Athlon processor

mallela

Junior Member
Sep 14, 2003
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hi all
i have always used intel so i have never as much as seen an athlon processor. this time i was kind of tight on the budget so i wanted to use an athlon but i am kind of scared about it coz everyone keeps telling me it is very delicate and a pain to install. is it true and is it really so delicate if so can a really clumzy guy like me install it safely without bankrupting myself
 

Darkhawk28

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2000
6,759
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Not they are not a pain at all to install. Have a little faith in yourself. :)


For anyone on a budget, I would highly recommend someone get an AMD Athlon XP platform.


 

DerwenArtos12

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2003
4,278
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Look at it this way: the athlon xp's are alot bigger and should be easier to install than the 3/4" by 3/4" P4's.
 

sykopath79

Senior member
Nov 2, 2000
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Athlons are a cinch to install. It goes into a ZIF socket just like the P4 and the pin layout makes it impossible to install in the wrong orientation. The only thing people would be worried about sometimes is damaging the core during HSF installation since the FC-PGA packaging leaves the core exposed. This was a major problem with the Coppermine core Pentium III, but isn't really a big deal for Athlons because AMD had the foresight to place foam spacer feet in the corners so that your HSF rests on those before making contact with the core.

If you're worried about it, you can buy a shim for < $5.00 US.
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
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I think it might be difficult for an ape to install one... other than that, it's a simple procedure that anyone with an IQ above 100 should be able to follow. Only thing people don't always know is what tool to use to install the clip on the heatsink... depending on the style of clip, you either use a narrow blade screwdriver or a nut driver. You should also install the CPU and the RAM with the motherboard sitting on a flat surface with a little padding behind it so you don't bend the crap out of the motherboard with it up on the pedestals in the case. AMD's specs call for 15 lbs of force on that retaining clip that holds the heatsink onto the processor... that means it takes about 15 lbs of force to secure that clip... one slip could send the screw driver through the motherboard.
 

mallela

Junior Member
Sep 14, 2003
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thanx for all u'r help guys. one final question i am gonna buy a 2500+ barton and a7n8x so shud i keep the hsf i get with the processor or shud i get another one. i am not gonna overclock much.
 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
Super Moderator
Aug 22, 2001
31,132
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Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Originally posted by: pspada
Originally posted by: Jeff7181
I think it might be difficult for an ape to install one...<snip>

Are you making fun of Dapunisher?

If he had trouble installing one, then yes, I guess so =)
Hey now! Ever seen Planet of the Apes? You're cruisin' for a full frontal labotomy, whoops....too late! :p

 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
Super Moderator
Aug 22, 2001
31,132
29,498
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Originally posted by: mallela
thanx for all u'r help guys. one final question i am gonna buy a 2500+ barton and a7n8x so shud i keep the hsf i get with the processor or shud i get another one. i am not gonna overclock much.
Stock cooler will be fine given your usage.

 

beyoku

Golden Member
Aug 20, 2003
1,568
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its not as easy as a p4 but its not that bad at all. most people do worry about crushing the core beacuse of the lack of heat spreader
 

MDE

Lifer
Jul 17, 2003
13,199
1
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Keep the heatsink flat, and not tilted and you'll be fine. Someone around here has\had a link to an Athlon HSF installation guide in their sig. Just read the poster that comes with the processor and you'll be fine.