Lost the Black Pad for Duron, what can i do?

[OverVolt]

I had a 1.3Ghz Duron just lying around after i upgraded my CPU. My Grandmother wanted a computer real cheap so i figured i could make one using some spare parts i had. When i check on my Duron, I took it out of the Static bag i had but one of the little black pads was loose inside the bag. The ones that are near the 4 corners for the HSF.

It fell on the floor and got sucked into the AC intake. Long story short now i have a Duron with only 3 Pads. I was wondering if i could still use in a system with it missing a pad or what else i can use. I don't think you can buy those things can you? This is kinda dumb how i have a perfectly good CPU and i can't use it because of a little pad

 

[KF]

Just be extra careful when you put on the heatsink to hold it even. That's all the bumpers are there for. They do nothing once the clip is fully mounted. It shouldn't be difficult.

Don't substitute some other pad from something else (like I once did). Those bumpers squeeze down to just the right size so the HS makes good contact. I substitued some squishy, rubbery kitchen cabinet bumpers once (an experiment) and even though it looked OK, in a few minutes I was smelling melting solder. The heatsink grease had burnt from white to dark gray and turned hard. (The CPU still worked. I still OC the old Tbird from its stock 800 to 1G.)

If you are still worried, cut one pad in half with a razor or very sharp knife. Lift half the pad with the edge of a knife so the stickum comes with it, and put the piece where the missing pad should be.

 

[Zap]

An alternative (for your own peace of mind) would be to get a CPU shim. Otherwise just re-read KF's first paragraph.