Great big fat heatsinks...

[Mullzy]

I'm going to be slapping a Zalman CNPS7000AlCu on a 2.8C in an IC7 hopefully this weekend. I have a couple questions about the installation.

1) The screws. How tight am I really going to want to get those things? Does the position of the mounting arms keep too much pressure from being applied to the CPU, allowing you to get them really tight without fear of damage? Or should you just get them snug enough not to move? I've never had a heatsink before that wasn't just *clipped* into place.

2) Moving the case. I like to take my case outside and blow all the dust out every once in a while. This is only the 445 gram Zalman, (not the 900g one), but do I still have to be really careful about moving my case around with it attached? Or are the warnings meant more for packing the PC up, putting in the back of a truck and driving it 500 miles?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Corporate Thug]

1. you will know when it is tight enough, it gets to the point where it wont screw any more

2. i have the 900g one and i move my case back and fourth all the time from dorm to house, lans, etc...
never had a problem with it

 

[Soulkeeper]

don't make things so tight the cpu or motherboard break (a little bit looser than snug seems good)
also be carefull not to strip the screws


good luck, let us know how it goes

 

[joe2004]

1. you will know when it is tight enough, it gets to the point where it wont screw any more

But even after that one can use a little hammer action.

 

[Mullzy]

ROFL... Thanks guys. Shady, I'm glad to hear you can cart your system around without any problems. I'm probably being a little too cautious...

I'll be gentle yet firm, sensitive yet strong, rich yet poor... oh wait, that's what women want!

 

[nvfx]

Whats with the 445 Grams and 775 Grams.

Does the ALCu weigh 445 Grams or if thier is a change in Models.

I visited Zalmans site, the A7000Cu is 775 Grams, Which is the 445 Grams, and most importantly how is the performance effected b/w these two.

 

[myocardia]

There's roughly a 1% difference in performance between the two, with the all-copper being slightly better, of course. That's why everyone who's buying a Zalman is getting the 7000AlCu, it performs as well, it's cheaper, and it's lighter.

 

[Mullzy]

The AlCu versions (7000 or 7000A) are both 445g. They're partially aluminum which makes them lighter. You can tell just by looking because their coloring is partially silver & copper while the solid copper (and heavier) models are just one color.

 

[Deskstar]

I have an AlCu; it was easy to install. I do move my case every so often have had no problems due to the heatsink's weight. You will be very pleased with your selection.

 

[JediJeb]

I just installed one of the AlCu's tonight on a XP-M 2400+, gonna see how it works. Upgraded from a TBird 1G with generic AL HSF, it should be much cooler.

 

[Zap]

The arms that screw down are springy, so you're supposed to tighten the screws down snug. Don't worry, nothing will break.

Though the weight is of concern, I've had the all-copper unit before and had no problems with it, even carting the computer to LAN parties. Just don't drop it.

Since I personally don't notice a difference between the two, I now always opt for the AlCu version. Cheaper, lighter. Heck, my system was already too heavy with multiple CD/HDD and a case that uses 1mm SECC metal.

 

[Soulkeeper]

i've tightened heatsinks so tight the core left imprints on the copper heatsink
i think it's supposed to be like 10 lbs of pressure per hole (if anyone can confirm the amd spec?)
anymore and things get broken
just tighten till the springs are 1/2 to 2/3rd compressed and if the heatsink don't move easily yur set

good luck

 

[jpetermann]

Tighten the screws all the way down, you won't hurt anything. It is designed that way.