Securing a heatsink

[Gallo]

I have a question to all you people out there that have built computers. I just built my Q6600, 4gb RAM, 8800GT system (my 3rd computer build ever) and I noticed that the heatsink on these LGA775 sockets attach to the motherboard differently that the computer that I have made in the past. When the computer was laying on its side, it seemed like I attached it correctly... but when I ran Prime95 (a program designed to stress test the CPU) my CPU temp went above 90C (which is bad). So I peaked into my computer and saw that when it was standing up, the heatsink tilted a little so that it wasn't flush with the CPU.

So, I ran Prime95 again... watched the temps go to 90C, then I used my hand to press the heatsink flush with the CPU and watched the temp drop to 45C. I let go of the heatsink, and they rose past 90C again and I stopped the test.

Finally to my question: If I take my motherboard off, and attempt to re-secure the heatsink, and it still doesn't stay put... would I be a horrible person if I used some sort of string over the top of the heatsink to pull it toward the motherboard/cpu ? The top of the heatsink doesn't even get warm, so that wouldnt be a problem.

Anyways... toss me a reply if you've had problems with seating the heatsink.

[Diamndzngunz]

I had a problem with putting in my LGA775 Headsink. Its a pain to get it in. You have to use some force to pop the pins into the board, and I mean force. So very carefully apply force to each pin. I would do a cross pattern to apply it. Meaning

1X---------------3x


4x---------------2x


I would not suggest a rubber band or anything like that to hold it up.. It will not work and you will mess up your CPU

[Gallo]

Diamond.. I don't know where you live, but whenever I post on the night shift, you always reply in like 5 minutes... I love it.

Yeah, it did require some force getting in, and I even bent one of the little plastic pins (I bent it back). I think my main problem is that I did this when the motherboard was already secure to the case. I guess a lot of people try to do this when the motherboard isn't yet attached so that they can check it from the back to see how its seated.

I guess I'll give it another go tomorrow.

[Oswyn]

There is a certain amount of pressure that is required between the heatsink and processor. If the heatsink is loose, then something is wrong with the installation or maybe the bracket or retention assembly is broken. So, I agree with Diamnd and would not recommend using a string/rubberband or anything other than the retention mechanisms that came with the heatsink and motherboard.

In case you dont' have instructions or they are not clear, this site has some good pics: http://www.hardwarezone.com/guides/intel-socketT/?pg=6

Heck, there's even a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFEOd7nQbuQ

[Wilbur]

What thermal paste are you using, if any?

[Gallo]

I was using the thermal paste that came with my Artic Heatsink, but I'm gonna hit up Bestbuy for some different stuff now that I'm re-seating it.... and I don't want to wait for some to come by mail.

[Diamndzngunz]

Diamond.. I don't know where you live, but whenever I post on the night shift, you always reply in like 5 minutes... I love it.

I live in the SF Bay Area. My day is night. I get off work at 10pm then Im up until 4am. So I have time to browse the forums.

[Gallo]

Nice. I'm in the DC area, but I work a rotating shift. Silly gov't contractors and their 24x7x365 contracts

[zanthor]

If you continue having issues getting this one attached I would suggest purchasing a 3rd party heat sync that comes with it's own mb mounts. I'm a big fan of Zalman products, they aren't horribly expensive and they are well designed.

[Gallo]

If you continue having issues getting this one attached I would suggest purchasing a 3rd party heat sync that comes with it's own mb mounts. I'm a big fan of Zalman products, they aren't horribly expensive and they are well designed.

This IS a 3rd party heatsink. It's a "Artic 7" brand. I read good things about it, but some people did report problems with the pins that secure it.