installing Core 2 duo: anything special I need to know?

[Machine Messiah]

I've installed socket 478 processors before. Is there anything different
I need to know about installing a Core 2 Duo Conroe? I assume I need to
use a solvent to remove the heatshink stuff Intel put on the back, put
on a better thermal paste, etc..
Humidity here is down to 32% right now, I'm afraid to open the box and
examine it until I'm ready to actually install the thing.

 

[kony]

I've installed socket 478 processors before. Is there anything different
I need to know about installing a Core 2 Duo Conroe?

Yes, that if you are sufficiently grounded (as you should
have been examining other CPUs), you don't have any concerns
about what you wrote below, about opening and examining it
at 32% humidity.

I assume I need to
use a solvent to remove the heatshink stuff Intel put on the back, put
on a better thermal paste, etc..

yes, presuming you use the same heatsink instead of one that
came with the new CPU.

Humidity here is down to 32% right now, I'm afraid to open the box and
examine it until I'm ready to actually install the thing.

If it's not safe now, why would it be safe later?

 

[Machine Messiah]

Yes, that if you are sufficiently grounded (as you should
have been examining other CPUs), you don't have any concerns
about what you wrote below, about opening and examining it
at 32% humidity.


yes, presuming you use the same heatsink instead of one that
came with the new CPU.



If it's not safe now, why would it be safe later?

snip
I have the usual antistatic tools - wristband, mats. the weather is
supposed to be warmer today, I'm hoping the humidity will go up as well.
No sense in flirting with diaster. I may purchase a better heatsink when
I go out to buy cables today. These Core 2 duo cpus are supposed to run
40% cooler than older processors.
Thanks.
--

 

[kony]

snip
I have the usual antistatic tools - wristband, mats. the weather is
supposed to be warmer today, I'm hoping the humidity will go up as well.
No sense in flirting with diaster. I may purchase a better heatsink when
I go out to buy cables today. These Core 2 duo cpus are supposed to run
40% cooler than older processors.
Thanks.

Even in a terrible enviroment, if you observe ESD
precautions it is safe to handle the CPU. Grounded mat or
worksurface, wristband, and if moving around with the part
in hand, discharging yourself to the area, not setting the
part down on the area (or plugging in) as first point of
contact (unless it's ground is high impedance as with a real
antistatic mat instead of merely grounded).

 

[Machine Messiah]

snip

Even in a terrible enviroment, if you observe ESD
precautions it is safe to handle the CPU. Grounded mat or
worksurface, wristband, and if moving around with the part
in hand, discharging yourself to the area, not setting the
part down on the area (or plugging in) as first point of
contact (unless it's ground is high impedance as with a real
antistatic mat instead of merely grounded).

I bought some antistatic gloves when I bought cables today.
Am now working on antistatic mat, with antitatic wristband + antistatic
gloves. Mat & band are clipped to unpainted metal on case at all times.