HSF Preparation
Now, we are going to deal with the heatsink and fan application to the CPU and the motherboard. This is one of those places we need to be very careful, as it is easy to damage the CPU and render it useless, if improper pressure is used. So, it's important to understand very well that this process requires very little force.
It's also important to have read thru the installation instructions for your HSF, or visited the vendors website to familarize yourself with the installation procedure for your HSF.
If you are using thermal paste, you should NOT use the thermal pad that is commonly used on heatsinks. It's generally NOT a good idea to mix the two. If the thermal pad is still attached to your HSF, and you have applied thermal paste to the CPU ceramic, you will need to remove the thermal pad on the HSF.You can find guidelines Here
If you are using the thermal pad on the HSF, then do not forget to remove the protective tape they place over the thermal pad.
The first step is to hold your heatsink and fan in your hand, and observe it. You will notice that it has a clip that runs thru it, and a polished bottom, that is notched on one end. This notch, is slotted to fit the contour of the CPU socket. The notched section will generally fit the back of the CPU socket, the wide white border on one end of the socket.
HSF Placement and Securing
To fit the HSF to the motherboard, you will need to clip the inside clip over the center detent on the inside edge of the socket, and then let the HSF rest onto the chip. Depending on the manufacture of your HSF, you will use a screwdriver, needle nose pliars, or even a finger to extend the outboard clip over the outboard center detent on the CPU socket.
Do not be confused by the additional detents on the cpu socket. In this Illustration we are using a single notched clip which is most common. You may elect to use a triple notched clip which will utilize all 3 detents on the cpu socket for added security, but this is purely optional.
For AMD Processors. You want to make sure before attaching the clip that no part of the Heatsink (HSF) rests on the beveled incline (step) as this will cause the HSF to sit on the CPU core at an angle, which could crack the ceramic core of the cpu when the pressure of the clip is applied, at the very least it will prevent full contact with the processor core to Heatsink resulting in overheating and premature failure of the CPU. Take careful notice that when the heatsink is installed properly it should not touch any portion of the socket and should rest level on the four rubber pads provided on the top of the processor.
You may find it necessary to exert some light pressure downward as you clip the HSF, but keep it very light, and if you get frustrated, stop, regroup, and try again. Do NOT rock the HSF back and forth, do not "clamp" the heat sink down in any way. It takes very little overpressure from the HSF being pressed down too harshly to crack the CPU ceramic.
Once the HSF is secured to the socket, it's time to prepare the fan leads, and connect them to the appropriate FAN header on the motherboard. Abit Boards are notorious for this being FAN1, so consult your motherboard guide to BE SURE you know which one FAN1 is. If you are building a different motherboard, check for your needs.
You might notice that the fan wires here appear wrapped in black electrical tape. That is exactly what was done, to keep the leads organized, and cut down on wire clutter in the computer. If you choose to do this, be sure to use a good quality electrical tape. Don't use masking tape, or cellophane tape. Wrap the wires in a diagonal fashion, working your way from the HSF to the plug. Of course, you should do this before you mount the HSF to the board.
Previous Article Links
Should I build, or should I buy?Setting an Inventory and Ordering it AllSetting up the Work AreaHaving the right tools for the jobForming an "Order of Battle" Arranging your parts, and getting started!Case Preparation and Power Supply considerationsMain Board PreparationCpu Alignment and MountingThermal Paste ApplicationNext Article Link
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