AMD stock cooler, should it be used?

[ironk]

I bought one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/AMD-Socket-Con.../dp/B0044FJGFM

Mine says DKM-7D52A-A1-GP on the top, and I don't see a AMD logo but I think its the stock fan for AMD processors. I would like to use it on a AM3+ micro atx mobo, but am not sure if I should try it. The botton of the heatsink looks very similar to this:

http://i.imgur.com/cETShTz.jpg

Now, I looked at the CPU and the cpu is actually larger than the paste area. If I were to put it on top of the CPU, wouldn't the paste spread and leak into the fins nearby? Also, I don't think the fins are perfectly straight either so I am thinking since the cpu is larger than the paste area it will definitely touch the fin area as well which may or may not be leveled. So, why'd AMD put a stock cooler such as this as the default? Or am I wrong to observe the above?

 

[dma0991]

The heatspreader(IHS) is usually a standard size according to its socket and larger than the actual CPU die itself. Since we do know that most CPUs come with a single die (or two in rare cases) and its centered, the contact area of the heatsink doesn't necessarily need to cover the entire IHS.

Assuming that you're using the pre-applied TIM, it won't spread nor leak. On stock coolers its more common to find them using TIM that is less of a paste and more of a harder, chalky substance that is much closer to a thermal pad. It won't smear like regular aftermarket TIM and its dry to the touch.

 

[ironk]

Interesting, so you're saying that the actual size of the cpu is closer to the bottom of the heatsink pad area? Alright, I am ok with that then.

However, the other concern was the fins putting pressure on the cpu since the rest of the cpu is larger. Will the fins leave a imprint or damage the processor since they are not entirely flat?

 

[dma0991]

There's a possibility that the fins will put an imprint on the IHS but that is not a big concern. The pre-applied TIM as I said is very low viscosity and not paste like, which is less compressible than ones that are more viscous. This means there will be a tiny gap that should prevent full contact of the fins to the edges of the IHS and prevent any damage.

 

[ironk]

alright, thanks for explaining!