Sigh, after all the pain and aggravation of the FOP38, i REALLY need some help... *Edited*

[CrazyDiamond]

Sighhh, ok worse came to worse, after all that i've been through (http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=28&threadid=340452), my FOP38 finally gave and the far side clip flew off. Everytime i put it back on, it flies off the lug when i'm pressing down on the other clip with the screwdriver. I can still put the clip back on, but it simply can't withstand the pressure anymore.

I guess i'm going to return it. I have a few questions:

1) Edit: ok i found out what an RMA is

2) Do you guys think i will be able to get a refund or exchange on my FOP38? The only 'defect' it seems is the clip flying off, which is my fault i guess (or the fault of the damn manufacturer, depending on how you see it!! :| )

3) If i do get an exchange, or if i get a refund and buy another HSF, which ones do you suggest? If possible, are there any good HSFs that doesn't use the same technique of using the same or similar clips as the FOP38? Or if there aren't, are there any good HSFs that don't require to you freaking press the hell out of it just to hook it around the lugs?

Thanks in advance, i'm so angry i think i'm just going to go to bed now

EDIT: Ok i'm out of bed... i'm going to try to get a replacement, but certainly not a FOP38. This is where i got my HSF http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/soccpucool.html
I'm thinking of getting the Vantec that is listed there as a replacement. Can anyone recommend this? Or maybe one of the other HSFs? I'm primarily looking for ease of installation first, and good cooling as a close secondary requirement for HSFs now...

 

[AmbitV]

lol i ran into the same problem as you...well i got it on the first time but it actually broke when i was taking it off

I just ended up using the clip from an old 486 heatsink...not only did it work, but now it made it easier to put it on and off

 

[JRO]

Ok I don't think that your HSF is broke at all, if you can still put the little clip on then it is fine. I have the FOP-38 on my duron 800@1000mhz and the easiest way to get it on is to FIRST REMOVE THE FAN FROM THE HS. Then use the screwdriver to push down the middle of the clip. Once the middle is pushed down just use your fingers or another screwdriver to reach down and put the clip on. It is actually Extremely easy I have had mine on and off at least a half-dozen times and I have no problem. Just try to use even force and be persistant. It will be well worth your time as the FOP-38 is one Bad-Mutha of a HSF.

 

[cpars]

Never had it happen on the globawin, but i did have the same problem you seem to be having with taisol setup. It apperars to be the same clip but for some reason the lugs that grab at the hinged part kept popping out. I did put A screwdriver in the slot and turn to try to expand a bit which may have helped some, but what finally worked was to apply by hand with no tools and applying the force to the main part of the clip not the attachment.

 

[CrazyDiamond]

JR0, no you don't understand, the detachable part of the clip (you know, the one that is put onto the far side of the lug first) keeps on flying off when i put pressure on the other clip. It just can't withstand the pressure.

 

[CrazyDiamond]

Anyone there? *bump*

 

[BashfulBard]

I went to lock computer shop and pickup a $10 HS. I found the clip a little more easier to working with then the one with the FOP38.

 

[Viperoni]

When you get your RMA fop38: Take the actual clip out, and flex it back and forth in your fingers (HARD) for about 5 minutes.
You'll have no trouble putting it on afterwards.

Common sense my friends, common sense.

FYI: I've taken my fop38 on and off 5 times within the last 2 months of 3 different mobo's without any trouble whatsoever.

 

[DigitalWolf]

Greets,

I also bought my FOP38 from sidewinder computers.

I've had it on and off about 4 times messing with stuff. The forth time was the first time I had any problems. The hinged end of the clip came off ... that little piece would pop off and I had to put it back on.

Well anyway if I follow your message I would have been attaching my clip in the wrong order... You're saying you put the hinged end of the clip on first. The solid end which sits lower with no pressure is the end I put on first. Then since the hinged end has that nice spot to put a screw driver in.. well I put that side on last. This is the way I've seen in done in FOP38 install guides.

You can put the solid end on the 'nub' with no effort using your thumb. The other end requires either a bloody thumb or a screw driver. Yet you're saying you put the hinged end on first... Maybe I'm misunderstanding you... tho there is only one hinged end on the FOP38 that I have. In fact the first time I put my FOP38 on... it was so easy I wondered if I had done it right. Since I had read so much about how difficult it is to install. I'm just going by the install guide that is linked from the SideWinderComputers FOP38 page.

Anyway... maybe I am putting the clips on in the wrong order... but my FOP38 is installed and running fine. That's all I can say for sure. My idle temps are 29c on my 900TBird @ 900. Under full load it fluxes from 37 to 40 celcius depending on room temp.

The last time I put the FOP38 on that hinged part popped off twice. After the second time I put it back on... I put the screwdriver in the slot between the two parts that hold the hinged clip on and twisted it a bit to hold it on better. I was also more careful about claimping it down. Anyway from what I read the hinged end goes on last... which is what I did and mine is on just fine. The first 3 times I put it back on the hinged part didn't come off. I was just messing with other cpu's till I have hopefully left it on for good this time...

Good luck... either on installing the FOP38 or getting a replacement. I was very impressed on how fast sidewinder answered my emails. I hope they help you out if you ask for an exchange.

-DW

 

[cpars]

DigitalWolf

I read It the same way you did and i have always installed the "fixed" clip first on the bottom clip first, and then pushed the top"hinged" clip to the top. And no you won't get a bloody finger if you are able to push it in by hand at least I have not, but only had to do it for the one I spoke of, several times to work on the bridges.

 

[Mykex]

Yea what DigitalWolf said just spread the two bits out a little before you re-attach the clip piece. I did this with my FOP32-1 after a few heart attacks. It will be a little harder to get the clip back together but it wont fly off either. Also instead of a screwdriver try something wider like a 1" putty knife,less worry about slipping and hurting the mobo. I use this 1 1/2" wide hand cheese grater sounds crazy but it works like a charm.

BTW.. My chip is hard modded and it took around 20-30 trys to get it right. So I can speak from a little experience on it,so dont laugh at my cheese grater... I may have to build a shrine to that and my Eberhard Farber American Natural #2 HB that was the panacia for my OC woes.


Ohh .....Also I noticed I didnt second that,YES the hinged side clips on last. The non-mobile un-hinged goes on first by tilting the HS,then bring forward evenly and gently seat it...then attach the clip hinged end.