Is my new CPU OK?

[hepcat06]

I got my Athlon X2 4200 from Fed Ex tonight, and I opened the box to inspect it. There's a metal bar under the heatsink fan that looks like it's part of the clip you use to attach the heat sink to the MB. This piece of metal is bent in the middle (I can see it through the grill under the fan.)

Is this normal?

 

[TimboAA]

Is it the metal bar that goes through the heatsink? They are usually bent to a point to provide tension and push the heatsink onto the CPU. Are you asking if its bent more than normal? Is the box damaged? If the box is damaged then I would be worried. Otherwise I don't think that it would pass inspection with something as visible as that. You should be okay, but if you can provide a picture it might help.

 

[lopri]

Can't picture what you describe. Can you take a photo?

 

[themusgrat]

Like Tmbo said, the bar is bent to provide a spring-like tension on the heatsink, to ensure a real good seat.

 

[hepcat06]

Yeah, I guess it was pretty silly of me to start this last night without pictures. Here's one of the piece of metal running though the heatsink and another of the thermal pad. That looked kind of thin to me. Sorry these images aren't the best.

http://img358.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clasp0fx.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tpad8xq.jpg

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: themusgrat
Like Tmbo said, the bar is bent to provide a spring-like tension on the heatsink, to ensure a real good seat.

yeap

 

[lopri]

Yes indeed your HSF looks fine. Like others said, the bar is bent for better contact with the center of IHS where the core is underneath.

 

[Quinton McLeod]

I agree with everyone else. Just be sure to take that protective plastic off first!!

 

[TrevorRC]

And strip off the pre-applied stuff and stick on some AS5 :]

 

[Mattd46612]

Your set to go. Taking off the pad and applying your own Thermal might save you a degree or 2, but usually factory pads work great for me.

 

[hepcat06]

Thanks everyone. Hopefully I'll get my monitor today so I can build over the weekend. And yes, I will remember to take that piece of plastic off.