Do you need a Shim?

[JAzy]

I 'm going to build a 1.2 amd t.bird (200)
I wasn't going to start useing it without any ocing. I was wondering if i need a shim. (at least i think that's what it's called) for what goes over the processor.. I'm planinb go oc maybe.. big maybe. but i might. I'm kinda ify about it because i've read that so many people have messed up therr amd by ocing. so please let me know. thanks.

[Sonny]

I would forget the shim & add the money you save on that for a Swiftech MC462 HSF.

[.. AE 86 ..]

agree :)

[JAzy]

What exactly does the shim do? Doesn't it just provide more surface area, for the heatsink/fan to cool? I'm getting an ARX fan. i don't know what model, but it's rated for 1.3.. are they any good. and also will a chrome orb for a pIII fit on the amd socket A. which would be a wiser choice?

[!-=sky=-!]

NEVER use ANY ORBS as they SUCK

you would be better off buying something like a globalwin cak38, glaciator, switech fans

even though the chrome orb should fit the socket, u might need to make some mod to it as it tends to hit capacitors near the cpu socket due to it's large size

a shim protects your cpu from cracking and it is "supposed" to give you better cooling as better surface area coverage but they don't work as good as they are supposed to be but it does it's job for protecting the cpu core being cracked, mostly when you use a shim you will get a rise in temps at least 5C if not more

a shim is useless.......so dont waste money getting one

[Sonny]

Shims don't really do anything. Chrome Orb will fit but it can't even keep up with a 1GHz Thunderbird. Stay away from HSF that are supposedly rated & stuff. Go read the articles on this site & I'm sure you'll get the info you want regarding the basics.

[Mr.Lansing]

All Orbs suck except for the Dragon Orb 3
The copper shim is useless i am now using one and it is absolutely RUBBISH
aND
GOOD COOLING = LOUD
(Watacoolin is an exceptional)

[TweaK-FreaK]

a shim is supposed to hold your heatsink level on the processor so it can't tilt to one side and crack your core......it has nothing to do with overclocking or cooling. its so u don't crack a corner off your core and kill your proc......

[spill]

you really don't need one, they can actually help you wreck your cpu.

[JAzy]

Thanks for all your help guys. I haven't decided my fan as of yet, but i atleast know, i wont use a shim. thanks.