P4 cores

[Braindonor]

I just got a P4 3.0 with HT this is my first P4 and I think I have a scratch on the silver part of it. My question is this is this whole silver piece part of the core? and if so is this proc dead then?

[seamadan000]

no, the silver part is called a integrated heat spreader (IHS for short). It is connected to the core, but you can do whatever to it. Your proc. is just fine :)

[shiyan]

you can even lap it down to the copper beneath the silvery layer for slightly better temperatures.

even more extreme would be to remove it altogether and mount the HSF, WB or evaporator directly onto the core.

both of the above voids your guarantee, and I don't recommend the second, as it is high risk.

off topic: seamadan000: those kittens are sooooo cuuute! are they yours?