HSF shim

[KD]

I have read great reviews about the vantec FCE-6254OD HSF so I bought one (it's instaled with ASII). I like the way they clip onto the CPU without having to use a screwdriver and a tone of presure. Downside is I 'm not sure there is enough presure to keep good enough contact. It rocks back and forth slightly, I know your not supost to play with them but I think it might be pulling away enough when the computer is upright that it might not be making as gould of contact as if it were realy tight. Has anyone experienced this? Anyway, my question is do you think a shim might help it to sit more flat on the CPU and takeup that extra play? I ordered a none-conductive shim to try.
Temps run about MB 26/29c, CPU 34c at idle and about 48c at play. I have 2 80mm case fans.

Thank you for your input.

ASUS CUSL2
P3 700/910 wantabe945+
Vantec FCE-6254OD hsf
Maxter 30G 7200
SB live
HP 10xCDRW
Pioneer DVD
Win98se

 

[outhouse]

A side to side movement is normal but rocking back and forth is not, i think i would bend the clip if possible to hold it on but i would be very careful not to bend it to far you do not want to crush the CPU core or put to much pressure on one side, if this was a AMD i think i would say the shim would be OK as it helps to protect the core but since its Intel i would try not to use the shim, if your uncomfortable with bending anything then the shim would be the best but if it does not take up the play then bending will have to be done.

goodluck

 

[Kingslayer]

Shims are a great idea and I'm glad you are pursuing them. I have copper shims, but seeing I run Intel's its not a big deal. But with AMD improper fitting shims can short your chip.

There are the "non-condictive" shims out there that are nothing but anodized copper or aluminum. That's great unless you scratch them, and you will. Eventually.

There was a review out, (sorry, the page escapes me) there are now true non-conductive shims, they are even made out of the same material that is used in the sheating of home wiring. Only not as pliable. They are basically plastic. I would trust these before metal anyday. Nothings made like rubbermaid right?

If you get the shims, don't assume that they are quality shims. I don't care who makes them, or who you buy them from check to make sure you still get 100% contact of your cpu core by your HSF with the shim in place before you fire that computer up.

 

[peewee]

Anyway, my question is do you think a shim might help it to sit more flat on the CPU and takeup that extra play? I ordered a none-conductive shim to try.
Temps run about MB 26/29c, CPU 34c at idle and about 48c at play. I have 2 80mm case fans.

i tried a shim and fried my cpu,

 

[Kingslayer]

Well it depends on what is causing your play. If it's from a cheap heatsink with a cheap clip, then it's not going to help much.

Shims are designed with large heatsinks and small cores in mind. Many people in here have had a heatsink rock or shift and end up with a cracked or chipped core. I, myself, have a really expensive 800Mhz keychain because of this. The shims will help the rocking of the HSF. If your HSF is moving from side to side on your chip, then a shim isn't going to help. A shim should in NO WAY tighten up the mating of the chip and the HSF. If it does it's too thick.

If you are experiencing side to side movement I would look into a better quality HSF with a better clip. Side to side movement is bad because as the HSF shifts you are moving your heatsink paste around and can cause your chip to run hot or overheat.

 

[William]

have you installed it correctly, those are awfully high temps for that hsf and a P3. Bending the clip is an option, a shim will help it sit flatter on the core. Be careful to not bend the clip too much though.

 

[Shadow ÒÓ]

Moved post to Cooling

 

[KD]

Tried shim, NOT! a good idea. I put shim on and laid a flat edge across it to make sure it would make contact. It looked like it did so I put it on and fired it up. Fired it up was what it did alright. Got weigh HOT, luckly I was able to shut down before any damage. When I took HSF off again I found it wasnt even touching the cpu. Bent the hsf clip alittle and that did seem to help with the contact but I'll never use a shim again.

 

[cjtune]

KD (Jul 08, 2001 01:13 a.m.):
Tried shim, NOT! a good idea. I put shim on and laid a flat edge across it to make sure it would make contact. It looked like it did so I put it on and fired it up. Fired it up was what it did alright. Got weigh HOT, luckly I was able to shut down before any damage. When I took HSF off again I found it wasnt even touching the cpu. Bent the hsf clip alittle and that did seem to help with the contact but I'll never use a shim again.

Looks like another satisfied shim user.... ;D