Are SHIMS necessary?

[CityRoamer]

I am about to put a new computer together and am just learning about CPU Shims. Are they really that important and necessary? Any info on shims would be great, thanks.

 

[Circlenaut]

There not necessary but used as a precaution against damaging the core.

 

[Circlenaut]

Better safe than sorry after words buying a new CPU. Oh and If your get a organic AMD CPU buy the AMD XMP one or if your getting another CPU or Duron get the normal one.

 

[John]

<< Are they really that important and necessary? >>



No

 

[ku]

they are not required but they will help protect the core. just make sure you buy the correct shim for ur processor and you put it on correctly... u might short ur CPU.

 

[JmanSanDiego]

This is why I buy Retail (Boxed) processors..... don't have to worry about this... yeah, maybe the cooling isn't the absolute best, but screw it... If you want to overclock so badly, just buy the next better processor for a few extra bucks..

Jon

 

[John]

<< This is why I buy Retail (Boxed) processors..... don't have to worry about this... yeah, maybe the cooling isn't the absolute best, but screw it... If you want to overclock so badly, just buy the next better processor for a few extra bucks.. >>



Buying a retail CPU has nothing to do with the discussion of a shim.

 

[FordLorider]

Shims basically protect your CPU from you crushing it.

 

[jacklutz]

The first time I installed a socket processor I didn't use shims, but took it slow and had no problems.

 

[CityRoamer]

How do shims protect the CPU from being crushed? Arent shims soft and thin? Where can I buy shims cheap for my XP 1700?

 

[vicdoc]

Shim prevents you from applying pressure to the corners or edges of the core. High pressure on a corner or edge=cracks or chips off the core=new keychain.

 

[sandorski]

Waste of money.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

how can it protect the cpu if too much force is applied from the putting the heatsink onto the cpu top?
it's just a metal sheet, not a crash buffer zone.

 

[Erasmus-X]

<< If you want to overclock so badly, just buy the next better processor for a few extra bucks.. >>



I'm just gonna pretend you didn't say that.

When I bought my Athlon XP, I almost went with the 1800+ (the flagship XP chip at the time). I ended up getting the 1700+ because the price difference was almost $100. $100 is a bit much for an extra 66 MHz. Overclocking has proven to squeeze that extra bit of performance without paying as much for it.

Remember the infamous Celeron 300A? It had a high success rate of hitting at least 450MHz (a whopping 50% clock speed increase) and just trailed behind the PII 450 by a bit. Guess what? That PII 450 cost hundreds of dollars more.

 

[sharkeeper]

Shims are only needed when installing a poorly designed HSF that doesn't touch the rubber feet. If the HSF doesn't touch the rubber feet, it probably is unwise to attempt to install it. (shim or no shim)

Cheers!

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

Waste of money.

Shims are only needed when installing a poorly designed HSF that doesn't touch the rubber feet. If the HSF doesn't touch the rubber feet, it probably is unwise to attempt to install it.

I used to think that about shims too. Then came my waterblock. Ever try cranking down a screw and guessing when you've applied enough pressure? Shims have their uses...don't knock em'.

 

[sMashPiranha]

For me there was no question, over here in NZ you can't buy Athlon XP's for the price of a tin of biscuits. It cost a weeks work for my XP 1600 and if I busted it because I didn't take the proper precations I would have forced my screwdriver through my eyeball and into my brain thus killing me instantly (hopefully). Well maybe I wouldn't kill myself but I would have been pretty pissed. It's not that I'm not careful, I've put together several duron systems this year, but I just couldn't afford to fsck my new toy, I went with a shim.

 

[sharkeeper]

<< Then came my waterblock. Ever try cranking down a screw and guessing when you've applied enough pressure? Shims have their uses...don't knock em'. >>



Same thing applies though. If the waterblock is well designed, a shim isn't necessary. The best mounting method is the bolt-through with springs to balance and maintain even pressure. Swiftech has the right idea. (both with their air cooled HSF and bolt on waterblock)

Shims if poorly designed can easily cause far more problems than they're worth. A conductive shim can (obviously) cause problems. A shim that's too thick can cause the HSF to be lifted (even 0.01 inch) off the core resulting in partial contact. Depending on how much of the core area is exposed the cpu either will burn immediately or get hot enough to be very unstable.

Cheers!

 

[RC5Bri]

Shims are only $5-8, well worth the price! I have heard many horror stories where people cracked the core. Although, a lot of it depends on the clip/mounting system for the heatsink. If it has a really strong clip, and it puts a lot of pressure onto the HS, it is definitely worth the extra couple bucks.

 

[Mem]

<< If it has a really strong clip, and you have to put a lot of pressure onto the HS, it is definitely worth the extra couple bucks. >>



I had to use quite a bit of screwdriver force on my Taisol CGK 760092 and XP 1700+ but had no problems ,the trick is to have the heatsink flat and not at an angle against the CPU then you only use the clip to apply pressure(down and outward) not the heatsink ,anyway there`s a guide at AMD on installing heatsinks correctly and you don`t need a shim if you take your time and follow the correct installing method.

 

[sandorski]

RC5Bri: WTF? I didn't read this, "and you have to put a lot of pressure onto the HS,", did I? You never ever anytime anyplace apply pressure to the HS. Doing that is utter stupidity and a shim won't protect you!





On the off chance you meant the HS clip, then just ignore that little indiscretion above.

 

[RC5Bri]

sandorski: You are correct, you should never force down the heatsink, but I have accidentally put pressure to get the HS situated properly. It is right after you get the first clip down, and the other end of the heatsink is off the cpu. I have "jiggled" the HS into place, or put pressure onto the heatsink(it isn't on the core yet) to get it into place.

What I really meant to say was that the clip is exerting a large force onto the HS, which puts the pressure onto the core.

 

[Wind]

Shims is not necessary. Using it just to reduce risk (core breaking)...but there r still risk. I've seen ppl here fried their CPU using shims due to improper contact, non-contact & etc. U might solve the core breaking fear...but there r other waiting.

 

[Jiggz]

NO they are not but they are good for you! And the CPU core. Another thing that this thing is good for that a lot of people miss to see is that it'll keep your hsf square to the core thus keeps proper contact between the core and the bottom of the hsf meaning better cooling.

 

[Wind]

<< Another thing that this thing is good for that a lot of people miss to see is that it'll keep your hsf square to the core thus keeps proper contact between the core and the bottom of the hsf meaning better cooling. >>


Not really. The only thing a shims do is avoid breaking the core...tht it. Using shims to get better contact is not true.