Problems with my new heatsink

[Gouki]

Well if you've been reading the last few posts from the thread Epox 8RDA - wow! Great overclocking!! then you'll know that I've decided to get a Thermalright SLK-800a and replace my current heatsink/fan combo...a Volcano 9 "cool mod".

When the Volcano 9 was on my system it was pretty stable with the following config:

2.1Ghz = 168fsb x 12.5
Memory Frequency 100%
Memory Timings: 6-2-2-2.5
CPU Voltage: 1.5
Dimm Voltage: 2.63

I was running FaD and Prime95 for over 12 hours straight and no reboots. CPU temp was 49 with this config.

I was curious to see how much of a difference the SLK-800a would make in temps...so I just left the config the same and I was going to run Prime95 and FaD and then check the temps. Well I get into windows and fire up Prime95 and the machine locks up. I backed down the speed to 2Ghz so I could at least get into windows and make this post...but even at 2Ghz the fan is running faster then what it was before.

The only thing that I can think of...is that maybe I don't have enough thermal grease on the proc? Everything else has remained constant other then the heatsink being switched out. I'm guessing that some came off with the Volcano 9 and that I should have put some more on for the new heatsink. Only problem is...the only thermal compound I have is what comes with the SLK-800a. No idea how good it is...guess see if I can find out. I know it's not as good as the Artic Silver that's on there now. So I guess I'm gonna shut back down...put some more compound on the proc and see how that affects things.

[JPMiller]

This was the first heatsink Id ever had trouble mounting on first try...shutdown and remove heatsink and see where the square of goop is on bottom of heatsink.
Is it centered where it should be?
Mine was not and it was running in the 50's+.!!
once I reseated it correctly it was beautiful!
I would be surprised if this is not your problem!

[Taz]

I just had to change my heatsink too. The clip broke on the last one so the heatsink fell off overnight while it was crunching mouns.
Cpu is OK - good old celly !!!!

But - I found the new heatsink and paste took a couple of days to "burn in" . Initially the temps were way high - up to 60 c but it now runs at 48 c fully loaded and o/ced. I guess the heatsink and paste need to sink in to form a good seal.

[Gouki]

ok I'm back. lol

I think that's what the problem was. When I took off the heatsink, the compound was in the middle...so ya it's where it was supposed to be. Good suggestion though.

I put some more compound on it and fired it back up...and then put it back up to 2.1Ghz and just let it sit in the bios while I watched the temps. It got up to 45 and stayed there...so I think I found my problem.

I'm running Prime95 and FaD right now and will leave it til later tonight...I'm betting that it'll be ok...and with lesser temps. I'll keep you guys posted.

[Bruneau]

Hey Taz!

Bruno here. I just put 2 and 2 together and it is you. I knew I knew that heatsink story.

Long way from home, aren't ya?