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Build Your Own PC

Install Heat Sink

May 31, 1999
By David Risley

Now that the CPU is installed in the motherboard, you need to install the Heat Sink and Fan. Although you can perform this step before installing the Chip, by doing that you risk damage to the pins on the Chip.

If you need more info on processor cooling, go to the section on CPU cooling.

1. Attach the Fan to the Heat Sink This step is often already done for you, but if it's not, you must do it yourself -- use the four screws that came with the CPU Fan.
2. Apply the Heat Sink Compound Most setups use Heat Sink compound. Apply just enough to cover the surface of the Chip. If you have portions of the Chip higher than others, apply compound only to the raised areas. The layer should be thin. More won't hurt anything, but will be a mess when you press the Heat Sink down. On some setups, you can skip the Heat Sink compound -- some clips hold the Heat Sink down instead. This is discussed further down, but keep in mind that even this setup can benefit from the increased contact provided by Heat Sink compound.
3. Attach The Heat Sink Place the Heat Sink squarely on top of the processor, pressing down lightly. Most newer Heat Sinks use a set of clips on each side to fasten themselves down. These clips attach to a pair of tabs on each side of the socket. It will probably take a little bit of force to bend the clip down over the tab. Other Heat Sinks wrap around the processor, then just sit on top, the compound being the only real attachment.
4. Double-Check Contact You need to make sure all areas of the Chip are in contact with the Heat Sink. The best way to do this is to temporarily remove the Heat Sink again and see if there are any areas of compound that remain smooth because it didn't touch the Chip. Apply a little more compound to any such areas, then refasten the Heat Sink. Repeat this until all areas are in contact with the processor.
5. Clean The Mess If you applied too much compound, some will have oozed out the sides. Wipe this up. After that, you're done.

Previous: « Install the CPU

Next: Install Cache Module »

Skip To Page 1 Introduction 2 Purchase/Collect Components 3 Remove System Case 4 Prepare Case 5 Install Floppy Drive 6 Configure Hard Drive & CD-ROM 7 Install Hard Drive 8 Install CD-ROM 9 Configure the Motherboard 10 Install the CPU • 11 Install Heat Sink 12 Install Cache Module 13 Install Memory 14 Install Motherboard 15 Install I/O Port Connectors 16 Connect the Motherboard to the Case 17 Connect Floppy to Motherboard 18 Connect Hard Drive 19 Connect CD-ROM 20 Install Video Card 21 Post-Assembly 22 Initial Boot-Up 23 Configure the BIOS 24 Test Your System 25 Install Additional Hardware 26 Prepare the Hard Drive 27 Install Drivers and OS

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