SHould the CPU temp gauge (Thermister) touch the bottom of the chip?

[Epsil0n00]

I am in the process of installing my very first Athlon XP (well, first CPU ever) and I noticed on my Abit KR7-RAID that the CPU temp. gauge that is in the middle of the CPU socket is sticking up. When I set the chip in the socket it doesn't slip all the way into the socket by itself--the thermister thingy holds it off the socket a bit. So, one side of the CPU can be all the way inserted, but the other is off the socket, pivoting on the thermister.

Here's the questions:
1. Is this normal and made so that the thermister will always stay in contact with the CPU?
2. Should I just press down a bit so that the thermister will bend a bit and allow the CPU to be flush on all sides with the socket (being fully inserted)? Or should I allow it to sit at an angle?

I know this is a dumb question, and I think the answer is sorta obvious that I should just press it down in there... but this thing cost me over a hundred bucks and I certainly don't want to take any chances. I am sure you know what I mean. THanks for the advice and I look forward to your quick reply so that I can move on the the HSF installation.

Oh, hey, while were at it-- how much AS3 should I put on the CPU die? Any tips for the application of the AS3? Thanks again!

Epsil0n

 

[FlippyBoy]

the better the contact between the thermistor and the chip, the more accurate your temp readings will be. not only do i make sure there is good contact, but i put a tiny dab of as2 between them, to help the surface mating. as far as directions for as3, there are extremely detailed (right down to "Don't squirt it in your eyes, nose, or ears.") right here.

good luck!

 

[Epsil0n00]

so, I should just push it down a bit more so that the CPU is fully seated on all sides? Wouldn't that bend the thermistor a bit? Is it okay to bend it a little bit like that? Thanks!

 

[FlippyBoy]

yes, mine has been bent several times,and still gives me good temps its only the wires connecting it to the motherboard you're bending.

 

[MCS]

As soon as you lock the socket arm down the chip will push the thermistor down and they will be touching, which is how you want it to be. If they are not touching then you will be measuring the air temperature between the bottom of the chip and the thermistor.