Changing my PC heatsink

[cookie_365]

Well, I've decided to bite the bullet & I've ordered a new Akasa AK-827 cooler from overclockers for my XP 2800+.

So in a couple of days I'll:

• Unplug a CPU fan for the very first time
• Unclip a CPU heatsink from a mobo for the very first time
• Take out a CPU for the very first time
• Clean the thermal gunk off a CPU for the very first time
• Reseat a CPU for the very first time
• Not apply any thermal grease (pad already on sink)
• Put a CPU heatsink onto a CPU for the very first time
• Clip a CPU heatsink onto a mobo for the very first time
• Plug in a CPU fan for the very first time

I confidently predict that I'll at some stage:

• Mutter 'fiddlesticks!' for the very first time

And who knows, I might even:

• Smell burning sand for the very first time
• Here the sound of a circuit board cracking for the very first time

And there's always the possibility that I might end up:

• Buying a new computer, for the very second time

So if you don't hear from me for a bit, it was nice knowing you all - except that Dave Stones, of course, who still has a contract to assassinate me

[David F]

Just take your time. Are you removing the mobo? make sure theres room around the cpu.Its socket A isnt it,so you will need a flat screwdriver the clip will have a slot for this make sure you use one that fits snug.This will mean the screwdriver cant slip and hit the mobo.
Do not be surprised by the amount of force you need. when you refit cpu it should just drop in no force needed,gently press down on cpu when you press retaining lever down to ensure a good connection ,then replace heatsink very carefully again using more force than you may expect .

Good luck. I remember my first time fiddling around in the dark,then the force you need to fit it.Ive done 100 never yet damaged a core and if i can do it you can m8

[Gottu]

yup tis true the only time I fried a cpu was down to a faulty (cheap) heatsink, have fun cookie, but be careful it's addictive after a while

[marky]

and remember the more cuts on your hands the better you are

"i'm not addicted i can stop any time"

[Dave Stones]

you just keep your eye out... you are on the list with raistlin mr

[nibbles]

if i where u i'd get some decent quality thermal paste cause the pads included with heatsinks arn't normally up 2 much.
make sure the u only use acetone or isopropyl alcohol to clean ur heatsink n cpu.
b careful try not to shuffle the hs round to much when u fit it or u could crack or chip the core!

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by cookie_365

Well, I've decided to bite the bullet & I've ordered a new Akasa AK-827 cooler from overclockers for my XP 2800+.

Do things in a methodical manner, take it slow and steady and you should be all right

[Gareth]

Just have a few beers before you start... that'll help calm your nerves

[Web-Junkie]

A few tips before you start!

Enable CPU Overheat/Shutdown protection in your BIOS, say @ 70°C for the CPU, so if something goes wrong with fitting the heatsink the system will shutdown when the CPU hits 70°C, which is a sign of something not right and saves you from frying your CPU!

Enable the CPU Fan detect in BIOS, so if you forget to plug the CPU fan into the CPU Fan socket on the board you will get an audible or visual alarm when booting the PC to remind you!

Also, If the new heatsink has a step machined into the base, make sure this locates with the step on the CPU socket!! Otherwise the base of the heatsink may not sit squarely on the 4 pads on the CPU and may cause an air gap between CPU core and the base of the heatsink and cause overheating!

And don't go mad spreading thermal grease on the CPU core, just enough to spread a thin layer over the entire surface of the core. You can also rub (with a cloth) a little grease onto the base of the heatsink in the area roughly where the CPU will sit so it gets ingrained into the metal base, just press on hard while rubbing along the grain of the metal so it gets thoroughly rubbed in.

[David F]

Originally Posted by Web-Junkie

Also, If the new heatsink has a step machined into the base, make sure this locates with the step on the CPU socket!! Otherwise the base of the heatsink may not sit squarely on the 4 pads on the CPU and may cause an air gap between CPU core and the base of the heatsink and cause overheating!

Getting that wrong breaks cores

[cookie_365]

Astonishing news - my computer still works

Took a bit more force to unclip the existing heatsink than I thought it would - good job there's nothing delicate on the mobo next to the securing clip that might not welcome the attention of a screwdriver

And I have to unscrew the power supply and move it out of the way to get the leverage.

But against all expectation, when the new one was in, I turned on the PC and .... it worked

Temps seem to be about 10 -15 degrees lower now - I'll see if it keeps that way.

Thanks for all your help with this

[David F]

well done mate next you wanna build a new one for yourself,oh may let the addiction grow

[Halcyon]

Yeah good work Cookie.
Just goes to show, all of you who havent opened your PC cases before, do not be afraid. There are some great helpful people here and as long as you take your time, most of the time it will all go well.

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by cookie_365

Astonishing news - my computer still works

Well done

[cookie_365]

Thanks all.

Next time I get a PC I'm tempted to build it myself now

Haven't zapped anything yet but I'm sure it'll happen eventually.

I'm taking the view that if I zap the motherboard then all I need to do is: get another motherboard. And that's hardly the end of the world

So, all you other scaredy cats - give it a go. But if it goes pear shaped don't blame me