Intel Q9450 Stock HSF

[RHYN0X]

Hello all,

This is my first post here at PC Guide. After much searching, and from what I've read, this seems like the most informed and "friendly" place to get answers/help/suggestions.

So here goes... after being in the dark ages of still using a S939 and older CPU based PC's I'm taking the plunge and building a new system.
I have a lot of experience building systems, just not with the new hardware.
This may seem like a dumb question, but with the stock HSF that came with my Q9450 is there a film/cover over the thermal pads? Every other stock HSF I've dealt with in the past (AMD and Intel) have had a film over it, but I can't see one on this HSF. I just want to be sure, that it's not clear or my eyes are failing or something. :confused:

On the topic of HSF, if I am not happy with the temps with this HSF I will be getting an after market cooler. What do you think of the Thermaltake Blue Orb II for the Q9450? (Would most likely be using Arctic Cooling MX-2 with this).

Thanks for you help, and sorry for the "newbish" question, heh :D

[Whyzman]

I deleted the post you pointed out was in the wrong forum! Welcome aboard! ;)

I'm not sure about your Blue Ord II application. However, I would like to point out that I have always been satisfied with Thermaltake products.

I have installed some thermal pads that did not have the protective film. You might want to take an exacto knife or something similar and gently probe/pick at a corner of the surface of the pad. If there is a protective film I would suspect that this would reveal it...

[RHYN0X]

Thank you for the welcome and thank you for deleting my other post.

I have always been happy with Thermaltake products as well. I'm just not sure if will be ok with a 45nm quad core or if I should go with a "bigger" solution. (BTW my case is an Antec 900 - for HSF spacing solutions).

Great idea with the "probing". I will do that when I get home from work :)

[saphalline]

Rumour has it that Intel abandoned the film in favor of better molded plastic shipping packages. Apparently, too many newbies were frying their CPU's! (Both home and server newbies!! :p)

Notice also that the installation instructions have vastly improved in recent years. Coincidence? ;)

[RHYN0X]

Aye, coincidence in deed! :P Thanks.