backwards cpu heatsink?

[AluminumStudios]

I mentioned in passing in another forum that my Athlon XP2000+ @ 1.733 GHZ (1.725v) runs at ~64 celcius under a load.

Someone said "sure your heatsink isn't on backwards."

I can't imagine that turning the heatsink around would make any kind of difference. Are there any heatsinks that need to be mounted in a specific direction?

System:

Epox 8K3a+
Athlon XP2000+@2100+
Volcano 7 HSF
Silver thermal compound (no AS, but close enough ;-) I've taken it off and reapplied to make sure I have a good connection.
Antec SOHO server case, well ventilated with 2 rear and one front case fan.

System temp is reasonable (like 34 deg.)

 

[mechBgon]

Most SocketA heatsinks (and most Socket370 sinks, for that matter) have a step cut into one end of the base so the base doesn't touch the cambox at the one end of the socket. The clip is also asymetrical and must have its pressure point over the CPU core. AMD really should have made SocketA fittings with different lugging on each end so it would not be possible to get the heatsink backwards... Hope that helps explain it, anyway

let me add that your temperature is completely normal, since on an 8K3A+ it does come directly from the CPU core, not from an external thermistor.

 

[AluminumStudios]

That makes sense, thanks.

I'm not sure if the pressure point is above the CPU or not. I just put it on the easiest way to avoid banging into the capacitors (one end of the clip is bent while the other end is hinged. It was easiest to hook the bend end on the side with the caps, then worry about getting the hinged side on.

I know my mobo reads from the cpu itself. I guess since my sytem is 100% stable I don't ahve anything to worry about!

I am a little apprehensive about letting rc5-64 run overnight and while I'm at work though while my AC is off ^_^

 

[jarsoffart]

Is it possible to put a Vantec CCK-6027D on backwards? The heatsink seems rather symmetrical.

 

[mechBgon]

It is possible, yes, because the clip itself is asymetrical. The longer leg must go toward the cambox or the pressure point won't be over the CPU core. The heatsink does have a step cut into the base, too, judging by their PDF file here. The handle-end of the clip should be toward the cambox.

 

[jarsoffart]

What is the cambox? (hahaha, I'm not too competent)


WOW!! Vantec is like 2 miles away from where I live!!! That's nuts!!! I'm going to go pay them a visit and beseech them for some free goods...

 

[Budman]

Originally posted by: AluminumStudios
That makes sense, thanks.

I'm not sure if the pressure point is above the CPU or not. I just put it on the easiest way to avoid banging into the capacitors (one end of the clip is bent while the other end is hinged. It was easiest to hook the bend end on the side with the caps, then worry about getting the hinged side on.

I know my mobo reads from the cpu itself. I guess since my sytem is 100% stable I don't ahve anything to worry about!

I am a little apprehensive about letting rc5-64 run overnight and while I'm at work though while my AC is off ^_^

Have a look here --->http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/white_papers_and_tech_docs/23986.pdf
. this should answer the question on how to properly install your heatsink the proper way.

 

[mechBgon]

The cambox is the section of the SocketA fitting where the lever pivots, the part with no pin holes. Since it sticks up further than the core of the CPU, the heatsink needs that cutout or it gets jacked up on the cambox and can't make square contact with the CPU core, which is Very Bad :Q