Is a spacer needed for the Alpha PAL6035 on a T-Bird??

[Nutdotnet]

Is a spacer needed for the Alpha PAL6035 on a T-Bird??
Just curious if I should buy one or not, I do not want to F up my cpu.

 

[subhuman]

If you're careful, I would say don't use one. Plus, it's cheaper to not use one. I've suggested in the past to use them, but with a fan like the Alpha, the clip is pretty straight forward (unlike using a Golden Orb the first few times...) just be really patient and careful. BTW I've been using 1000/1500/2000 grit wet sand paper (get it nearly mirror finish) on my CPU fans before installing them, and ArticSilver, and have been able to get CPU's which were "stuck" at 933 or 980 mhz up past 1000mhz.

 

[paulip88]

No, you shouldn't need one. Just be careful not to rock the HSF back and forth when mounting. Also, make sure that when you put the clip on the the CPU is always level. If it isn't you may take off a corner of your CPU. Did that with mine, but thankfully it still works.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Dude thats a bummer man. Well I imagine that it would be the same way as installing the stock HSF. I guess if I do bust it since the Alpha is AMD Approved and it is a Retail CPU I can get a new one

 

[LohCash]

I chipped off a little piece on the bottom of my tbird installing an alpha. Luckily it still works. I would recommend the spacer just for safety. "better safe than sorry"

 

[Nutdotnet]

Yeah dude. I think I will go with out it and chance it. I am just going to go really slow and steady.

 

[Supradude]

copper shim can drop you a few degrees though, so there really is no negative side...

 

[Dexion]

You might want to read this old thread here.

Socket A Copper shim

 

[Nutdotnet]

Yeah I hear ya. But it is $15 I do not have to spend

 

[paulip88]

If you have a fast TBird, it may be a good insurance policy, but for cheap bastards like myself, its really not spending an extra $15-25 to protect a $45 chip.

 

[DaddyG]

Supradude, read the thread over at [H]ardocp. The guy got the shim and it was slightly too thick, his cpu toasted in a heartbeat. No warranty from the supplier, he was SOL. Two things are important with the PAL6035, make sure you have the right TBIRD clip. AND make sure that you install it correctly. Since it slides through the fins, its possible to install it 180 off, then the pressure is not over the center of the socket.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Well I am pretty sure that this alpha comes with the socket A clip.
And could you recommend the best way to install it??

I bought it at www.2cooltek.com