Do Retail CPUs include a heatsink pre-installed?

MikeGn · 08-07-2002, 11:12 PM

As I prepare to buy the parts for my next computer, I'm wondering whether I'll want the AMD XP 2000+ CPU in either Retail or OEM. From what I've read, it sounds like the Retail version comes with a heatsink pre-installed, while the OEM version does not include a heatsink at all. Is this correct?

Would the Retail version be easier to install overall? This is my first computer, so I'd like the process to be easy (I don't know how well I could apply thermal paste if I went for the OEM version).

Are the heatsinks that come with the Retail version high enough quality? I don't plan to overclock, but the computer will be used for gaming.

Thanks,
Mike Gnitecki

08-07-2002, 11:18 PM

OEM=Retail ..
With the retail you get Docs, HS and a nice box with warranty .. (BTW, the HS is not pre-installed, you have to attach it by yourself) ...

OEM is my choice coz i just can`t use the junky retail HS, limited OCability but it is enough for default speeds .. and OEM it is a little cheaper.

Whatever you choose, performance and quality are the same.

MikeGn · 08-07-2002, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KenKun
OEM=Retail ..
With the retail you get Docs, HS and a nice box with warranty ..

OEM is my choice coz i just can`t use the junky retail HS (limited OCing) .. and it is a little cheaper.

Whatever you choose, performance and quality are the same.

Thanks for the reply. I was referring to performance and quality of the heatsink, though. For gaming, with no overclocking, does it matter at all if I use a "junky retail" heatsink vs a better heatsink?

Also, does the Retail CPU include the heatsink pre-installed, or would I need to apply thermal paste and install the heatsink myself? In other words, would the Retail version be easier-to-install overall?

Thanks,
Mike Gnitecki

08-07-2002, 11:30 PM

You have to do the same procedure to attach the HS, whether the retail one or new one ..
I think the retail HS will have a thermal pad (or a small bag of thermal paste) .. if it is a pad then you will not need to apply the paste .. if you got the bag of paste then you have to apply a little to the HS base before attaching it over the CPU core ..

It is not that hard or complicated, it should take few minutes to apply and attach ..

Quote:

does it matter at all if I use a "junky retail" heatsink vs a better heatsink?

If you will not OC, then it wouldn`t matter coz the retail HS will keep your system stable even at 100% CPU Load ..

Edit
Check the videos on this link .. you will get better idea about the whole thing

LiLRiceBoi · 08-08-2002, 12:52 AM

Generally now they come w/ the little pink thermal pad. My friend bought retail and he had the thermal pad.

VERT · 08-08-2002, 01:03 AM

Go OEM, generally the HSF's that are bundled with the retail CPU's are not very good and are "just" a passing grade. Get OEM and a Volcano 7+ HSF or similar

John Prophet · 08-08-2002, 09:57 PM

Most Retail AMD's come with a heatsink with a "thermal pad" on the bottom of the heatsink. The "pad" looks like a thin piece of bazooka chewing gum but its really just a type of thermal paste.

Its definitely NOT preinstalled. if youve never put one one, you might wanna have a friend handy who has put on a heatsink b4, although its not hard really.

I believe that Overclockers and performance enthusiasts dont like the thermal pad solutions because something like arctic silver can be a few degrees cooler, but for general builds the thermal "pad" that comes on retail cpu's is just fine and very easy to use.

As mentioned b4 there are many articles and pictures online showing in great detail how to attach heatsinks etc. I would try AMD's site first. http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/...0_182_869_4348^1065,00.html

you'll see several links there, including a heatsink installation guide in .pdf format.

Good luck, JP

originel · 08-08-2002, 10:03 PM

it's all a matter of taste. in my experience i can generally get an oem with a good hsf and artic silver for the same price as a retail unit. so i always figured, why not go for the better cooling, especially if it doesn't cost me any more. the only downside is usually oem's have a 1-year warranty, whereas retails have a 3-year warranty, and it's a little more comprehensive than the oem one. so personal taste

LiLRiceBoi · 08-09-2002, 01:59 PM

I dont think the warranty matters too much. If you're gonna kill it, you'll kill it in installation or when you first "burn in", oc, etc.

MikeGn · 08-10-2002, 12:52 AM

Thanks to everyone for the helpful replies. I think that I'll go for a Retail-version CPU and just use the heatsink that comes with it.

I have a new question, though: Whether I use thermal paste or a thermal pad, do I need to allow the thermal paste/pad any time to set in before starting the computer? Or can I install the processor, apply the thermal paste (or just use a thermal pad), install the heatsink, and immediately start up the computer? In other words, do I have to let it sit for awhile first, or can I begin using it right away?

By the way, what are the "burn in" periods that people refer to?

Thanks,
Mike Gnitecki