Hello everyone.

I am working on repairing a Dell Dimension 4600C. The problem I am having is with the heatsink. On this motherboard the heatsink has a z clip which attaches to two solder-down anchor clips. This connection also completes a circuit that the BIOS checks before it will boot.

One of these solder-down anchor clips came off and the Z-clip is no longer attached to one side. I did manage to find this anchor, but I am unsure how I can safely and securely attach it back. it simply can not be pushed back in as it won't hold the Z Clip.

Here is a link that shows what I mean, it is on page 11.

http://www.intel.com/design/chipset...

Does anyone have any ideas? Will glue work?

I know my other option is a new motherboard, and even if I do fix this there could be damage to other parts, btu I appreciate all input.

Rather than attempting to reattach the anchor clip, just use a wire to complete the circuit...then comfirm that the system will boot. If it does, simply reattach the chipset heatsink with thermal adhesive or double sided thermal tape.

These soldering tools that run off AA bateries and heat up instantly should be safe to solder without overheating the surrounding areas. I have seen them sold for about $10.

Can you see where the anchor clip should be soldered? I suspect it has come loose due to a dry joint.

If so, it should not be a difficult task to re-solder using a normal thin soldering iron, and heating up the existing solder if it is still in place.

However, if the solder needs renewing, you will probably require a solder removal tool which works by suction and can generally be purchased in a cheapo shop.

Looking at picture on page 11 of the link, I would think the clip is soldered from underneath the mobo.

Advise how you progress.

Good Luck - Keep us posted.

Thanks for the info everyone, I think i will try the solder. It does appear it would have to be underneath the mobo.

I'll take a look this weekend and see what I can do.

If you do some googling, you'll find that this is a common problem with that board. Also, you'll find the fix that's most recommended is to use a jumper wire (like I suggested) to complete the circuit, then simply glue the heatsink to the northbridge chipset.

"There are two issues here:

(1) Complete the electrical circuit for the sensor so you don't get the warning and the system will boot;

and

(2) Get the heatsink re-attached (or a 3rd party heatsink mounted) so you don't burn up the chip !!

#1 is fairly simple => a simple wire connection to where the two clips mount will complete the circuit (with or without an actual heatsink -> although don't power up the system without a heatsink; you don't want to burn up the Northbridge !!)

#2 is a mechanical problem ==> you simply need to carefully examine the motherboard and determine figure out a way to mount the heatsink (or an alternative one). I can't see in the picture exactly what's "broken" ==> is the U-shaped item below the "DELL" (to the left of the heatsink) what you're talking about? ... and if so, was it in the 2 holes just below it? If that's all your problem is, the fix is simple: You need to (a) remove the motherboard; (b) insert that through the two holes; and (c) solder it on the underside of the motherboard. Time to get a bit of soldering experience :-) [or get a friend to help] Use a low wattage iron; and be careful => it's not a hard job; but you don't want to overheat the board and/or create a solder bridge (electrical short) to the wrong place !! If that's not what you're talking about, take another picture zoomed in on the problem."

If this link works, scroll WAY down the page:

http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cach...

Just in case that link doesn't work:

"While gluing is not as good as soldering things back in place, I understand your reluctance (especially since you have NO soldering experience) to do that. So ...

A thermal adhesive will indeed resolve #2 (reattach the heatsink) well ... but BEFORE you do that, you should be CERTAIN you have #1 (sensor continuity) resolved. So do this:

(1) Set the heatsink on the Northbridge chip and put a bit of weight on it (a small paperback book, for example).

(2) Strip 3/4" off each end of a length of wire, and attach the ends to the U-shaped clamps (the one still in place; and the one that's loose). Carefully re-insert the loose one into the motherboard. This wire should now provide the continuity that will let the motherboard think there's a heatsink on the Northbridge chip.

(3) Power up the system to confirm it boots okay. Then do a Windows shutdown and let it shut down normally.

... Assuming all is well to this point, you can go ahead with the "gluing" option. First, remove the heatsink and be sure you've thoroughly cleaned both the Northbridge chip and the heatsink (use a credit card to scrap the bulk of the old thermal compound/pad off; then a clean rag and isopropyl alcohol to get the residue; then let it dry completely). While the heatsink's off, firm up the wire that's connected to the U-shaped clamp that's still on the motherboard. Note that you can cut off the metal rod that used to hold the heatsink in place, so it's not loose in the motherboard (do this carefully). You could solder the wire to the clamp; or just use a small length of electrical tape ... of even a dab of superglue or "liquid solder". Next, mount the heatsink with thermal adhesive --> be SURE you get it positioned correctly; because once it's mounted you can't remove it without destroying the motherboard (After it's in place, I'd put some weight on top of it for 20 minutes or to --> 2 or 3 paperbacks would be plenty) !! Finally, firm up the connection on the 2nd (loose) U-shaped clamp; and then put a dab of superglue on each leg and reinsert it into the motherboard (hold it in place for a minute or so). This should let you get things back into working order without soldering."

Jam - Thanks for the info.
The problem is the U-Shaped clip has come attached, there are just two tiny holes there where it is suppose to be. I still have the clip.

I agree a wire sounds a lot easier, but without the U-Shape clip I have no where to connect it to.

I am probably going to go buy a solder iron from Fry's tonight. I saw them for around $10-$15.

The thermal glue for the heat sink and superglue for the anchor is not a bad idea either.

Nice to have options :)

I'll let you know what I go with...

You dont have the U clip from the motherboard? If it fell off, go out and buy some thin, solid copper tubing and make a new one.

1. the copper bolds to the solder

2. It is easy to bend and manipulate.

3. You'll get a good connection and repair the board properly instead of jumping the connection.

If the U-clip isn't reused to attach the heatsink, it doesn't have to be soldered. Just insert it into the holes & super glue it in place. Then run a jumper wire from one U-clip to the other...that *should* re-establish the sensor circuit & allow the system to boot. The heatsink can then be attached to the northbridge chip with thermal adhesive.

This method is quick & easy, & there's no need to remove the board from the case or do any soldering.

Success!!

Thanks for all the tips everyone.
I considered the gluing method, but I was having trouble just putting the anchor clip back in place without the glue. It's a small board and apparently my hands are less than nimble.

I ended up taking the whole thing apart and soldering it back on. took about 10 minuts and worked like a charm.

Thanks everyone!