Did I Install This Zalman Correctly?

[chrislong]

Hi All
I just installed a Zalman 7000Alcu HSF on my P4 3.2 Northwood, and I'm not getting any better cooling than I had with the stock Intel cooler (which actually seemed to work quite well). That doesn't scare me too much--I'm guessing until I get better air flow in this old case of mine, I'd get similar results from just about any cooler. Both idle at about 40c, give or take a few degrees, and hit about 55-57c at full load.

Anyway, my question is about the installation of the Zalman. I had no trouble getting it on, it's just that when I had fully tightened the screws down into the 2 brackets that they provide for Socket 478 installation, I found that there was a little wiggle room left. I could hold the Zalman and twist it (gently!) and it would move a little, lubricated as it was by the thermal grease they provided.

This may be completely normal. But I had thought that when I tightened it down completely, it would be so tight that it couldn't move at all. Was I wrong to expect that? Or is it just that if it were tightened down so tight that it couldn't wiggle even a little bit, it would risk damaging the CPU?

Thanks--
Chris

 

[fixxxer0]

I know Arctic Silver does say to twist it lightly after being fastened to remove any air bubbles (1 degree to the left and right). Therefore I would assume its okay to have it doing this.

Which type of thermal paste did you use?

 

[chrislong]

I used the Zalman paste that came with the heatsink. I didn't think it would make a world of difference, and it was included, so there you go...

Good to know that Arctic Silver says that...it seems to corroborate the movements I was able to induce. Good info.