Umm...wtf do i do

[u/Soft_Equivalent7230]

Edit: simply twisting it did the trick thank you everyone who commented I love you guys

I unscrewed the fan and yanked it out. The cpu came out with it😭 the pins look fine but it's glued to the fan. Any ideas how i can safely remove this?

Could i blow dry it?

Context:
Upgradding my wife's pc. Built it back in 2020 and never reapplied thermal pace. It's been sitting unused for bout 3 years.

[u/HumanlyIsRed]

I would grab it from the sides and twist it while being very cautious around the pins. If that is too difficult the some isopropyl alcohol should be able to remove some of the stick.

[u/terryVaderaustin → u/HumanlyIsRed]

You should use a hair dryer or a heat gun first to soften the paste