Building first comp, problems with heatsink, thermal paste

[BobFungus]

I started building my first computer this morning. I place the CPU in with no problems, but I didn't realize that my stock AMD heatsink already came with a layer of thermal paste. I followed the Arcticsilver instructions (place small dab on center of CPU, place heatsink on top and twist very slightly), so now I've got two layers of thermal paste on my CPU (lifting it back up, the entire CPU isn't fully covered as well, which I assume is bad). This is my first problem. My second is that the AMD diagrams tell me to push the retention levers down over two plastic hooks on the motherboard socket. However, the bar connecting the levers is bent upwards, and I'm finding it physically impossible to bend it enough to put both levers in place, and I'm worried that I may crush my processor. What am I supposed to do here?

I really need help, and I'd like it sooner rather than later, else I end up not taking action quick enough.

 

[Vegitto]

Really easy. I'll describe it step by step:

1. Take off HSF and clean it with alcohol. Preferably >94%.
2. Apply alcohol to rag and clean CPU with it.
3. Wait a few seconds until the alcohol evaporates.
4. Apply thermal paste of choice to CPU. Just a bit, half a grain of rice will suffice.
5. Spread out thermal paste evenly with credit card or something.
6. Place HSF on CPU.
7. Place both 'brackets' on their respective 'pins' (see also this image for what I mean by brackets and pins.)
8. Pull back lever.
9. There is no 9, you're done .

EDIT: Don't forget to plug in the fan .

 

[BobFungus]

Thanks for the advice on thermal paste, but that doesn't help my problem with the brackett (guess retention levers was the wrong phrase). Like I said before, it's bent upwards at the center, and I literally can't push both sides down at the same time. And like I said, I'm worried that if I apply too much force I'll crush the CPU.

 

[keeleysam]

Make sure the lever on it is over to the left.

 

[BobFungus]

Do you mean turned to the left, or its position in the socket? I've kept the heatsink lever up, and I've tried putting it in both ways (it appears to not matter which way it goes on my mobo), still doesn't work. It's just extremely difficult to push both sides due to the brackett being bent at the center. The best I can do is place one side on its pin/hook, but then I can't get the other side on.

EDIT: I made a simple picture of how the brackett looks, which can be found
here. As you can see, the entire thing is bent at the center. Is this normal?

 

[Vegitto]

Originally posted by: BobFungus
Do you mean turned to the left, or its position in the socket? I've kept the heatsink lever up, and I've tried putting it in both ways (it appears to not matter which way it goes on my mobo), still doesn't work. It's just extremely difficult to push both sides due to the brackett being bent at the center. The best I can do is place one side on its pin/hook, but then I can't get the other side on.

EDIT: I made a simple picture of how the brackett looks, which can be found
here. As you can see, the entire thing is bent at the center. Is this normal?

Yep, that's the way mine is, too. Just try and turn it around or something. It's pretty straight forward, although I had to use the manual the first time, too .

 

[BobFungus]

Thanks...

I still can't help but be worried, I mean the Heatsink is heavy. Is the processor and mobo really going to be able to withstand me pressing down really hard to get the prongs onto the pins? I just feel like it shouldn't require this much effort, like something is wrong...

 

[Vegitto]

Originally posted by: BobFungus
Thanks...

I still can't help but be worried, I mean the Heatsink is heavy. Is the processor and mobo really going to be able to withstand me pressing down really hard to get the prongs onto the pins? I just feel like it shouldn't require this much effort, like something is wrong...

No, it takes quite a lot of force. It suprised me the first time, too. And it's the standard AMD HSF, so IF it breaks the mobo/CPU (but it won't ), you'll get a 100% refund from AMD.

 

[BobFungus]

Originally posted by: Vegitto
1. Take off HSF and clean it with alcohol. Preferably >94%.

I just want to confirm here. Will rubbing alchohol be okay for this? I can't find any above 94%, but my local WalGreens carries 91% rubbing alchohol.

 

[GeeFizzleDizzle]

Originally posted by: BobFungus

Originally posted by: Vegitto
1. Take off HSF and clean it with alcohol. Preferably >94%.

I just want to confirm here. Will rubbing alchohol be okay for this? I can't find any above 94%, but my local WalGreens carries 91% rubbing alchohol.

That will work fine.

 

[BobFungus]

Thanks guys, I've finished the build with some help from my dad. It's 2 in the morning, so I'll have to wait till tomorrow to see whether or not anything works.

 

[CorCentral]

Unless you Overclock, there is no need for Arctic Silver. Many here push it but the minimal positive effects from the stock (PAD), for a first time builder, are worthless.

 

[Vegitto]

Originally posted by: CorCentral
Unless you Overclock, there is no need for Arctic Silver. Many here push it but the minimal positive effects from the stock (PAD), for a first time builder, are worthless.

Still, it's fun to do .