Do I have to use a shim?

[foxforcefive]

Probably a question that has been answered before, but I am wondering if I have to use the CPU shim on my XP 1700+? I have a Vantec 6035 that I plan on using instead of the factory HSF.

I was also reading about getting the Arctic Silver II on the L1's (that I just bridged)...I guess with a shim I wouldn't have to worry about that.

Thanks in advance for the help.

BL

[nikhsub1]

You never HAVE to use a shim. I think they are a waste of $ and do not give any cooling benefits. If you are nervous about cracking the core then maybe it is the peace of mind you need. I find that if you are careful and take your time, a shim is not necessary.

[foxforcefive]

Wasn't sure if the shim was used to protect the L1 jumpers (and other jumpers), or just to dissipate the heat evenly (like the heatsink should...)

BL

[Jester1]

Use a shim , if i had of used on my Athlon XP 1600 would still be here sniff , sniff :(

[slick306]

Depends what heatink you get. If you get one thsat screws into the motherboard you don't need one. If your using a clip one you should get one. I would recommend getting a good screw down heatsink instead. WAY better cooling and not as much risk ruing the cpu installing it.

Slick

[LutaWicasa]

Originally posted by blakeloring
Wasn't sure if the shim was used to protect the L1 jumpers (and other jumpers), or just to dissipate the heat evenly (like the heatsink should...)

BL

A shim is actually used to protect the core when someone isn't as careful as they should be while mounting HS/F. You will not generally get any added heat dissipation. The one and only time I used a shim, temp actually rose by 1c. With AMD chips it certainly wouldn't protect any of the bridges. Originally, people used copper shims and you had to make sure that it didn't contact any bridges, many horror stories about peeps frying cpu's this way. Now there are non-conductive shims, so that part isn't as much of a prob. If you are bent on using a shim, be sure it is of high quality and the proper thickness. If the shim is too deep the HS will not make a secure join with the core and again.....fried birdie.

I won't use'em, but............................

[foxforcefive]

Well, I didn't use one on my Celeron 1.1 with the Vantec 6027, so I don't think I will use one on this processor either...We'll see how it turns out.

Wish me luck.

BL