Advice on how to remove screws from a motherboard

[gromenawer]

I would like to remove the screws from a heat-sink that is covering a M2 drive. The motherboard is a ROG STRIX B360-F GAMING (manual here: https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-strix/rog-strix-b360-f-gaming-model/helpdesk_manual/) , which doesn't have any particular special screws, and the manual simply recommend using a Phillips screwdriver.

It seems an easy task, but when I apply pressure and rotate, the screwdriver doesn't grip to it at all and simply slip over the indentations, no matter whether I use a X or - type of screwdriver. No matter if I apply down pressure to it, or if I use a rubber band for better grip.

The screws doesn't seems to be worm off. Image here:

Overview: https://i.imgur.com/zG4iGNQ.jpeg

Close: https://i.imgur.com/jcf6AiY.jpeg

While the motherboard have about 4 years old, this plate have never been removed, and these screws have never been touched.

I'm using a pretty common tool set (https://i.imgur.com/z2luKbT.jpeg), the Ph000 to Ph0 fit well, but again neither can grip to it. Neither 1.5 to 3.0 or the PZ0 to PZ2.

I'm looking for a general advice on how to proceed. Maybe an specific tool to destroy the screw without damaging the motherboard. Maybe use a special type of rubber head with better grip.

Anything you guys can think about to help remove it.

[smokerob79]

this is smaller then a number 1 Philips....you have started to round the screws in the pic you linked to.....you need a mini screw driver set like this......

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Screwdriver-Lengnoyp-Pentalobe-Repairing/dp/B0CK5P9Y1K/ref=sr_1_5


this^^^ will have the size you need and give you a great set to repair all kinds of things.....any mini set of screw drivers will work.....you dont need this exact set

[gromenawer]

Ok thanks, I will stop by the hardware store on monday and get something similar

[smokerob79]

most of the time the M.2 slots use the biggest philips of the mini sets to hold the heat sink and M.2 itself in place....standard screw drivers are to big....hope that its not to stripped as the close up looked bad....

[Rumpelcrutchskin]

They should really replace the M.2 slot screws with some sort of clamp or latch so it would be simple install without screwdriver. Pretty annoying to mess with those tiny screws.

[Kobs]

Originally posted by Rumpelcrutchskin:

They should really replace the M.2 slot screws with some sort of clamp or latch so it would be simple install without screwdriver. Pretty annoying to mess with those tiny screws.

Agreed

[PopinFRESH]

Originally posted by Kobs:

Originally posted by Rumpelcrutchskin:

They should really replace the M.2 slot screws with some sort of clamp or latch so it would be simple install without screwdriver. Pretty annoying to mess with those tiny screws.

Agreed

Indeed many motherboards do when they haven't included a heatsink for the M.2 slot.

OP, the screw size used for the M.2 retention peg is a flat head M2.0x2.5 screw. Most commonly it will use a "Phillips" PH0 driver. The PH000 is too small of a pitch which is why it's slipping.

[gromenawer]

Originally posted by PopinFRESH:

OP, the screw size used for the M.2 retention peg is a flat head M2.0x2.5 screw. Most commonly it will use a "Phillips" PH0 driver. The PH000 is too small of a pitch which is why it's slipping.

But is not for the M2 SSD itself, is for the weird heatsink/plate that is covering one of the two M2 slots in the mobo. The M2 screws and standoff screws are under the plate.

Anyway, I used the PH0 before, and I would say that is the closer one in size for plate screw also, but is not gripping either.

According to a previous answer the screw is starting to wear off. I would be happy to rip it off the mobo if I could without damaging the mobo. That's why I'm cautious on how to proceed further.

Worse case, I have small metal saw that I think can work well destroying the plastic around the screws.

[PopinFRESH]

Originally posted by gromenawer:

Originally posted by PopinFRESH:

OP, the screw size used for the M.2 retention peg is a flat head M2.0x2.5 screw. Most commonly it will use a "Phillips" PH0 driver. The PH000 is too small of a pitch which is why it's slipping.

But is not for the M2 SSD itself, is for the weird heatsink/plate that is covering one of the two M2 slots in the mobo. The M2 screws and standoff screws are under the plate.

Anyway, I used the PH0 before, and I would say that is the closer one in size for plate screw also, but is not gripping either.

According to a previous answer the screw is starting to wear off. I would be happy to rip it off the mobo if I could without damaging the mobo. That's why I'm cautious on how to proceed further.

Worse case, I have small metal saw that I think can work well destroying the plastic around the screws.

Ahh yeah I see what you mean. That is most likely a PH1 driver.

Looking at the screw, while it does look like you've started to round it off it doesn't look too bad where you won't be able to get it out if you use the right size.

[CygGame]

I hope those are not stripped too much.

I think home depot has a set of the smaller screw drivers like the other poster linked to.

The "I fix it" tool kit is highly rated and something on my wish list. I needed a set to take apart a GPU I have, and this one worked pretty good, but the quality is low. It keeps going though.

https://www.amazon.com/Screwdriver-VCELINK-Precision-Magnetic-Extension/dp/B092HNJ64V/ref=sr_1_28?crid=VJOS3S9G705T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dSCEVHJHZ_0WRL6Yv7zU082USx5lXebqL9NX1q3Lo6KAVGITX4VZqzP1UsB4CPb77xnnlulp_qs9zpsOoLFos61lfu3UTHLsSmNnSsZV5Uw.j9qEhQZaNl6K2TBA7dr0fMWc0mChrxQgU5NAvONVrog&dib_tag=se&keywords=pc+tech+screwdriver+set&qid=1733616106&s=hi&sprefix=pc+tech+screwdriver+set%2Ctools%2C146&sr=1-28

[_I_]

probbly a ph #1, maybe #0

you dont need the ifixit kits, there are many knockoffs that are as good

one like this for $14 has nearly everything
https://www.amazon.com/XOOL-Precision-Screwdriver-Extension-Smartphone/dp/B086SQZGLJ/ref=asc_df_B086SQZGLJ

[smokerob79]

Originally posted by PopinFRESH:

Originally posted by gromenawer:

But is not for the M2 SSD itself, is for the weird heatsink/plate that is covering one of the two M2 slots in the mobo. The M2 screws and standoff screws are under the plate.

Anyway, I used the PH0 before, and I would say that is the closer one in size for plate screw also, but is not gripping either.

According to a previous answer the screw is starting to wear off. I would be happy to rip it off the mobo if I could without damaging the mobo. That's why I'm cautious on how to proceed further.

Worse case, I have small metal saw that I think can work well destroying the plastic around the screws.

Ahh yeah I see what you mean. That is most likely a PH1 driver.

Looking at the screw, while it does look like you've started to round it off it doesn't look too bad where you won't be able to get it out if you use the right size.

1 is to big....its always smaller then a 1