the least destructive method of getting it off is to drill it out.
But where's the fun it that? I'd use a blow torch. ;D Of course you don't want to melt your stuff so do what Skittles says.
Rule #1 when buying a computer. Unless it's an Apple, don't buy ready made PC. (Don't shoot down the Mac just yet folks. The new ones are easy to upgrade, unless you want a new CPU. If you do I hope you have another three grand on hand. :P)
Get your PC custom made at a local shop and pair it with a good easy access case. I used to have the old hood style which was a PITA. My new one has removable side panels which are much easier to work with. Plus the old case was stainless steel and weighed a ton. My new one is aluminum which is much ligher.
[center]I only pretend to know what I'm talking about. Heck, that's what lawyers, car mechanics, and IT professionals do everyday.

The Rig:
AMD Athlon XP2000+ Palomino, ECS K7S5A 3.1, 1GB PC2700 DDR, Geforce FX5200 128mb, SB Live P