Thermal sensor and a Spacer

[freshy98]

Hi, I read that when using a spacer it's not possible to use a thermal sensor.
Is this true? I can understand that the sensor would be stuck between the spacer and therefore no temp. can be read.

What would you guys/girls advice? I still would like to probe my temp. on the CPU.

[Hoot]

If you are talking about one of those Enermax/CompuNurse strip thermistors and by spacer, you mean shim, then yes, you will have to cut an easement path to the core, to accomodate the strip thermistor.

Hoot

[freshy98]

I mean something like MESA III, so if that is called a shim or a spacer, whatever. Thought they were the same.

Anyway, I have a flat sensor (came with CUSL2 or BX6 R2) and you say I should cut out a bit for the top op the sensor?

[Hoot]

You want to move carefully pursuing this. More than one CPU has been fried because the person did not check the clearance of the thermal probe asit goes between the CPU ceramic and the base of the HSF. If the probe is higher than the clearance between the ceramic and HSF base, it will not let the base touch the core adequately for proper heat transfer.

Though I don't know diddly about Intel CPUs and mobos, the same rules apply as for AMD. The core surface sits above the ceramic surface a certain amount. That is the free space you have to work with for slipping the probe in between the ceramic and the HSF baseplate. If you put a shim in there, it decreases the available clearance as it occupies some if not all of that space. In order to slip in a probe, all the way to the edge of the core, you need to cut a channel out of the shim, wide enough to accomodate the width of the probe, once you determine exactly where you want to slide it in. Then, you remount the HSF on the CPU and slide the probe in to the core. It must not meet any significant resistance to sliding, otherwise that is indicative of the probe being higher than the clearance allowed for it and the potential for problems. If it can slide all the way in to the core, easily, then you are assurred of adequate clearance. It does no good to have it slide almost all the way in. It has to touch the edge of the core to give you a meaningful reading. Here is an approximation graphic of how the prepare the shim.

When you think you are all set, recheck several times for clearance. The will be time well spent as opposed to the cost of a new processor.

[freshy98]

I was thinking about a channel too, yes. I guess a cut off about 1,5mm is enough? I believe the shim is 3mm thick?
Correct me if I'm wrong please.

[zoopa_man]

I had good luck doing this. All I did was chop off about a three milimeter chanel to run the wire to the die. It was just wide enough for the wire to fit in nothing more nothing less. The shim still keeps my waterblock form rocking and the wire fits in there just fine. Good luck and use caution.

[freshy98]

I'm lucky to have a probe/sensor that has it's tip after the wires quite long.. about 4cm or so..that's why I think I don't to cut to deep.

[zoopa_man]

I had to test mine and found out that it just barely didn't reach so I had to trim back some of the plastic on the wires. I just kept triming it until I could slide it up inside and felt it hit the side of the die. then i knew i was in !! secured the wires down with a dab of hot glue and it's stayed there reading temps ever since.

[freshy98]

guess that's the way I wanna doe it too :-)
thanks guys!