Installing HSF for the first time

[TrevorK]

OK, I'm installing a Alpha PEP66 HSF on a Celeron 566 (FCPGA) CPU. I think I've got it down, but just want to check.

The pads are already on the corners (Bought used HSF) so they should still be OK? All I need to do is attach the fan, apply thermal grease (What should I use to apply it? How much?) and attach to CPU?

I'm assuming the clips on both side of the HSF clip on the CPU? Does it matter which clip goes on first? Will I need to use a bit of force to get this to work?

Also, this thing seems HEAVY, it won't fall or anything once it's attached, will it?

Anything else I should know? This is my first time doing it...


Thanks
Trevor

 

[mechBgon]

It would be a good idea to make sure that the pads don't stand too tall. If you take out your CPU and put it against the heatsink without any thermal compound, there should not be an air gap between the heatsink and the core of the CPU. If there is, you will want to lay out a piece of sandpaper on glass and sand the feet down a little at a time, until the heatsink makes contact with the core of the CPU. Also, do a reality check and hold it above the motherboard's CPU socket, to see if it has any hangups on big capacitors sticking up from the motherboard near the CPU.

Put a thin film of heatsink compound on the CPU core and the heatsink, about 50% opaque. You can put a plastic baggie over your fingertip and use that to apply it.

The clips on each side of the heatsink attach to the center tang protruding from the CPU socket, like the old heatsink does. I usually put on the smaller side first, then grab the bigger side with a pair of ViseGrip pliers so I have a good handle on it. It will take some force.

Once it's attached, the clip will hold it quite well, so it shouldn't fall off.