Is it ok to leave a sticker on top of the processor heatsink?

[xax]

I've already posted this question in the CPU forum, but I'm hoping to get faster replies in here. I have a new CPU with a stiker on top of it's heatsink that covers almost 1/3 of the heatsink. Is it ok to install the cooler like this?
Thanks.

No cross posting. Your thread in CPU/overclocking is locked.

 

[Zepper]

Generally there should be no stickers on a heatsink when it is in service.

.bh.

 

[stogez]

Thats not a sticker. Thats the thermal pad that new CPU heatsinks come with. You can leave that on or replace it with Arctic Silver 5. You NEED to have some kind of thermal paste on there. So if you don't have AS5, leave the thermal pad alone.

Edit: Actually I assumed you mean the Grey pad on the BOTTOM of the hs/f. Thats the surface that will be in contact with the CPU. Is that what you're talking about?

 

[xax]

Then what does it mean? It looks like removing it could be a problem

 

[xax]

Originally posted by: stogez
Thats not a sticker. Thats the thermal pad that new CPU heatsinks come with. You can leave that on or replace it with Arctic Silver 5. You NEED to have some kind of thermal paste on there. So if you don't have AS5, leave the thermal pad alone.

Edit: Actually I assumed you mean the Grey pad on the BOTTOM of the hs/f. Thats the surface that will be in contact with the CPU. Is that what you're talking about?

stogez, I'm not that noob. This is a paper sticker on the heatsink of the CPU

 

[stogez]

You dont HAVE to remove it unless you plan on using some other kind of thermal paste. It is NEEDED for proper heat transfer between the surfaces.
If you do need to remove it, use some rubbing alcohol. You can get 91% from CVS or other drug stores.

 

[stogez]

Oh lol. Post a pic of it if you can. There should be nothing on top of a New CPU.

 

[xax]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: stogez
You dont HAVE to remove it unless you plan on using some other kind of thermal paste. It is NEEDED for proper heat transfer between the surfaces.
If you do need to remove it, use some rubbing alcohol. You can get 91% from CVS or other drug stores.</end quote></div>

Read my last post, stogez.

Edit: I'll post a pic.

 

[Zepper]

A pic would be very helpful.

.bh.

 

[stogez]

Ok awaiting pic. Where did you buy the processor? Was it a boxed model or a used from someone else?

 

[xax]

Pic
It was in an box that looked it has been opened.

 

[stogez]

Yeah that shouldn't be there. Take off the sticker and then get some Goof-Off or other cleaner to clean the adhesive. Then clean it with 91% rubbing alcohol and you should be fine.

Edit: Sorry about my previous posts. Your post count and join date led me to my posts Hope this post makes up for that.

 

[xax]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: stogez
Yeah that shouldn't be there. Take off the sticker and then get some Goof-Off or other cleaner to clean the adhesive. Then clean it with 91% rubbing alcohol and you should be fine.

Edit: Sorry about my previous posts. Your post count and join date led me to my posts Hope this post makes up for that.</end quote></div>

Thanks stogez. I'm a little worried that I may damage the heatsink.

Edit: No problems stogez, honest mistake

 

[stogez]

Nah, thats how I clean all my CPUs. Just use a paper towel or a lint free cloth. The alcohol should be the last thing you clean with so there are no impurities on the surface.

 

[xax]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: stogez
Nah, thats how I clean all my CPUs. Just use a paper towel or a lint free cloth. The alcohol should be the last thing you clean with so there are no impurities on the surface.</end quote></div>

I'm not worried about cleaning it, but removing the sticker because it looks like it's there to stay.

Edit: The guy from the store actually said to leave it on, if you can believe it :|

 

[stogez]

The IHS is soldered on there. Pulling the sticker won't take it off. Where did you buy that? I would definitely complain since that is definitely not a NEW CPU.

 

[xax]

why do you say it's not a new cpu?

 

[stogez]

Because New CPUs don't have stickers on top of them lol. Did you buy if from someone on here or a store? If it was someone here and they sold that to you as a New CPU, they lied and should be reported.

 

[xax]

Originally posted by: stogez
Because New CPUs don't have stickers on top of them lol. Did you buy if from someone on here or a store? If it was someone here and they sold that to you as a New CPU, they lied and should be reported.

From a store and it actualy looks new.

 

[stogez]

Was the box sealed? Like I said, new processors don't have stickers on them. Was it sold as "open box" or "refurbished"? You should contact the store and see what they say.

 

[goatjc]

Yeah, that def. does not look like a new CPU.

 

[xax]

Originally posted by: stogez
Was the box sealed? Like I said, new processors don't have stickers on them. Was it sold as "open box" or "refurbished"? You should contact the store and see what they say.

I've already spoken to them and they claim that it is new. The box was opened and their explanation was that the suplier had to put the sticker

 

[Zepper]

Well, OEM processors may have a store-applied inventory sticker. But yes, do remove it, but try to keep it in one piece. Anything that keeps the HSF unit from making solid contact should be removed. If it is a tight sticking label, soak the label with alcohol and let is sit for a few minutes. Eventually it will come off. Then do the cleaning steps above. I use lighter fluid (Ronsonol naphtha) to remove label stickum followed by an alcohol rinse of 70 or 90+ % isopropyl or ethanol. The plastic knife given with breakfast at McDonald's works well for scraping labels and such without damaging the surfaces.

.bh.

 

[xax]

Sorry, double post

 

[Zepper]

Sorry duplicate

.bh.