CPU cooler retention clip for AMD AM+ socket

[kenk]

For some reason unknown to myself I have decided to put together an AMD
system "just for the experience".

With Intel 775 sockets, the retention mechanism sucks, so I have used a
Thermalright bolt-on kit
http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/thermalright-lga775-bolt-thru-kit-p-16470.html

Is there a need with AMD boards to use a similar retention device for a
cooler (I am going to use the Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer), and, if so,
which one(s)are advised?

Thanks
Ken

 

[kenk]

You'll look back afterward and realize there's no difference compared to
building an Intel system. But I still encourage you to proceed. AMD is
good stuff.

http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/thermalright-lga775-bolt-thru-kit-p-16470.htm
l

Well, that certainly looks substantial. Possibly overkill?


I don't think so. But then, I don't see a need to replace a retention
device for the LGA775 boards, either.


Oh! Now I get it. That beast weighs over a pound. Ouch.


Well, let me answer this way. My last AMD build was with a retail boxed
Phenom 9850. The factory included heatsink is rather a monster, which
(other than fan position) is very similar to the cooler you chose. It is
big and heavy with multiple heatpipes and a large cooling fan. Note I'm
talking about the heatsink that ships in the box with the processor,
straight from AMD. I don't know if all motherboards are similar, but the
Gigabyte board I chose:
http://www.gigabyte.us/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID
=2695
has a pretty sturdy retention mechanism built in. It handles the included
AMD cooler (a monster, remember) pretty well. I don't think you'd need to
upgrade it. -Dave

Thanks, Dave

You wouldn't happen to know if the Phenom 8750 comes with the monster
cooler that you describe for the 9850, do you?

 

[Dave]

For some reason unknown to myself I have decided to put together an AMD
system "just for the experience".

You'll look back afterward and realize there's no difference compared to
building an Intel system. But I still encourage you to proceed. AMD is
good stuff.

With Intel 775 sockets, the retention mechanism sucks, so I have used a
Thermalright bolt-on kit
http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/thermalright-lga775-bolt-thru-kit-p-16470.htm
l

Well, that certainly looks substantial. Possibly overkill?

Is there a need with AMD boards to use a similar retention device for a
cooler

I don't think so. But then, I don't see a need to replace a retention
device for the LGA775 boards, either.

(I am going to use the Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer)

Oh! Now I get it. That beast weighs over a pound. Ouch.

, and, if so,
which one(s)are advised?

Well, let me answer this way. My last AMD build was with a retail boxed
Phenom 9850. The factory included heatsink is rather a monster, which
(other than fan position) is very similar to the cooler you chose. It is
big and heavy with multiple heatpipes and a large cooling fan. Note I'm
talking about the heatsink that ships in the box with the processor,
straight from AMD. I don't know if all motherboards are similar, but the
Gigabyte board I chose:
http://www.gigabyte.us/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID
=2695
has a pretty sturdy retention mechanism built in. It handles the included
AMD cooler (a monster, remember) pretty well. I don't think you'd need to
upgrade it. -Dave

 

[Dave]

Thanks, Dave

You wouldn't happen to know if the Phenom 8750 comes with the monster
cooler that you describe for the 9850, do you?

I don't know, but I'd say there is a 99.9% or better possibility. Those
coolers are purchased or manufactured in bulk quantities, usually spec'd for
the cooling demands of the fastest processor in the series to be released in
a retail boxed version. The 8750 is a 3-core version of the 9750. As I'm
almost positive that the 9750 and 9850 use the exact same cooler, I can't
imagine why they would ship a different cooler with the 3-core version of
those chips.

My suggestion would be to go ahead and order the retail version of the 8750,
if that's the way you are leaning (good choice). Then you can see for
yourself what cooler it includes. I doubt if you'd want to change it. But
you could always swap out the cooler to something different, if you
ant. -Dave

 

[ken]

I don't know, but I'd say there is a 99.9% or better possibility. Those
coolers are purchased or manufactured in bulk quantities, usually spec'd for
the cooling demands of the fastest processor in the series to be released in
a retail boxed version. The 8750 is a 3-core version of the 9750. As I'm
almost positive that the 9750 and 9850 use the exact same cooler, I can't
imagine why they would ship a different cooler with the 3-core version of
those chips.

My suggestion would be to go ahead and order the retail version of the 8750,
if that's the way you are leaning (good choice). Then you can see for
yourself what cooler it includes. I doubt if you'd want to change it. But
you could always swap out the cooler to something different, if you
ant. -Dave

Thanks. The retail version arrived last night and has a fan/cooler
similar in size to that seen for the e8400 that I had. It is fairly
hefty. I will try is as soon as I find a case that I think I would like...

Ken K