic band, took a bit of time and trying a few different screw drivers. The second one is being more stubborn, will try again a bit later otherwise will have to give up and just take the £60 odd hit on the gpu waterblock and use the 290x with the standard amd cooler for now.

 
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Screwdriver I used



Closer look at the tip



Also have this screwdriver, the tip fit into the screw but was difficult to twist(using a cloth to hold the screwdriver helped a bit but the other screwdriver was working so I used that)

 
Sometimes a flat blade scewdriver can work if its the right size, but it doesn't look like you have much left.
If it was me, I'd try side cutters held vertically to try and undo it, if that didn't work, then carefully drill the head off.
Obviously if you slip or do anything wrong you could damage yourself or the board, but its up to you if you want to try it.
Next time use the right size screwdriver though:)
 
fowler002 said:
Screwdriver I used



Closer look at the tip



Also have this screwdriver, the tip fit into the screw but was difficult to twist(using a cloth to hold the screwdriver helped a bit but the other screwdriver was working so I used that)

Click to expand...

If you had 3 hands you could have gripped the bottom screwdriver with a pair of pliers. I managed it with 2 hands this morning though when I had to change a backplate. Where there's a will...
 
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