Removing heatsink retention plate from motherboard

[Wams]

I've run into a bit of a problem with a motherboard that I purchased from a friend. The motherboard and heatsink in question is an Asus P5WD2-E Premium and a ThermalRight Ultra120, respectively.


I overlooked a key issue which has become the source of my difficulties at the moment. The Ultra120 has a threaded retention plate that it screws into. The previous owner of this motherboard has already mounted a non-threaded retention plate on the back of the motherboard for some other heatsink.

So, the dilemma is this: I'm trying to figure out a way to successfully mount the ThermalRight Ultra120 to a Pentium D 920 on an Asus P5WD2-E Premium.

I've tried removing the current retention plate using 91% alcohol around the edges to "free up" the foam rubber adhesive, but to no avail. I've thought of possibly using some screw nuts or simply tapping threads into the current retention plate in order to give the Ultra120 something to screw into, but I'd like to only go that route as a last resort.

So, any recommendations on how I could either successfully mount the Ultra120 as is, or how I could successfully remove the retention plate from the mobo?

Many thanks for any help that can be provided.

 

[Wams]

Found a solution...sort of

The method used to solve this problem was taking a very fine razor blade and slowly cutting in between the foam adhesive and the retention plate. After scoring the foam adhesive like this, alcohol was able to get in there and make the job a little bit easier. Still, several passes were required.

After removing the foam adhesive, I was able to put a cardboard wedge between one section of the retention plate and the mobo and continuously wedge that section up, little by little, whilst cutting away more of the adhesive. The remnants of the adhesive left on the motherboard were able to simply be pulled off.

It was successful, but very much a pain as the process is a delicate one. I found that despite my best efforts, I inadvertently scratched the mobo in 3 places, so be wary if you're trying this.

Hope the mobo still works...

Wams out.