Question regarding HSF installation for my first build

[Andreos]

Hi folks,

I just ordered the parts for my first computer build. I ordered a retail Athlon 64 4200+ X2 processor because it was the lowest price I could find, and I don't mind the 3 year retail warranty vs. the 90 day OEM warranty! Motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-K8N Ultra 9, and I am going to use a Zalman CNPS7000B HSF. This will require removing the plastic Gigabyte heatsink backplate and replacing it with the stronger one that comes with the Zalman HSF.

My question is (and I hope it's not comletely dopey): would it be a wise idea to install the processor with the retail fan initially (which does not require removing the motherboard backplate), and verify that everything is working, BEFORE I go ahead and install the Zalman HSF?

Or should I go straght ahead and install the Zalman HSF first?

TIA to all you experienced system builders out there!

Andreos

 

[TRUMPHENT]

If you already have the Zalman, go ahead and use it. You have to use the same level of care and attention to properly install it as the stock heatsink. With either heatsink, you want to eyeball the fan on startup to make sure it is spinning. I then enter the BIOS, go to the hardware monitor and watch the temperatures for a while. If they stabilize in the good range, I boot up the OS.

 

[CheesePoofs]

I'd install the Zalman first. It is a pain to clean off all of the old TIM from the retail fan, and you can never clean all of it off, so your temps will be slightly higher if you install the retail and then the Zalman than if you just install the Zalman.

 

[furballi]

Zalman.

 

[leigh6]

I do not know your level of expertise but just a couple of thoughts. If they are insulting sorry.

1. Do not use the thermal paste that comes with the Zalman. Make sure you use Artic Silver 5
2. Make sure it is a very thin layer. Do not overdo the thermal paste.
3. Although many guides say you should install the mobo into the case first then attach the HSF. I do not suggest that. Install the thermal paste and the HSF while it is out of the computer. Especially with the Zalman. (It is bulky)

 

[Andreos]

Thanks guys for the replies. I'll go ahead and install the Zalman straight away. I had planned to attach the HSF before installing the mobo, but did not think to order the Arctic 5. I'll see if I can pick some up locally!

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Andreos
Thanks guys for the replies. I'll go ahead and install the Zalman straight away. I had planned to attach the HSF before installing the mobo, but did not think to order the Arctic 5. I'll see if I can pick some up locally!

The thermal paste that comes with the Zalman is fine, no need to spend more money.

 

[Andreos]

Originally posted by: Operandi

The thermal paste that comes with the Zalman is fine, no need to spend more money.

I think you're right, Operandi. I couldn't find any Arctic 5 so I used the Zalman paste. With the Zalman's fan set to the lowest speed my CPU temp hovers around 29-30C at idle and 44C max when running two instances of CPU burn-in (dual core processor). At least for me, in a non-overclocking application, the Zalman paste is just fine!

Andreos