Dell Dimension C521 Motherboard Removal

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classicrockradioman_2000

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Jan 8, 2018
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I am needing to replace the Capacitors near the RAM on a Dimension C521. Is it possible to remove the motherboard without removing the CPU Cooler? I am only needing to replace the capacitors. If it is possible. What are the instructions on removing the motherboard, without taking the CPU Cooler off? This is my production computer and it's currently offline due to a failed power supply and needing these capacitors replaced. Any help other than (Scrap It) would be helpful as scrapping the unit is NOT an option here. It has one of a kind software installed which cannot be replaced without spending thousands. Which I don't have. Thanks in advance.
 
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The correct answer turns out NO YOU CANNOT remove the motherboard without taking the CPU Cooler off. A word of caution. While removing the cooler, the CPU can and WILL come with the cooler yanking it out of the pin holder. Be careful as this may damage the pins. For some reason it seems common for the CPU to become stuck to the cooler by the heat sink grease! There are 4 screws near the CPU which hold the motherboard in place. The other screws are also in place at the 4 corners of the motherboard. Today I bit the bullet and removed everything. I located some Heat Sink Grease and put it on the CPU after cleaning the old grease off. Now that the PSU and the Capacitors are replaced the unit operates 100% without any self terminating. I...
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taragem72

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Jan 8, 2018
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How did you determine you had bad caps? I stay away from Dells because they use proprietary hardware and are designed to be difficult to disassemble. You should probably remove the CPU cooler anyway since it's likely collected dust.
 
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classicrockradioman_2000

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Jan 8, 2018
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The Capacitors are swollen and leaking. That is how I determined they were bad. I'm not stupid as far as electronics goes. I worked in several transmitter sheds. Just have never opened a Dimension C521 before. The CPU cooler is clean no dust anywhere on it. I actually keep my machines clean. You could eat off their motherboard if you chose to! As I stated, I am not looking to remove the cooler as at the time I do not have the Heat Sink Grease and am trying to avoid removing the cooler. The fan shroud is basically in the way and holding the motherboard in place. But hey, thanks for the snarky remark taragem72. Deeply appreciate your unkindness!

 
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taragem72

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Jan 8, 2018
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taragem72

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Jan 8, 2018
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The problem with text is intention and intimation are hard to communicate. No snarkiness, that you read into my reply, was intended. I was seriously interested in how you determined bad caps, since that's typically out of the purview of computer techs, of which I've been one for 20+ yrs. I was curious to know if you measured them with an instrument or, as you explained, ascertained by looking at them. Best regards.
 
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classicrockradioman_2000

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Jan 8, 2018
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0
520
The correct answer turns out NO YOU CANNOT remove the motherboard without taking the CPU Cooler off. A word of caution. While removing the cooler, the CPU can and WILL come with the cooler yanking it out of the pin holder. Be careful as this may damage the pins. For some reason it seems common for the CPU to become stuck to the cooler by the heat sink grease! There are 4 screws near the CPU which hold the motherboard in place. The other screws are also in place at the 4 corners of the motherboard. Today I bit the bullet and removed everything. I located some Heat Sink Grease and put it on the CPU after cleaning the old grease off. Now that the PSU and the Capacitors are replaced the unit operates 100% without any self terminating. I apologize to taragem72 for thinking you were being snarky. As you stated, it is difficult to determine that in text. Once again I apologize and submit the answer myself as I learned something very new to me on this Dimension C521. Thanks
 
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