FC-PGA format sucks?

[LJ5L]

Ok look at this image. That's how an Intel FC-PGA looks after the removal of the stock heatsink/fan combo, for being replaced with an aftermarket.



Yup, those white things around the perimeter is where it chipped off a tiny bit. I can't be classified as having hands growing outa my ass, quiet the opposite as a matter of fact, and I don’t see how it's humanly possible to keep the heatsink perfectly aligned to the tiny chip (roughly 0.4" square) while applying relatively tremendous forces to bend the retention spring, keep it in that position, then lower it next to the clip and releasing.

This is [i]after I bent the stock retention spring as to make it apply less pressure once it was in place, common sense was telling me in stock form it was too much.

Any ideas what clearance do the specification call before the internals on the chip start? It works perfectly fine, but still doesn't seem right unless there is considerable clearance from the sharp fragile edges.

Damn Intel, how much can plastic shims cost!

[Allan Nielsen]

I can't see that picture of yours! :(

My P3 is a bit chipped along the sides as well... funny thing though, it still works fine - just as before it got chipped. Intel chips are less fragile than AMD chips...

[LJ5L]

click to see pic (http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1758504&a=13557867&p=52259793&f=0)

The socket 370 design definitely needs work, I haven't met a heatsink that was designed well enough to be put on and taken off effortlessly and that won't wear out anything with repetition.

The processor itself in the center of the chip is only 0.8mm high, a regular CD is 1.2mm thick. I can't imagine the manufacturing costs of a square plastic shim of that size being more than a few cents, if even that.

They are sold though for $5+ from third party manufacturers.

[Allan Nielsen]

I see your point, but a normal user would never even think of removing the heatsink, and thereby chip the CPU. I know it ain't great, but that is just how it is for now. Btw, your core seems pretty ok, I'm sure it still works like a charm... am I right?

Mine is in a much worse state than that.. still no problems.

[LJ5L]

Yup, works beautifully. I put in under a microscope to see if anything "electronic" is showing, luckily no. It would be interesting to get a blue print of the insides though, to see if we are just lucky or actually safe, Intel has a PDF specs sheet with external dimension only.

Thing is this CPU was a "retail box", so it was meant to be put on by the end user with the included heatsink/fan/spring combo. I expected more from Intel :)

[Allan Nielsen]

The slot CPU's could also be chipped, and so can AMD CPUs... this is not just an intel "bug". But hey, as longs as it works, you are ok.... right? :)

[Froggy1]

This whole chipping CPU thing is one of the reasons I bought a swifttech HSF. You can't really chip the CPU cuz you loosen screws to increase spring tension!

[William]

a Shim really reduces the chances of chipping your core to death. It raises your temps a little, but i love the added security.

[SP]

It's a good thing Intel is bringing back the heatspreader. With a metal covering on the chip you won't have to worry too much about this kinda thing. There should be CD0 stepping coppermines becoming available right now with heatspreaders on them. Anyway, eventually only the AMD folks will have to worry about this kind of thing.