Proper heatsink installation procedure

[CoderFirstClass]

I'm going to be building a PC for the first time soon, and I'm planning on using an MSI K7T Turbo mainboard, 1.2GHz T-bird, and a Taisol (1.2GHz+ model) heatsink. I've been hearing that 1Ghz and up T-birds are easier to break than most, however. What exactly are people doing when they install their heatsinks that breaks the processor? And what is the proper, safe way to do it? All the build-your-own-pc guides I've read gloss over the heatsink installation, unfortunately.

 

[conlan]

just make sure your HSF is SQUARE on the cpu , dont try to lever the clip over by rocking the sink and if you feel too much tension on the clip while trying to clip it down STOP and try over again. hope this helps.

 

[alpineranger]

Some of the Taisols don't fit too well on the MSI motherboards. Watch out for capacitors!

 

[bolomite]

Don't rock the HS back and forth, instead try to lower it keeping it as parallel to the processor core as possible. When you push down with your flathead screwdriver to lock the 2nd clip, make certain that you are applying your force to the clip and not anywhere else. Remember to push down and away from the plastic tab. Practice installation once or twice before attempting it for real, that way you can save yourself the hassle of reapplying the HS compound if you mess up.

 

[barlav]

My advice would be to NOT use a flathead screw driver. That's the way I used to do it and I actually ruined a mobo with a screwdriver. It is very easy to slip especially with stubborn heatsinks. If you need to use a tool I would suggest a wide head chisel but only as a last result. This will give you more leverage and you'll be much less likely to slip with it. Also, it would be a good idea to wrap the chisel in rubber or cotton so, in case you slip, you'll give your mobo the best chance of surviving the unintentional blow.