Thermalright XP-90 and Pressure

[timecop67]

Just ordered an XP-90 Thermalright for my system as I had an extra Panflo. When I tried an Xp-90 before it seemed to require more downward pressure than the stock heatsink. Is this pretty normal and is it anything to worry about? Don't want to damage or crack my new chip.
Also I assume you need to pull the whole motherboard out to replace the heatsink especially on the first install due to the backing plate. On second installs anyone tried replacing the heatsink while mounted in the case? Probably too much pressure and risk I'm guessing.

 

[CheesePoofs]

I didn't have to replace the back plate to install my xp-90. It didn't even come with one IIRC. Just had to replace the retention module, which you can do with the motherboard still mounted.

It did take a good deal of pressure to mount it, but I wouldnt' worrying about cracking the chip, because the A64's all have heatspreaders.

 

[timecop67]

Also should I have the Fan on the XP-90 blowing down or up? I have heard mixed things about what works the best. The XP-90 fan is right next to the Lian case fan.

 

[ssvegeta1010]

Blowing down is generally the best configuration.

 

[timecop67]

Okay got everything up and running with the XP-90 and Artic Silver 5 but the temperature for the CPU monitoring is showing 50-55c under load about the same as the retail stuff. I did everything by the book and used only the amount of Artic Silver 5 recommended. Will this temperature drop over time or do I need to reapply the stuff and try again?

 

[Unkno]

that seems a little high even if the AS5 needs to "burn in". This might be stupid but did you remember to put the fan on the XP-90. If yes, then maybe you did put too much AS5.

 

[timecop67]

Yes fan is on and blowing down on XP 90 at about 1900 rpm... it is nice and quiet compared to the retail fan. Used about the size of a bb of artic on it. I might try a little less sometime but I will monitor for about 2 weeks to see if it changes. Don't think the AX8 Bios I'm using is the problem either. If it stays around 50 I might just leave it there because the more times I pull the heatsink off and screw around with it the more chances for a major screwup.