How do I get those plastic push pins out?

[Format _C:]

I have an NV 6600GT From XFX and (I bought it used on another forum) I noticed that the stock cooler makes very little contact with the GPU and I can see the dried up pink thermal tape (I also get really bad temps on this card) Right now just typing this message Its running at 43 C and when I play a graphics intensiv app or game it goes into the 65 C Range. It uses a tiny fan which II just took apart and cleaned. So I know the fan works. So my question is how do I get those two plastic push pins out? (Hopefully without breaking them as I want to put the stock cooler back on(I just want to make sure It will get better contact with the GPU by putting a little AS5 under there. So what is a good way to remove those pins for reuse? Any tips? Also Whats the normal Range of temperature for a 6600GT PCI-E? Thanks

 

[Hamidxa]

I just use really tiny flat-head screwdrivers, and try to wedge the tip of the screwdriver into any opening or crack between the pushpin and the hole its inserted into (no matter how small), then proceed to push up and out on the pin with the tip of the screwdriver while also pushing against the underside of the pin with my thumb or some hard flat surface.

Usually does the trick for me with very minimal damage to the pushpin; i.e. it can be reused with no worries afterwards.

 

[skadebo]

I've used needle nose pliers to good effect on push pins. This may not be the best route, as it did squish the plastic albeit on a very old mx 440 or something.

 

[WintersFury]

I've used needle nose pliers to good effect on push pins. This may not be the best route, as it did squish the plastic albeit on a very old mx 440 or something.

I use the needle nose method myself. Have to be careful though as I've also smushed one of them. But that was the first card I did it to, have been more careful since and had no problems. Then again, I haven't used a card with those in a long time either.

I had a 6600GT PCI-e and the thing ran hot enough under load to artifact. I had to install a pci slot fan in the system to get it to stop. Most of them had those dinkey lil circular coolers about the size of a old dollar coin and I really don't think their adequate for the ammt of heat the chip produces.