What does a XP CPU "shim" do? What is it used for?

[Jerky]

i was just at crazypc.com and was looking at some cool stuff and saw that they sell a shim for the amd xp processors --->here's the link (http://www.crazypc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=120199&Product_Code=4025) what does it do, and what are the advantages of having one? does it work along with a copper HSF? i'm thinking of getting one of those as well.

i'm looking for info, and have become interrested in overclocking to the max.
:)

[nikhsub1]

Originally posted by Jerky
i was just at crazypc.com and was looking at some cool stuff and saw that they sell a shim for the amd xp processors --->here's the link (http://www.crazypc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=120199&Product_Code=4025) what does it do, and what are the advantages of having one? does it work along with a copper HSF? i'm thinking of getting one of those as well.

i'm looking for info, and have become interrested in overclocking to the max.
:)
To put it realistically, shims are a sham. The only use for them is if you are nervous installing your HSF, it is supposed to help protect the core from breaking. They do absolutely nothing in regards to helping temps. If you take your time installing your HSF, you will never need a shim.

[Aviator747]

A shim helps you prevent crushing your precious cpu core when you are attatching your heatsink or torquing down your water block. It spreads out the down force more evenly & across the whole chip.

[Jerky]

ahhh, excellent explanations.
thanks for the replies.
:cool:

[Byrus]

I have a Volcano 7+ and a copper shim made by the same company Thermaltake. I finally took it off a few days ago
because I was disappointed with my overclocking attempts.
A extra 100mhz without it easy, needless to say goodbye
shim for good...