Duron Heat Sink Installation

[ragtop]

I've always used Intel processors in the past, but have decided to give AMD a shot (gotta love the price to performance ratio). I'm going to use a Micro Star K7T Pro 2A with a Duron 800. I haven't decided between using a boxed processor with the stock fan, or an OEM processor with a Chrome Orb.

I've read a few articles that talked about how difficult it was to install the heat sink on a Duron, and how easy it is to damage the processor. I was just wondering if you guys have any tips or tricks on the easiest/safest way to install a Duron heat sink. (install it before you mount the MB, or after its in the case, etc.)

[Dave_Whittle]

Its not that hard to install a heatsink.

Just get the best heatsink you can (i.e. one AMD recomends for a 1.3GHZ) and clip it on once youve installed the cpu. Theres some thermal compound on the bottom of most heatsinks nowadays just remember to pull the backing paper off it!!

Its dead easy!!

[ragtop]

I've installed lots of heat sinks on Intel socket 7 and FCPGA processors without a problem, but I've read a couple articles that indicate that the Duron/T-Bird processors require a much greater force to attach the clip, resulting in many people damaging their processors or motherboards. Is this true??

[jad1097]

http://www.azzo.com/images/cooling/mounting.swf

[ragtop]

Thanks - pretty cool animation.

[VERT]

oh yeah mine was a bit of a pain in the @ss to attach

[linux_guru]

I've always used Intel (10+ years). Just made the switch to a 1 Ghz Athlon. Best thing I ever did.

Installing the CPU/HSF is pretty easy. Best to do it before you put the board in the case though. The clamping force of the heat sink clip is a bit more than Pentiums, so a bit of care is required.

They also run hotter, so a good HSF is required. GlobalWin or Alpha is the way to go.

[knucklebusted]

A couple of things to add.

First, test fit the HSF to the CPU. If the clip seems excessively hard, take it apart and de-tension it a bit. I did this to one that the clips wouldn't touch a flat surface while the HSF was sitting flat. It still provided a very snug fit after I slacked it a bit. This makes it easier if you have to demount it later to pencil in the L1's.

Second, put a bit of heatsink compound on the slug and test fit the HSF to check the placement of any needed new compound on the HSF.

If you've got plenty of Intel experience, it isn't that much different. Don't worry about it too much.

[Dave_Whittle]

If the clip is too strong just uninstall the fan on top and remove the clip bend it flatter and screw the fan/sink back together.