FOP32 too tight?

[mcbiff]

I heard stories about people actually breaking their FCPGA CPUs by putting on the GW FOP32 because it's too damn tight. Is this true? I don't want to ruin my chip, but I need some good cooling and I figured the FOP32 is better than a GORB. Right?

 

[StickHead]

Yes the clip goes on very tight and breaking/chiping cores would not surprise me. When I installed mine I had a bud help me. One to push down the clip, and the other to pull the clip over the tab on the socket. I see most places have the Alpha PAL6035 in stock, or I hear the clip on the FOP-38 is much better.

 

[KouklatheCat]

All I can say is I love my ALPHA PAL6035. It went on pretty easy and really cooled my CPU. You can go with the "Delta" Black Label fan like I did the noise doesnt bother me (but I have a newborn in the house who crys) or probably any good 60mm fan.

 

[lenjack]

Yes, the FOP32 is extremely tight, and if you're not careful, the cpu can be damaged. Before installing, remove the fan. Then holding the heatsink square on the cpu die, put the non pivoting end of the clip into place (very easy). Using a thin blade screwdriver, work the pivoting end into place Text while holding the heatsink firmly in place so it stays level. Much easier and safer if you remove the mb and place it on a flat suface. I done this 3 times with no problem.
Also, the FOP32 has a raised ridge at the bottom of the heatsink, which needs to be ground away before mounting. The FOP32-1 dosen't have this ridge.

 

[Tates]

I'm running with an AlphaPEP66. It has little plastic feet to stablize the hs. I've used it on three different FCPGA chips, with no problem.

I've heard the FOP38 is a great hs, but really loud (7000rpm fan).

 

[mcbiff]

Would I be better off with the GORB?

 

[pillage2001]

If you have a generic heatsink with those conventional clips. Use those, I'm using those to clip my FOP32 on..

 

[mcbiff]

Hmm, I'll just go ahead and order one then.

 

[clumsum]

mcbiff,
Use the FOP32-1, it was redesigned just for Socket A, you should not have to grind anything off if you have the correct GW model.

The retention clip and the heat-sink on the FOP38 is identical to the FOP32-1, I just removed the side cover of my F-K 320 case to double check mine, I have the FOP32-1 mounted on my Athlon cpu and the FOP38 is sitting here on desk.
The only difference between the two is the fan, plus the 38 comes with a chrome fan grill!

The 32-1 is a tight fit, especially the first time you install it.
I did not have that much trouble w/mine, but I was building a new pc and the mb was the only thing mounted in the case and the case was laying on its side.
I used a very good set of needle nose pliers to grab and press down the clip (not the ones w/smooth jaws!)
I think most of the damage to mb's was from either rocking the hsf during installation or tool slippage and the resultant damage to surrounding area.
AMD spec's call for 15lbs pressure hsf/cpu contact. Do not remove pads from cpu, the only contact necessary is the small square cpu itself.

These hsf's are high quality and designed for Socket A use, they are not the same cpu smashers as the Gorbs, I am not saying they are the best cpu coolers made, but they are possibly the "best-value" hsf for Socket A use.

Just my long-winded $.02 worth.......................

 

[mcbiff]

I have a P3, does the same argument apply?

 

[clumsum]

Oops,..................guess I missed that important detail.
I can't speak from personal use on the socket 370 hsfs'.
But, I think you should be ok w/the FOP32 model before the -1 revision.
Seems like there are quite a wide variety of good performing, reasonable priced hsf's available now.
I just ordered the Tisol model (about $22. shipped) that Anand reviewed several days ago, the retaining clip was the best yet, it catches all three tabs on each side of the socket, would be a great socket fix for anyone who broke a tab off with a Gorb or other hs. The fan was quieter and the actual heat-sink looks larger than the FOP-32/38.
Good luck w/your choice...................

 

[mcbiff]

The FOP32-1 is what I'm getting. Are you saying it's not FCPGA compatible? Sounds strange considering the place I bought it from lists it under FCPGA coolers... I hope I misunderstood you.

 

[Origen]

I got a FOP32-1 on my FCPGA cB0 700e. It was a really tight fit.. I was kinda nervous but it certainly does fit and is working great. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and suffering it musta taken to get the original FOP32 on.