Abit KT7 - Problem inserting the CPU

[ArdTech]

This problem seems to be very odd to me, I just recently bought an ABIT KT7 board and i noticed in the center of the cpu socket there is a small prong sticking out with a blue top thats just about one centimeter above the cpu socket platform, disabling me from inserting the Athlon cpu, now should i just bend this prong down so it will be out of the way or what??

Thanks

 

[Tonec]

Its a temp probe, push it down

 

[jonnyGURU]

Yep. Just lean it over at an angle and then put the CPU in.

 

[MaximumOverdrive]

Be sure not to push it too far down. The thermistor needs to contact the processor in order to monitor CPU temp.

 

[Netopia]

I always just put the CPU in and then gently push it down until it is flush with the socket and seated properly. Then, while I hold the CPU there, I close the handle. I figure that this was I'm assured to make good contact between the CPU and thermistor.

Joe

 

[Rudee]

"The thermistor needs to contact the processor in order to monitor CPU temp."

The thermistor only needs to be in close proximety to the CPU (within a couple millimeters) to give a accurate reading. It doesn't need to touch, although the closer the better.

 

[MaximumOverdrive]

ANY gap will cause inaccurate readings. A couple of millimeters is way too far. With the fan blowing around the area any gap will allow cooling between the thermistor and the cpu. Simple thermodynamics. I choose to apply thermal compound too.

Also, if you press the cpu down without first bending it over some, the risk of cracking the thermistor is very high. This is what happened to my first board. Pressed the cpu in and snap. The thermistor was broken in half and wouldn't read temperature at all. Had to exchange the board for a new one.

 

[MikeHelvey]

Maximum Overdrive - I won't say that contact is not desirable, but wher in the heck is your fan located so that it will circulate air under the CPU???

 

[MaximumOverdrive]

Any air movement in the area is detrimental to thermal conduction if the thermistor and cpu are not in direct contact. The underside of the cpu is in no way sealed to prevent air movement. There is at least some air movement. I may not know electronics, but I sure do know thermodynamics and heat/mass transfer, being an ME. This is similar to not having the heat sink in direct contact with the processor. Efficiency is greatly reduced. With my experience I would estimate a minimum of a 5°F error from this alone. While not terribly significant, someone reading 120°F could easily be at 125-130°F and not know it.

 

[DaddyG]

Remember, the thermistor is reading the cold side of the cpu. It should contact the underside, a little thermal grease helps get better readings. Air gaps just don't hack it IMHO.