x-post from CPU: Please help - trying to build system right now and don't know if "tape" is on heatsink

[spartacuskzm]

The directions state to remove the plastic film from the bottom of the heatsink. The thing is that I don't think there is any plastic film. When I went to "peel" it felt like a play-dough type substance (pink). Can somebody confirm that this is what I'm supposed to have there, and that it isn't some funky "film". I'm about to apply the arctic silver.
I'm almost 100% sure, but since this is the first system I'm building I'm a bit worried.
BTW, it was a "retail" athlon xp 1600 from Newegg.
Thanks for a speedy response!!

 

[spartacuskzm]

Bump.

Sorry, does anybody know. Kinda hate being stuck on the first step of building my first computer. I'd really appreciate it - just tell me whether the heat-sink material is kinda like play-dough/clay.

Thanks!!!!

 

[xes]

My retail xp 1500+ has a heatsink that came with the pink "goo", there is no paper or plastic to remove, I just slapped the heatsink on the cpu and it worked like it should=) As far as I can see, if the heatsink comes with a paper or plastic film covering the thermal pad then it is obvious.....'cos it has writing on it...and it's made of paper or plastic.If it's pink, just fit and forget.

 

[spartacuskzm]

Thanks! That's what I thought, but can't help but be paranoid w/ my as yet unborn baby.

 

[spartacuskzm]

By the way, did you (or to anybody else - do I need to) use thermal compound in addition to that sticky patch on the bottom?

Thanks!!!

 

[xes]

My pleasure=) It was my first AMD build (done a few P2 and P3's) and I was paranoid too, but it was easy and nothing went wrong.I am a happy chappy.

Good luck with your new pc.
edit.
I didnt see your second question, sorry. No I didn't use anything else,as far as I can see the pink thermal pad is all you need unless you are going to over-clock lots,in which case it may be better to remove the pad, and use A.S.2 or something similar.But as I said, I am no expert, and I haven't overclocked mine yet.It is running fine,stable and cool just using the pad.

 

[spartacuskzm]

Doh! ANd the heatsink - i feel like the pressure created by pressing down on the other side of the clip is going to crack the board. Is that normal? It's VERY stiff in other words.

 

[lenjack]

Use either the goo, or (preferably) the Arctic Silver, not both. If you go for the AS, you need to remove the goo.

 

[xes]

I fitted my cpu and heatsink with the board out of the case. Lay it on a flat surface,preferably on the antistatic foam that comes with most boards.Mine needed firm steady pressure,using a blunt screwdriver.Make sure the heatsink is lined up propely,don't rush it,and keep a steady hand.

 

[E3Art]

you definatly dont want to put ASII on top of the thermal pad, this will greatly reduce how effectivly the heat sink will dissapate heat.
as long as you have the ASII you might as well put it on, if you go to the ASII web site they have specific instructions on exactly how to do it.


Also when putting on your heatsink dont apply pressure directly on the Heatsink as this could crush the cpu core. just take it easy, keep a steady hand and push firmly down on the latch until it goes into place, and try not to stab your motherboard with the screwdriver

 

[E3Art]

heres the link to the artic silver instructions page ASII instructions