Athlon retail HS thermal question

[Yossarian]

I just received an Athlon XP 1800 with a retail HSF. The instruction pamphlet shows a piece of tape that has be removed from the thermal compound on the bottom of the HS, but there is clearly no tape on the actual part. All that's there is a 1" square flesh-colored layer of compound. Is this any cause for concern? Does this stuff dry out if it's not covered?

Oh and does anyone know if you void the warranty by getting rid of the stock thermal compound and using AS2?

Thanks.

 

[flyerI]

Some HSF's come with a plastic cover on the bottom that protects the thermal compound pad . It does not have a piece of tape over it. The directions are generic and may not cover each HSF correctly. I don't think you are going to see a great deal of temp difference if you did use ASII unless you plan to overclock. I would not use the ASII unless you see high temps. If you need to use the warranty at least you have tried it the way they sent it to you.

 

[Yossarian]

Er the directions DO show tape, and the picture matches the heatsink provided....