Heatsink/Thermal compound question

[axemanxt40]

Hey guys this is about the machine I was building for my mom last night.

I have rebuild the machine with the motherboard outside the case on the anti-static bag as suggested by someone last. I still had the same problem so that leaves the power supply or the motherboard as the culprit.

To eliminate the problem I am going to RMA both, however I was wondering if I should RMA the processor too?

I mean you know how the Athlon XP retail heatsinks are and I am concerned that by attaching it then unattaching it if that effects the thermal conductor pad on the heatsink. As there is some of the thermal goo that did smear off onto the die of the processor.

So I would value someone's input on to whether that will effect the performance of the heatsink and I should RMA the whole set for a new retail package or if it won't make a different and that when I reattach it again the heatsink/thermal compound will do their job properly.

Thanks!

 

[imported_Kensai]

The thermal pad is one-use only.

 

[axemanxt40]

Right but the machine didn't go on long enough for the pad to bond with the die from heat...here check out my thread from last night which explains what happened when I attempted to turn it on.

My problem and description thread

 

[CheesePoofs]

I wouldn't RMA both the motherboard and PSU, thats not fair to the company you bought them from.

Can't you test the PSU with another computer or test the computer you are building with another PSU?

I would recomend getting a new TIM (thermal interface material). Just by applying the heatsink and removing it (doesn't matter if it was turned on or not) you broke up the TIM, so it should be reapplied.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Either way, I'd pull the thermal pad off and put some better thermal compound on.

 

[axemanxt40]

Only have my laptop so I can't test the PSU on another machine.

And Kensai I am trying to not void the warranty from AMD on the machine...and I thought by removing the thermal pad I would do that. I would just like advice as to whether I need to get a new thermal pad or what based on what has happened.

Thanks.

 

[QD]

those athlons are hardy bastards, here is what happened to mine:

1) big mistake on my part as I haven't built a pc since the P3 days: I didn't put the processor in right and then proceeded to try to jam the heatsink on top of it, obviously it didn't work and the whole unit got stuck instead. took me a lot of effort to get it off the mobo

2) thermal compound was smeared everywhere and half of the pins were bent on my brand new amd3000 :brokenheart:

3) as i realized that by now the warranty was void and all things were fubar, i decided i had nothing to lose at this point so i proceeded to straigten out the pins with my fingernails until, hours later I was able to slip the processor back in to the board (the correct way, this time... i really wish I'd notice that little lever the first time)

4) my amd has been happily running 24/7 at 40C ocied to 2.2. happy end!

 

[QD]

oh, and the point of my relating my misadventure was: no need to return it, it'll probaby work fine as it