Installing heatsink/fan to AMD

[dr_roberts49]

I've installed dozens of heatsink/fans to Intel processors. Piece of cake, especially on the P4s. I'm doing my 1st AMD, and now all the horror stories I've heard, are looking right at me.

I have an AMD Athlon XP 2500+ retail model with their heatsing/fan. I've followed the instructions to a T, and I can not mount this bugger. I'm concerned about cracking the ceramic, but I can't see how I can get the clip on without tremendous pressure. Using a flat-head screw driver as suggested doesn't fill me with confidence. Any suggestions. BTW, why has AMD stayed with this middle ages approach? I've heard all the gripes about Intel, but my 5-year-old could attach the heatsing/fan on a P4.

Robert

[thronka]

You got to use a flat heat screwdriver and lie the HSF flat on the die. You will be fine. Thats what I did.

[Atomic Rooster]

Intead of using a screwdriver, you can use a nutdriver with a small socket that just fits over the top of the clip.

Here's a page from AMD that has some nice installation help videos.

[The Real Bingo]

Yeah those are really tight. You dont wanna apply a sudden burst of power to it, but gradually get it on. Just be patient.

[nukes]

Some HS's are better than others for fitting. Some the screwdriver can slip off and hit the motherboard.
The clip itself requires a bit of pressure sometimes, don't worry about it. So long as the HS is on level (not the wrong way round or something stupid) then the CPU should be fine.

[dr_roberts49]

nukes, I went for a better heatsink/fan. I really couldn't see how this retail combo was going to fit. Paid the higher price at CompUSA for a Thermaltake with a copper heatsink. The clip was much better engineering, and went right on. Thanks for the help and support.

Robert

[jmichna]

Which HS? I like and use the ThermalRight line of HSs. They have a 3-lug clip that can sometimes be a real bear to install. First, as everyone else indicated, make sure the HS base is properly oriented (not hung up on the CPU socket's shelf ledge) then fit the clip's lugs on one side. Using a small flat-bladed screw driver or small nut driver, on the opposite side try to move the lug clip down and very slightly away from the socket base until the openings on the clip are just a fraction below the lugs, then allow the screw driver to move toward the socket, so that the clip can engage the socket's lugs.

[dr_roberts49]

Already tossed the box. Compared to the stock one that came with the Athlon, this one was a breeze. I did have to do the screwdriver routine which un-nerved me some, but I could tell by looking at it, that it was going to work. Never got that feeling with the stock model.

Robert

[DallasDon]

The stock AMD clips have a tiny slot for a screwdriver on the single side of the clip. It is kinda tricky, till you know the trick.

The good news is I just installed a new 2400+ yesterday, and it has a REAL screwdriver slot, plastic tab on it. About time.

Here's a pic of an old clip. Already closed up the case on the new one, didn't get a pic.

[The_Shooter]

Or you could get a CPU shim that would help prevent it from cracking.

Search google for it, Heres what they came up with in the image part: http://images.google.com/images?q=CP...-8&sa=N&tab=wi