Hello everyone,
I don't know how this happened, but I got these two Intel Core i9-10980XE CPUs from a friend in this condition. The IHS (heat spreader) is detached from both CPUs.
I've attached photos showing their current condition. The thermal interface material between the die and the IHS is still present, although it looks quite old and hard.
I would like to repair both CPUs and hopefully use them normally again. My questions are:
- Should I remove and replace the old thermal interface material?
- If so, what should I use instead?
- Is it even worth repairing these processors?
- What type of silicone/adhesive should I use to reattach the IHS?
- Is there anything I should be especially careful about to avoid damaging the CPUs?
I haven't researched this much yet, and I don't currently have a motherboard to test them on. I was told by my friend that both CPUs are working, but I have no way to verify that at the moment.
I'd really appreciate advice from anyone who has experienced this kind of issue or has experience with delidding/relidding CPUs.
Thanks!