Heatsink installation?

[Deagle]

Hey guys, I was just reading up on how to install the processor and stuff. Then I got to the part that tells you how to install a HS and it looks hard...:( Also I went ask a few people and they said yes the HS is very hard to install especially for AMD processors. They said that if I'm not careful I might a-punch a hole in the mobo with the screw driver, b-crack the cpu core. Do I really have to use a screwdriver to install a HS?
Thanx for helping me learn:p

[Spermy]

It depends on the heatsink, mine have all had a nicely placed thumb sized mount to press the heatsink on with:D , but there are some 'lesser' ones that haven't been thought through so well that need a screwdriver or similar amell prodding object that could slip and cost you a lot!:mad:

Hope you got one of the nice ones!;)

[Budfred]

It is the art of installing a system. If you use something like Arctic Silver to install the heatsink, you have to do so carefully so as not to get the compound onto the body of the CPU and only on the heat plate. I use postit notes to frame the heat sink and others use a tape. If you are careful with this and any needed use of a screwdriver, you should be fine. Be patient and move slowly.... use a little Zen state of consciousness.....:cool: :D

[Rick]

On a New build you are better off Installing the cpu and heatsink Before you install the mother board into the case

This will allow you better view and access to the clips holding the HS
It should also allow you use something other than a scew driver to install it.
I prefer to use needle nose pliers

You and also install the Memory while the mother board is out of the case
Giving you a good opportunity to do a bench test of the 3 components

[YODA74]

http://www.upgradingandrepairingpcs.com/videos/index.asp

[Rick]

Hey Yoda74

I checked out that link and the install AMD video

it like many other references has the same 3 errors

1.. NO non conductive pad under the Mother Board on the Counter
2. They insist on using the 1 hole clips ( I use Nothing But 3 Hole clips )
3. When he uses the screw driver to press down on the clip it contacts the plastic and he continues to press down. You hear it slip off and HIT the Mother Board ( BAD idea)

Even that Little tap can damage the PCB

[Deagle]

Yo budfred, post-it notes? Like the kind that you post on refrigerator to reminds you of something? I have those 3x5 card, can I use them? Also I'm currently doing some martial arts so yeah.:)
So I can bootup the comp with only the HSF, proc and ram? also it doesn't need to be in a case? Tell me what is a good and EASY HS to install?
Thanx:D

[Budfred]

I use the really little postit notes. You could use big one, but it would be more hassle.

To do a test boot you will need to have the case speaker and video hooked up or you will not know if it worked. You will also have to have the CPU fan plugged into the motherboard. I would also attach the keyboard.

All heatsinks are about equally easy/difficult to install. They are flat on the side you use against the CPU so that is pretty much the same. The exception would be if one is not entirely flat in which case it would need to be lapped. The issue of attaching the heatsink to the CPU/motherboard is where different designs might make some difference, but that is a matter of how the clips are set up.

[Deagle]

Oh hey I want to know what would be good for me to use to scrap off the thermalpad if I were to use AS? So it's easier to install the cpu/HSF when the mobo is outside of the case?
thanx:D

[Budfred]

You use the same thing to scrape off the pad as you do to apply the VERY thin coat of Arctic Silver - a plastic card like a credit card. After you scrape it off, clean the surface well with very pure alcohol or a similar solvent (I don't remember which are suggested offhand).

And, yes, it is usually easier to install the hsf out of the case.... Of course, that is assuming that your particular motherboard doesn't have a support screw that would end up underneath the hsf/CPU....