Opteron 146 - Remove the IHS or not?

[Solema]

Hey Everyone,
I'm currently running a CAB2E 0540FPMW Opty 146 @ 2.9GHz on air, and I can boot and run Windows at 3.0GHz but it won't prime for longer than a few minutes, and the CPU gets very hot, 60C or so. Would removing the IHS help this problem? I have heard it helps for dual-core Optys but I wasn't sure about single-core. I am running a Zalman 7700Cu on a DFI SLI-DR. Can anyone tell me if I will run into mounting problems should I decide to remove the IHS? Also, how easy is it to replace the IHS should I need to sell the CPU or for whatever reason? Can it be done? Thanks for your help people!

Nick

 

[MDE]

It didn't help all that much on my X2 3800+, and you might have problems mounting the Zalman, but I'm not certain about it.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Probably best not to be greedy and be happy with your processor at 2.8 Ghz unless you have a high tolerance for risk.

 

[Mucker]

Have you tried undervolting? Eva got to 2800 MHz on 1.312v: http://i4memory.com/showthread.php?t=1662

The temps may drop quite reasonably. I am going to try this with mine when time permits, we all have the same stepping...

 

[Solema]

Undervolting, eh? Interesting....

I'm definitely gonna try that!

 

[RichUK]

Just think about the resale value, is it worth it.

 

[RobsTV]

Originally posted by: RichUK
Just think about the resale value, is it worth it.

Resale value?
Only used by a little old lady to check her church email, and never overclocked. Honest.

 

[ITPaladin]

explain IHS is and undervolting (in order to get higher clock?)

 

[Solema]

IHS is the big metal plate that is on the CPU. It's a heatspreader. The actual CPU looks similar to the old Athlon XP CPU's, where it is just in the middle of the processor board.

 

[kamranziadar]

Well try it if you want and let us know the results.

 

[Mucker]

Crossposted but directly applicable to this thread.

New results, I'm really liking my 146 CAB2E 0540 FPMW, 100% gaming stable as well as the following:

Before at stock voltage (1.360v cpuz, 1.40 Volts actual):

Pi32m: http://members.cox.net/mucker/GSkill/CAB2E1.jpg
OCCT: http://members.cox.net/mucker/GSkill/OCCTCAB2E.jpg

After, undervolted (1.328v cpuz, 1.375 volts actual):

Pi32m: http://members.cox.net/mucker/GSkill/CAB2E3.jpg
OCCT: http://members.cox.net/mucker/GSkill/OCCTCAB2E1.jpg

Undervolting gives me higher frequency at the lower temperature I desire (<50C is my target). Hard gaming temp never exceeds 48C, simply outstanding.

All indications point to this cpu hittng about 3.15 GHz (24/7), but I am not going to spend the money on better cooling. I am quite happy with where I sit right now.....

m