Athlon Socket A Installation

I have a AMD ATHLON XP 2500+ SOCKET A CPU which I wish to install; the question is, do I use the heatsink solution that was supplied with the fan or do I use another variant such as 'Antec Reference, silver thermal compound' which I have. Or does/n't it really matter which?

I would stick with what came with the heatsink, if something was to wrong and it was found to be due to a third party product, you could end up in a mess...

From the warrenty point of view it is strictly essential that you should use the AMD Boxed Heatsink with fan and its assoicated thermat past (if supplied). However the supplied AMD's Heatsink may not be efficient, i.e. dissipate the excessive CPU's heat generated, IF you intend to "overclock" your AMD CPU. On that account most overclockers would choose to replace with a much powerful 3rd party CPU Heatsink and better thermal compound such as Artic Silver instead. For "stock" operation of your CPU that shouldn't be matter.

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On that account most overclockers would choose to replace with a much powerful 3rd party CPU Heatsink and better thermal compound such as Artic Silver instead.

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The processor was a cheap used device 'sold as seen' on eBay. I just wanted to make sure I was not incurring any damage by using the wrong thermal compond. Thanks for clarifying the position

If you do DIY it, and its your first time changing a CPU\heatsink consider using Arctic Ceramique instead - its non conductive so any spills etc wont be a problem. Arctic Silver is conductive and could cause problems if used over zealously or spilt (more than possible if your first time). Not familiar with the compound you mention, but anything with the word 'silver' in is probably silver based and therefore conductive.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique.htm
http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appinstruct/cmq/ins_cmq_singlecore_expsd.pdf
http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_3705.html

(Guide to install on your chip in link #2)

edit- it doesnt particularly matter from a performance point of view, but it is certainly a safety net with insurance.

Edited by deleted (Thu 23-Nov-06 17:41:03)

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Arctic Silver is conductive and could cause problems if used over zealously or spilt (more than possible if your first time).

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No it's not the first time, my previous attempt gave the instruction to place a drop of the compound the size of a 'grain of wheat' on the chip. That works and has done so for the past 2 years. I am now building another PC, hence the advice saught.

Appreciate your links.

In reply to:

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Arctic Silver is conductive and could cause problems if used over zealously or spilt (more than possible if your first time).

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No it's not the first time, my previous attempt gave the instruction to place a drop of the compound the size of a 'grain of wheat' on the chip. That works and has done so for the past 2 years. I am now building another PC, hence the advice saught.

Appreciate your links.

the instructions are correct as is the info regarding as being conductive.

As long as you get the as on the core and not the surrounding parts you should be ok.