alph 8045 and shuttle ak31a

[EdipisReks]

i know that this has been discussed before, but i was unable to find the old threads. i want to replace the mc370 that i'm currently using with the alpha 8045, but i remember hearing that it wouldn't fit some ak31a boards because the northbridge heatsink was a little too close to the cpu socket. is that the only compatibilty issue? if it is, then i'm more than willing to epoxy a heatsink on to the northbridge that is not as wide. has anyone had any unrecoverable problems putting an alpha 8045 on the ak31a?

thanks,
--jacob

 

[MoFunk]

It appears that it is not. It isn't even on the list You could look into getting the SK-6 with an 80mm fan. Do a search for the SK-6. You will find many threads of people being happy with this HS. Too bad, I really dog my Alpha!

 

[EdipisReks]

that list is extremely inconclusive. i know that i have seen a picture of the alpha mounted on the shuttle ak31a, showing that the heatsink on the northbridge is slightly too close to the cpu, and as i have said, i have no problem fixing that problem. i just want to make sure that there isn't a problem with a resistor on the bottom of the board, or something like that.

--jacob

 

[MoFunk]

Your right. I went to the shuttle site and looked at your board. It does have the mounting holes and looks like it might clear. When I get home from work I will look real close at mine to see how far over this thing goes to see if you will have room. In the meantime if anyone has this board and using an Alpha please let Edipis know.

 

[MoFunk]

I looked over the picture again and pulled up a pcture of my board from epox. the 2 areas that I would be concerned with are the capacitor by the ram socket and like you said the HS on the northbridge. I have no idea what is under the board so I can be of no help there. The HS may actually clear the northbride now that I think about it because it does stand quite high, but that capacitor by the ram has me worried. On my board there is a jumper in about the same spot from the top of the socket as yours and I think it gets covered.

 

[EdipisReks]

the heatsink is 80x80mm, correct? when i get a chance (probably tomorrow), i will take my motherboard out and messure around the socket. about the back of the board, how much room does there need to be around the holes?

thanks!
--jacob

 

[EdipisReks]

bump

 

[BUTTUGLY]

You really have to be careful installing the Alpha heat sink standoffs on the AK31 as there are a few surface mounted components that can be crushed under the nylon washers. The chipset fan mounting lug and the green capacitor are not much trouble.
I had a 8045 on mine for several months until I bought a CoolerMaster HHC-001, now I'm a lot happier with the heat pipe. Maximum load temps in the 40's instead of the 50's but only after serious lapping and polishing.

 

[MoFunk]

How did you get by the surface components?

 

[BUTTUGLY]

Just put the nylon washers over the resistors and tighten until just snug.
Lots of stuff by the holes
The spring loaded Chipset H/S lugs are no problem.
The finished Product.
This one kicks Alpha butt!

 

[MoFunk]

Hey ButtUgly, thanks for that!. So does the Heatpipe give you better results? Anyway Epidis, looks like you found your answer. Let me suggest with the Alpha to have your fan set to suck off the HS and use an 80mm exhaust in the back near it. I put the back exhuast in and dropped 7c off my CPU temp. Example Here

 

[EdipisReks]

thanks for the help, but i think i will go with an sk6. i just can't risk damaging my motherboard.

--jacob

 

[MoFunk]

From what some of the other posts in this forum have been saying about the sk-6, it should be an equally good choice. Fit it with an 80mm fan and you'll be golden. Good luck! --Cheers

 

[BUTTUGLY]

Yeah, that fan has to suck. Otherwise the air hitting the dense wall of pins will stall and the fan will eat it's own backwash. But take note: air velocity is more important than volume. A 60mm 36cfm 6800 rpm fan will out perform an 80mm 53cfm 4100 rpm on an 8045 (I've tried that!) but will make a lot more noise.