Socket A Heatsink Mounting Procedures
 

In a previous thread, I said I will have to reinstall my CPU and heatsink due to a bad BIOS update and the subsequent Newegg RMA. I should receive the motherboard on Thursday, and being anal-retentive, I've been reading on how to properly install a heatsink, but none of it seems to address the following question:

When mounting a heatsink, does one first place the heatsink onto the processor, and then push the retention clip (the one WITHOUT the screwdriver socket thingy), or does one first place the retention clip, and then press the heatsink down? I'm using a Barton 2500+ and the stock heatsink, with Arctic Silver 3.

This is how I put on Athlon XP's:

<OL>
<LI>Put the processor on the socket and lock it into place with the clip.
<LI>Apply a very small amount of thermal grease (enough to cover JUST the core with a paper-thin layer) to the processor core. I usually smear it around a bit with a piece of paper.
<LI>Put the CPU Heatsink Fan on the socket. Put the non-screwdriver side on first. Slide the HSF back so that the entire core is covered on the processor.
<LI>Use a flathead screwdriver (preferably a long, mid-sized one) to push down the other HSF clip onto the socket.
<LI>Plug in the CPU HSF!
</OL>

I also put pieces of folded paper under the socket so the motherboard doesn't bend as much. I realize that this can be hard depending on which case you have, but I do it everytime for mine. I also make sure there are risers near the socket.

One of the major issues here is having a long, mid-to-large sized flathead screwdriver. A small, short screwdriver won't work well at all. Phillipshead seems to give problems too. Good luck!

-Lasereth

So put the heatsink onto the processor first, and slide it slightly across the processor so the non-screwdriver clip is mounted?

Just put it a 45 angle so the non-scredriver clip is hinged on, then put the proccessor down on the chip. there will be some sliding, but the grease will provide slight lubrication.
So essentialy, yes you understand correctly.
You mount the non-screwdriver side first, then the screwdriver side after adjusting the chip slightly if needed.

The instructions that came with the processor say that you can't push the heatsink down at an angle. Sorry, I'm being so obsessive, but I can't help it. I <3 my comp. I'm pathetic.

Thats fine:p
Then place the HSF on top of the chip, push the non-screwdriver side over it's clip (it should be loose and movable, not attached where it passes through the heatsink), then attatch the scredriver pushed side.
You have the idea, the answer is simply yes that the chip will slide around a tiny bit for adjusting once you have the first clip on.

Well, that is a reasonable question <b>User Name</b>.

You should install the proccesor first, making sure it seated squarly. Then, connect your cars jumper cables to your ankles, remember to get the polarity correct...

Seriously, install the proccesor first, make sure it is seated properly, (hard to screw it up buddy, as it only goes one way. Look at the corners, they are different). Flip the lever, your good to go!

Then decide which corner of the heat sink fan (hsf), you want your wires running from. Point them toward the closet mobo connection, or pot, if you have one. Apply some thermal compound of your choice, and seat the hsf in place.

Carefully slip the plain end, (probably three tiny slots that match the tangs on the proccesor base and has no place for a small screwdriver) underneath the corresponding ears on the socket A base. Hold that in place with your finger, (your choice of fingers). Then push the other end down,(edit: with a properly fitting, small screwdriver), sorta hard but not too tough, toward the other three ears opposite the two you just hooked too. Careful now! You don't want to slip out and gouge the very fine connections on the pcb!

Peice of cake brudda

After this is done, if your mobo has an foc (fan off control) it will not start if the fan is not connected properly. You can bypass this in the BIOS if you are water cooled. You should be good to go.

Don't get psyched! It is easy enough that I can do it!

BTW, Don't tell my Mom I am a Heavy Truck Mechanic, she thinks I play piano in a whorehouse.

Hope this helps, if not, my email is available.

AMD has a video on it.

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/...5E1087,00.html

Go to Socket A Heatsink Installation.

Helped me figure it out..

You got it! I shoulda been more clear. Just put the HSF directly on the processor lined up good, slide the non-screwdriver side into place, and then use the flathead to push the other side down onto the socket.

-Lasereth

I got my motherboard a day early, and installed everything. I must have spent like half an hour just applying the Arctic Silver to the CPU core, trying to make the layer complete and of the right thickness. Everything works. Thanks to everybody that replied to my post.

The thermal pad that came with the Barton should have been plenty -- artic silver was unnecessary. You probably don't want to hear that though. heh heh. Good job on building your PC, User Name. You've now joined a minority of somewhat-1337 computer users... :lol:

This is the second time that I'm using this heatsink, so the thermal pad (or what was left of it) had to be cleaned off. Thus, I used Arctic Silver.

I've installed heatsinks on AMD CPUs enough I can give some help:

After the thermal grease is on the core, set the heatsink on top of it completely flat. Then hook the non-screwdriver side of the clip into place (make sure it's completely hooked), and grab a small flat-head screwdriver. Use it to push straight-down on the other side of the clip until you hear it "click" into place.

ABSOLUTELY DON'T SET IT AT AN ANGLE!!! That's the shit that usually cracks the core and destroys the CPU. :mad: