newbie wants to replace HSF

[duckian]

Hi all.
Since I got my computer (TB-800, A7V) in August, I always find out it's running too hot (the CPU temp around mid-50 C ). So I purchased FOP32-1, along with hard drive cooler, and (free) copper ice thermal compound (Is it any good?). Now I am about to change the HSF and I only want to do this _once_. That's why I'm here, to ask for _complete_ instructions. I may consider o/c'ing my CPU too. Any help/opinion will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Supradude]

haven't heard anythign really good bout the copper ice, most people, including me, swear by artic silver... i'll attempt to give you a step by step, but you may want to wait till the 2nd or 3rd reply to start, just cause i may miss a step ...

first off, shutdown and wait till your computer has cooled down

then remove the old HSF and the chip, (keep grounded, don't wanna fry the chip)

clean off the chip first by wiping off excess paste or compound, then wipe it down with isopropyl alchohol or a similar evaporating cleaner...

make sure you clean the surface throoughly and make sure the chip stays dry...

now clean the surface of the new HSF in a similar matter..

okay, now ready to reinstall the chip... go ahead and do that,

then apply a thin layer of compound onto the chip, only a thin layer is needed...

keping even pressure and being careful all the way, apply your new HSF and connect the fan,...

there ya go! you should be all ready to start your computer back up...

 

[paulip88]

side note:
may be easier to apply the thermal compound when the chip is still not on the mobo. You want the grease on just the die (the lil square in the middle) and as thin as possible while still having coverage.

Also, when putting the clip on, place the HSF flat on the CPU and do it. Don't tilt it to get one latch in and pull down the other side to get the other one on. This would potetentially damage your CPU. So keep the HSF level on the chip during the mounting process.

 

[jinsonxu]

This Might Help

 

[duckian]

Thank you for the input, guys. : )
I wonder if you have tried something called copper shim for t-bird/duron. It sounds promising, as it reduces the chance of breaking the core. (right?) Do you think it is a must?
In addition, should I modify the multiplier or FSB, or both? (Anyone with actual success please post your result here. : )
Thanks.

 

[ledzepp98]

overclocking results can vary a lot, a lot of it is luck. multiplier changes will get you the most mhz gain, but i think fsb overclocking has the biggest performance gain. for fsb overclocking, everything is stressed (like the ram, pci cards, video card), but with multiplier changes it is just the cpu that works harder. i would suggest going as far as you can with the multiplier first, then try to bump up the fsb a bit. if it comes down to it, i think you might want to try .5 less on the multiplier in favor of a few axtra mhz on the fsb. for example, let's say you can get your 800 stable to 950 (9.5x100) but you can't raise the fsb at that point. but you can also get it stable at 945 (9x105). i would go with the 945 instead of the 950. is that clear or did i ramble...?

 

[duckian]

thanks, ledzepp98. it's very clear. However, I don't quite get the part:


<< with multiplier changes it is just the cpu that works harder. >>


Isn't this &quot;good&quot; for other components inside my computer (to leave 'em alone) ?

THe example in your thread shows no &quot;gain&quot; in terms of MHz. Why should I settle at 9x105 instead of 9.5x100? I mean, mathematically, 945<950 ...

Thanks again.

 

[paulip88]

Shim:
Yes, shims do reduce the risk of taking a chunk off your CPU when you mount your HSF. No, it is not a must. I wouldn't bother if I have a cheap CPU, since the shims are damn expensive. However, if I have something like a TBird 1.2G, then I may consider getting one. Its never needed though. Just be careful.

Multiplier or FSB?:
You should definitely work with the multiplier first. This will let you know how far your CPU can go. Like my main man ledzepp said, this only stresses the CPU since when you adjust the multiplier, the only thing being OCed is the CPU.

When you see how far your CPU can go on multiplier alone, then you can adjust the FSB, which OCs all components. There are two reasons why you would do this:
1. You have better control, so you don't have to make 50MHz jumps.
2. When you OC all your components, then everything will run faster, not just your CPU.

The second reason is why ledzepp mentioned the 9x105 setting. Its 5MHz slower than the 9.5x100, but since all the components are sped up, it will probably run faster.

 

[duckian]

I got two more quick questions:

1. the default voltage for the Tbird 800 is 1.75V on A7V. If I OC my puppy, what new voltage should I set in the BIOS?
2. How can you tell if a system is running stable? (I heard ppl run some benchmark, but I don't know how.)

thx.

 

[paulip88]

1. I'd set the voltage to 1.85, but check your temps to make sure that its still running at a reasonable temperature (under 55C-60C).

2. Its stable if it doesn't randomly crash. Prime95 and other CPU intensive apps are also good for verifying stability. As for me, I haven't rebooted since 11/10 and I've been running RC5 the whole time.