The original post: /r/buildapc by /u/Zothic on 2025-02-20 03:48:45.

The title says it all, really.

I’m in the process of adjusting my current build, which has required taking my components like my cooler and my CPU out several times to test things.

I went to a nearby electronics shop to pick up a new tube of thermal paste, however they ended up selling me what I now understand is thermal plaster or heat sink plaster, which is apparently intended to be used to PERMANENTLY adhere a heatsink. Mind you, I asked for paste but I guess it’s at least partially my fault for not double checking but fuck me I didn’t even know thermal plaster was a thing.

I deeply do not wish my cooler to be permanently attached to my cpu, especially since it’s currently in a motherboard I’m trying to replace, and the CPU release lever is blocked by the fucking cooler.

What can I do about this? As far as I can tell this is not something that happens often so I’m at a bit of a loss as to what to do. I’ve tried the ol hair dryer and tooth floss trick extensively and while I think it might be doing something, it’s incredibly slow going and I’m worried I’m going to damage something.