AMD and Shims...Yes or No??

[FrankMasterFlash]

Ok...I have my first AMD system comming in soon since my P3B-F fired on christmas:mad: ...Tbird 1.4 and A7v-133. I am completely new to this AMD bunch and need some guidence

Since I am hearing bad experences with crushing cores and whatnot, I am looking to getting a Cool Shim. Not the copper ones because they can shortout the cpu. I will most likely be getting a big cooler like the MCX-462 or the PAL-8045.

I need a clear answer on the whole shim and AMD thing cause Im tired of breaking stuff and throwing my money out the window...I have no job yet and need money. I really don't want to break this CPU and I am going to be extremely careful.

Are AMD cores really as fragile as they seem?

Will the shim be completely flat and not elevate my HSF so my cpu goes up in flames?

Go for the shim or Not?
I am trying to take every step possible to not destroy this CPU and Mobo. TIA!!!:D

[azhari]

If you go with the Swiftech, then don't get the shim. The mounting of this HSF is a dream. Real easy, and a shim can actually increase your temps by a small amount.

[sgamd]

you wont need a shim i have mcx462 on my xp and love it. No problems at all. I was going to get the pal but looked closer and i would have to cut the heatsink. I didnt want to do that so i went with the swiftech and i'm very happy with it.

[WyrmMaster]

As was said, shims can raise your temps. Also, if its not just perfect it could hold the heatsink off the core and fry the CPU, or if its too short it wont touch the heatsink and you may as well not have it. Personally i would say just be careful and dont use a shiim.

[subconcept]

I found with a shim on my tbird, my thermalright which clips on fairly easy, elevated the heatsink and it wasnt making very good contact with the cpu. Just something to watch out for. I dunno if this caused it but my cpu is dead i get my new xp 1600 today. Cause it didnt boot up with the shim or without it, theres no physical damage to it so i dont know what happened to it.