How to install a new heatsink?

[Zincq]

So I go out and pick up this new heatsink today, and I'd like to change it up with my older one. How would I go about switching them? Anything special I would need to do, or just simply change them?

 

[Lord Evermore]

Depends on what type of heatsink and what type of processor you're mounting it on, along with what type of thermal compound you're using, and which motherboard you're using (since some sinks won't fit some motherboards or processors without modification).

If it's an Athlon, AMD's website has instructions for installing a heatsink. Some heatsink manufacturers' websites also have instructions, and many come with paper instructions in the package.

One important thing is to make sure you remove all previously applied thermal compound from the processor before applying a new heatsink. Don't scrape it off (just use something to wipe off the most part of it), use acetone or isopropyl alchohol to get it off. And don't gouge the heatsink.

 

[anthrax]

and do remember to remove the plastic covering the thermal compound on the bottom of the new heat sink.......
clip one side of first...then push the other side it......make sure the Heat sink is on the write way...its only fits on one way....

 

[Lord Evermore]

You assume the heatsink comes with a thermal pad already on it. Many don't, because basically they've got horrible heat transfer properties, just barely good enough to work.

I hope "clip one side of first...then push the other side it" means "clip the side away from the socket cam box (the flat part that the lever rotates in), level the heatsink onto the processor gently, then push it flat, then hook the other side of the clip without letting the heatsink tilt or twist". 🙂 If you do it any other way, you can damage the processor or the heatsink. The "push it flat" part is the most important.