Shim for XP=good or bad?

MadMan007 · Feb 10, 2002

So, I got a Thermaltake shim for an XP for free, and I was wondering whether I should use it.

These are my questions:
1) The shim only protects the CPU during HSF mounting, right? So as long you can mount the HSF without chipping the core it doesn't matter...or is the core easliy craked even once the HSF is mounted?

2) Does the shim actually raise CPU temps? Since it is metal and covers the CPU packaging, does it retain heat and affect temperatures? Or is this effect negligible?

Thanks!

cjlax5 · Feb 10, 2002

IMHO, shims are not nessasary at all unless you have little confidence in yourself about mounting a heatsink. no, there cores are not easily chipped, especially after the heatsink is properly installed

eh? · Feb 10, 2002

i agree. stay away from the shims. they will raise the temps, and so far i haven't been able to chipp my xp1600 using a waterblock,

hunter00 · Feb 10, 2002

shims are for the weak.

FRANK · Feb 10, 2002

I agree with the above posts with one additional comment.

If you do decide to use a shim, make sure that you get one specifically designed for the XP processor. The bridge location on the original T-BIRD and the XP is different, risking a possible short. In addition, from my own casual observation as well as reported by others, the XP's core does not project above the packaging as much as on the original T-BIRD, this leaves the potential for an inadequate interface between the HSF and the core.

As far as I'm concerned, these two reasons are enough for me to make sure that I use due diligence when mounting the HSF and forego the use of a shim.

My .02

Good Luck!

MadMan007 · Feb 10, 2002

hunter00 said:
shims are for the weak.

LOL, well this reply cinches it!!

SickBoy · Feb 10, 2002

Shims are bad. Period. They prevent you from getting good contact with the core and HS. It's a weakness of the Flipchip design, there's no easy shortcuts around preventing a chipped core.

What we need is for AMD to use an IHS like Intel has implemented on the P4 and Tualatin CPU's.

SB

Yodums · Feb 10, 2002

All agreed with the above. If you have problems mounting your heatsink and you tend to slam your heatsink down then there's no hope.

Yodums

YMAN · Feb 10, 2002

I agree as well, a shim is only required if you demand
an extra insurance policy, even then its not much.

I'd say forget the shim.

stompah · Feb 10, 2002

I have only busted one AMD core... my duron 750 after I had another 1.2g chip fail on me. The MB was in the case and I was ****ed so I rushed the install.

If you are a newb and afraid make sure you install the HS while the motherboard is out of the case! Most MBs have the socket very close to the PSU.its just safer to mount it outside of the case

My $.02

Yodums · Feb 10, 2002

By the way if your running your heatsink fine now why would you need a shim?

Yodums

deathstar13 · Feb 11, 2002

took my shim out after reading this.i guess i learn as i go sometimes. plus i have h20 so if i start slamming things in there im gonna need alot more than a cpu! temp is down 1c tho

Caffinehog · Feb 11, 2002

hunter00 said:
shims are for the weak.

Shims are for people with !@#@$%@!#$@!@#^& clips on thier (%@^$)@&%($@^ heatsinks.

Shim for XP=good or bad?

MadMan007

Magical Leopluridon Senior

cjlax5

Member

eh?

Member

hunter00

Member

FRANK

Senior Member

MadMan007

Magical Leopluridon Senior

SickBoy

Inactive Moderator

Yodums

Senior Member

YMAN

Member

stompah

Deep Pain Senior Member

Yodums

Senior Member

deathstar13

FSB FRIEK

Caffinehog

Übercaffinated Member

Similar threads