Hi, I'm wondering how you remove the HS & Fan from an AMD XP processor. Is the "thermal adhesive" that is under with the retail box heat sink that AMD gives you actually sticking to the processor after it's been installed? If it is, how can someone remove it if they are planning to put in a bigger heat sink fan combo?

Also, are there any consequences to running your comp with the sides of the case open? (asides from the obvious things like if someone spills something near the case the liquid can get in much easier) What about dust? My processor runs at a decent temperature, but it's just idle curiosity.

Thanks

The retail HSF will be held on by a clip that goes over the lugs on the socket. You must find the side with a small slot for a flathead screwdriver. Make sure the screwdriver is the right size. Push down and out to remove the HSF.

When installing or reinstalling a HSF, new thermal paste must be used. You can clean the old paste off with isopropyl alcohol. There are sites that show you how to install a HSF complete with how to apply the paste. Here's one:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

Running with the case side off is OK, except for the problems you're already aware of. However, in order to provide proper airflow as recommended by AMD, the case should be run closed with intake and exhaust fans.

Yeah but here's always my problem - what on earth do you do with the old HSF combo??

If you take the fan off, the heatsink makes a fun & interesting paperweight, but what does everyone else do with theirs? I don't exactly have systems just laying around needing a HSF combo...