The first step in removing the CPU cooler is to unplug the small three pin power cable.

The CPU cooler is attached to the socket with metal hooks. Removing it without damaging the CPU requires two distinct motions:

Gently push down on the red tab.

Squeeze the red tab towards the fan and then lift the cooler.

Using too much pressure can crack the processor and ruin your day.

We can now see the CPU die since this version of the Pentium III does not have an integrated heat spreader. This design is called a flip-chip pin grid array (FC-PGA).