Athlon 64 3000+ won't boot on MSI K8T Neo2-F (solved, but...)

[Xesh]

EDIT: IGNORE THIS POST; look at my reply instead

 

[Xesh]

OK, I'm an idiot.... I didn't hook up the extra 12V ATX power connector. So, another important question: I've removed the HSF from the CPU. Should I / must I clean it and apply new thermal paste? I know the answer to this is almost certainly "yes," but since the CPU hasn't had power yet, it hasn't been heated, so maybe the same thermal pad will work? Some is stuck to the CPU, but it hasn't "melted" yet. Furthermore, it's a PIB, so will using third-party paste void my warranty?

 

[Amaroque]

Originally posted by: Xesh
I know the answer to this is almost certainly "yes,"

 

[Xesh]

Well, I figured as much... but is there any danger of voiding the warranty? AMD requires that I use the HSF in the box, but I can't tell whether that applies to the now-defunct pad. And giving up a 3-year warranty is not on my A-list.

EDIT: rubbing alcohol works to remove the stuff (right?) but do i need any special cloth?

 

[Amaroque]

Supposedly you're supposed to replace the pad with a new one. AMD doesn't know what you used for TIM unless you tell them. Paste usually works better anyway.

Alcohol works fine for cleaning the TIM off. Just make sure whatever you use is lint free. I use 100% cotton to clean it.