I'm curious though, can you remove the sock protector but leave the "frame" that fits into the notches on the CPU so it doesn't move around?

I really wanna pop the top off my E4300, but I won't do it until I get a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme, as I don't dare apply the necessary preasure to install the stock cooler with no IHS.

I dunno, if the "frame" of the socket can be left so that it holds the CPU in place then things should work out, and I won't worry about it.

Could you please post pics of the mobo/socket with the naked CPU installed?

EDIT: Seems some newer chips are doing well to, mine's a SL9TB week Q702A472 and hits 3.2GHz @ 1.312v under load and is perfectly stable.