Dell Dimension 4600 Motherboard heatsink latch broken

[spencj]

I have a Dell Dimension 4600 that was booting up and shutting down shortly after making it to the operating system. I've read about all possible problems but found when I opened the case that one of the clips that holds the heatsink on the microprocessor was unlatched. I suspect that this was what was causing the problem with shut down.
When I looked at the place where the latch was supposed to clip onto I found that the plastic was broken, thus the latch had nothing to clip on to. I think that this plastic square that the heatsink sits in and is connected to is part of the motherboard. If so, do any of you have any suggestions on how I can rescue this computer when I can't latch one side of the heatsink? Also do any of you agree that the headsink being unlatched on one side could have caused the computer to shut down? Thanks for any help you can give.

[BipolarBill]

This is definitely the cause. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix. You will need a new motherboard.

[spencj]

Thanks for your reply. Some questions. Do you think it's worth the expense of replacing the motherboard in a unit this old? If yes, where is a good place to find a compatible replacement? Also, is it possible that the problem with the loose heatsink might have created problems with the microprocessor? It definitely shut down rather quickly after completing boot.

[#43 fan]

If it serves your needs as it is, and if you can find an inexpensive board, then it may be worth the cost.
Or, you can rebuild the Dell with a new case, power supply, motherboard with Integrated Graphics if you don't game, and CPU. That would be about $300-$400, depending on what you get.

[spencj]

Thanks.

[BipolarBill]

I doubt that the CPU was damaged. The PC is designed to prevent that.

You may be able to get a replacement motherboard on eBay. #43's advice is good, but it comes with penalties. You will need a new Windows CD and connecting the front USB ports may be a real headache - perhaps impossible unless you get the new case.

[EXreaction]

A new motherboard isn't needed. Just buy a new heatsink.
Newegg.com - Socket 478, CPU Fans & Heatsinks, Fans & Heatsinks, Computer Hardware

The one thing to note is that you will also need a 4pin to 3 pin adapter to connect the fan directly to the power supply.

Depending on the heatsink you get, you may need a new mounting bracket for the heatsinks as well (the images for most do not show them coming with mounts).

[spencj]

Would I be able to lock it down when I have the broken plastic latch hook that appears to be attached to the motherboard?

[BipolarBill]

A new heatsink won't work unless there are screwmounts on the motherboard as an alternative. Dell isn't big on providing alternative mounts.

[EXreaction]

That plastic mount comes off.

I've put a new heatsink on my own 4600 motherboard already before.

There are screw mounts on the chassis for a new mount as well.

[ChrisG_UK]

I had the same problem. Machine just about boots up then powers off. If you boot it again it trips out even quicker. Traced it to the broken heatsink bracket. I fixed mine with a short length of wire.

Remove both heatsink clips and lift off the metal heatsink. Then unscrew the four screws that hold the plastic bracket down. Cut a four inch length of insulated 1mm solid copper wire (the type used in the UK for fixed mains lighting). Strip both ends, leaving about an inch in the middle still insulated. Wrap the insulated wire around the "foot" of the bracket. The wire must be insulated here as it could touch the motherboard tracks. Now bend the stripped part of the wire up and across where the broken clip retainer used to be, and twist the ends together to secure it. Screw the bracket back onto the motherboard and re-assemble. Not so elegant but at least it won't break again.

After I did one corner, another corner broke a few days later, so you might as well do all four at once.