CPU copper shim by Thermaltake

[Papa]

I am rebuilding a friend's computer. It includes an AMD Athlon socket 462
CPU. I have found out that there is a copper shim available from THERMALTAKE
that is installed between the CPU heatsink and the CPU. It is supposed to
help prevent damage to the CPU by crushing due to tight heatsink clamps.

Is it a good idea to use such a shim, and is thermal paste needed? If so,
does the paste go on both shim surfaces?
Thanks.

 

[Guest]

A new CPU from AMD has already fixed to it a small square of thermal contact
material.

It is better that you should use only this, to make contact with the heat
sink. Any increase in amount of heat conductive material detracts from the
cooling process.

Some people casue damage to the CPU be attempting to scrape off the
manufaturer's paste in order to reuse the CPU in another MOBO. Be very
careful.

 

[Papa]

As I said, I am rebuilding a friend's old computer, and the computer
includes an AMD CPU, so obviously the CPU is not brand new.

 

[Nathan McNulty]

Two comments. First off, use rubbing alcohol to take off the existing
thermal paste. Second, the shim can actually cause more problems than
it helps. Simply be careful to use a small amount of thermal paste
(half a bb just to fill in the small crevasces in the
heatsink/processor), correctly position the heatsink, and carefully
tighten it down. It should be pretty obvious when to quit tightening as
it will get snug harder to tighten. If you hear cracking sounds, you
have gone too far :S

 

[Papa]

Thanks, Nathan.

You have convinced me to avoid those shims. Appreciate your advice.

Papa